Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art and combat sport with a core philosophy centered on the idea that a smaller, weaker person can defeat a larger, stronger opponent by using superior leverage, weight distribution, and technique.

 

Developed in Brazil in the early 20th century by the Gracie family, BJJ emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds like joint locks and chokes, as opposed to striking.

 

The art gained international fame when Royce Gracie demonstrated its effectiveness in early Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tournaments, showcasing how ground fighting could neutralize size and power advantages.

 

BJJ is now practiced globally for self-defense, sport, and fitness, with practitioners training in either the traditional kimono (gi) or with a rashguard and shorts (no-gi).