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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Questions and Answers

Q:  What does "Jiu-Jitsu" mean?
A:  Jiu-Jitsu translates in Japanese to "the gentle art or the gentle science," it is referred to as such because the art utilizes leverage and balance rather than force and strength.  Also the finishing submissions are viewed as a more humane alternative to striking.

Q:  What is the difference between Classical or Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?
A:   There are numerous differences.  The main being BJJ is modernized and modified to focuses more on grappling & ground grappling for a real fight, while Classical Jiu-Jitsu places a greater emphasis on standing jointlocks, chokes and striking for self-defense.

Q:  What are some of the physical benefits of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

A: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is a workout for the whole body. Many people do not realize that training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to lose weight and get into shape. Simply training two days a week can help you burn fat, improve balance and significantly improve your cardiovascular conditioning as well as your coordination and muscle strength. During each Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class you will also learn proven self defense techniques which will give you greater self confidence.

Q:  Why do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners where the gi or kimono?
A:  The gi serves as a teaching tool for developing a strong grip, balance, fundamentals and control.  Fighting with the gi requires a high level of precision and attention to detail; two tools essential for good Jiu-Jitsu.  The kimono also helps with hygiene and helps to promote the protocol on how to behave in an academy for new practitioners.

Q:  What is the belt system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and how long does it take to obtain a black belt?
A:  Belts in BJJ include white, blue, purple, brown, and black for adults.  Each successive belt represents an increased mastery of the art.  Time varies for each individual on the amount training needed to reach black belt; however, it is usually between 8 and 15 years.

Q:  Why does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focus on grappling and ground fighting?
A:  It is a fact that a high percent (80% to 90%) of all real fights will go to a clinch and then to the ground.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners understand this information and train based on the theory that real fights go to the ground.  BJJ always prepares its fighters for a physically superior opponent, someone much bigger and stronger.  Striking with a larger opponent is very dangerous in many cases.  Often the advantage leads its self to the larger opponent while punching and kicking standing.  The smaller opponent tends to try to match strength using punches and kicks instead of neutralizing the larger man’s strikes with leverage and technical grappling.  Once on the ground, many angles and leverages can be used to control, strike, and/or submit even the largest of opponents. 

Q:  Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu effective against other styles of martial arts?
A:  In MMA (mixed martial arts) matches & no-rules challenge matches; BJJ has consistently proved its supremacy, and even changing the way martial artist train for this type of fighting.  Evidence of this can be found in the videos Gracies in Action I & II, a documentary in which the finest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters took on and defeated all comers during the periods of 1950 through 1990.


Q:  Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beneficial for women?
A:  Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for rape prevention and other forms of self-defense necessary for women.  Also since BJJ was designed for smaller people, women will not find their lack of size as a hindrance.

Q:  How are classes structured?
A:  Most schools begin with a warm up of stretching and calisthenics, then a series of grappling related drills, followed by technique instruction and finally a long period of sparring (also known as rolling).

Q:  Is it possible to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu simply by reading instructional books and watching videos?
A:  Those mentioned above should serve simply as supplements to a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program.  In order to learn and progress in the art, one must have a qualified instructor and numerous training partners.

Q:  What are the different forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A:  Sport (Both Gi & No-Gi), Self Defense and Vale Tudo (anything goes training) or No Hold Barred or MMA.

Q:  What is the "Gracie Diet?"
A:  From what I understand, the Gracie Diet was developed by Carlos Gracie Sr.  It is the combinations of different food groups.  (Learn more...)

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