The sport
What is BJJ?
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focused on bringing your opponent to the ground as quickly as possible via a take-down, throw or shoot, and continuing the fight there. The goal is to gain a dominant position and get the opponent to “tap out”.
It makes use of controlling grips, arm locks, leg locks, chokes and, at times, strikes. This strategy takes away the advantage of an opponent who is more skilled at standing combat.
Members of the Gracie family and their students have more than 65 years of experience in Vale Tudo (meaning: “anything goes”) and still excel at it. Research shows that around 80% of all fights end up on the ground.
Rules of various competition formats
You can practise BJJ as a self-defence discipline, but also as a competitive sport in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and/or Grappling tournaments (without a gi).
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Throws are allowed, and a competitor can win with a choke, arm or leg lock, or on points. There is no kicking or striking, so the risk of injury is minimal.
Submission wrestling / Grappling
Practically the same rules as BJJ. The main difference is that competitors don’t wear a gi — most fight in shorts.
Vale Tudo / MMA
Thin gloves are worn, no scratching or striking to the groin. Referees step in at the slightest sign to protect the fighters. As a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter you aim to win by submission, for example with a choke or an arm lock. Thorough BJJ training comes first.
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