What Is Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Gracie-style Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defense system first, a martial art second and a sport third. There are 3 main areas of self-defense: (1) striking; (2) the clinch; (3) groundwork. When learning Jiu Jitsu (also called Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ, or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) you should be learning all 3 of these important ranges of self defense.

Let's look at all 3 briefly:

Striking: This is the most important, (yet most overlooked) aspect of learning Jiu-Jitsu because it is how all fights and self-defense encounters start. You must learn how to deal with an agressor who wants to push, punch or kick you. To learn more visit MMA calgary. Once you understand how to deal with a skilled striker, you will find it very easy to take control of a striking situation. Remember 99% of fights start on the feet, (from the standing position) with someone try to push, punch or kick you. When you decide to learn Jiu-Jitsu you will learn exactly how to handle these types of striking situations.

The Clinch: This is the second most important aspect of learning Jiu-Jitsu because this is where 90% of fights end up. The clinch is a close-range, standing position where 2 fighters have grabbed onto each. In this position the distance has been closed by you or by your opponent. Once you enter the clinch your opponent's ability to strike you with 'knockout power' is greatly reduced. It's important to keep in mind that sometimes instead of striking you, your oppenent will grab you in a headlock, a bear hug, or some other type of hold and try to tackle you to the ground. When you decide to learn Jiu-Jitsu you'll not only learn how to offensively enter into the clinch to take control of a striker, but you'll learn what to do if someone beats you to the punch...(no pun intended), and clinches you by grabbing you in a choke, a headlock, a bear hug or any other type of grab you can think of. The clinch is absolutely essential if you want to learn pure self-defense jiu-jitsu.

Groundwork: This is the third most important aspect of learning Jiu-Jitsu but by no means is it the least in importance. You see the fact is: 80-95% of all fights end up on the ground! And groundwork is where Jiu-Jitsu shines the most. This is where you will learn what to do when the fight hits the ground. You'll learn how to escape from a much larger, stronger opponent who is on top of you. You'll also learn how to use your 'guard', which is the position that Royce Gracie used in the first couple of UFC's to defeat larger, stronger and more athletic opponents.