Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes on the Sunshine Coast

 
 

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

‘BJJ’ ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’ or just ‘Jiu-Jitsu’ or ‘Jits.’

It’s known fondly by many names, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a relatively modern Martial Art which has it’s origins in, you guessed it, Brazil where it was adapted form Japanese Ju Jitsu and Judo. BJJ as a martial art focuses on primarily closing the distance with your opponent, getting them to the ground via either takedowns, throws or sweeps and then looking to maintain control of your opponent via a variety of pins, and if needs be, finishing with a submission such as a choke/strangle, or joint lock.

Jiu-Jitsu was designed to allow the smaller person to gain advantage over a larger opponent through core concepts such as base, connection, weight distribution, leverage, and to utilise as much as your body against as little of your opponents body (such as a your legs and arms vs single limb of theirs).

Propelled to the spotlight with the first UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in the early 90’s, Gracie Jiu Jitsu was tested against a number of other combat arts in a competitive tournament in which the Gracies came out the victor. Since then Jits has become increasingly popular throughout the globe as a Martial Art, Sport and as an integral part of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The competition aspect of Jits has helped fuel that, but there is a strong movement to bring Jiu Jitsu back to its self defence origins. At Forge we honour Jiu Jitsu’s primary function of a self defence art, taking a fundamentals first approach to training and ensuring what we coach works whether our clients are working it in a Gi (Kimono/uniform), No Gi (rash guard and shorts). We want to ensure that when strikes are incorporated either in a Vale Tudo (meaning anything goes), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA ) or a self defence scenario that our skills are relevant. We then embellish and explore only after the core fundamentals are coached.

Training BJJ at Forge, you will learn Jiu Jitsu as a Martial Art, rather than a sport. This will incorporate standing defence, obtaining the clinch and being able to put a person on the ground, as well as be able to stand back up. After you can move to and around on the ground, then we can teach you various techniques, defences, escapes, sweeps and submissions for each position. Finally, we will progressively introduce more stress and eventually, you will be comfortable in dealing with uncomfortable situations.

We don’t ‘smash you’ when you first step on the mats, we nurture and guide your development. Repeatedly tapping new comers on their first night serves NO purpose as they have no tools to utilise to deal with the situation. It may show people the power of Jiu Jitsu but it can often cause injuries, frustration and most people don’t come back. Your coaches at Forge, and the fellow clientele will support your development because as we know - the quicker you get rolling, the quicker you can play the game, the quicker you can then challenge our own abilities and assist in our own development.

As you get your grounding in the BJJ, like all combat sports and martial arts, it can be confronting both physically and mentally. We will assist you in learning strategies to work skills that suit not only your body, but your personality and mind set as well. No two people are the same. We will sharpen your mental game tools, enabling you to remain calm under pressure.