Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was created around 1925 by Carlos and his brother Helio Gracie. This martial art saw exponential growth when the Gracie family started participating in the Ultimate Fighting Championships and Pride FC in The U.S. and Japan at the end of last century, where different fighting styles would meet in ‘no holds barred’ contests. The Gracie’s seemed unbeatable!! It was apparent that fighters that depended solely on striking had no chance when matched up with fighters proficient in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Research shows that almost 80% of all fights end on the ground.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aims to get your opponent to the ground, by means of a takedown/trip/shoot, and to force him/her into submission as quickly as possible through the use of chokes or locks. When applied properly, BJJ allows the smaller/weaker opponent to still be able to defend him or herself against bigger/stronger opponents. This is what also makes BJJ a very suitable discipline for women. The chance that a woman gets attacked on the streets with kicks and punches is relatively small. Attackers will usually hold her down and force her to the ground. For someone who is well versed in BJJ this would be an ideal situation, to be able to defend themselves!

– Grandmaster Helio Gracie –