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Every police officer will attest to how many situations escalate into violent altercations. Dangerous confrontations can pit one police officer against an agitated or angry assailant. Often, dangerous assailants may be carrying weapons or outsize the police officer significantly. This is where police Jiu-Jitsu moves come in. Police BJJ is an application of Jiu-Jitsu meant to disarm and neutralize an aggressor without causing too much physical damage. Using law enforcement Jiu-Jitsu, police officers can neutralize criminals and avoid accusations of excessive force or police brutality. These ten police BJJ moves should be in every police officer’s arsenal to deal with situations on the street. 1. Double-leg Takedown Statistically, most fights will end in one of two places — a clinch or on the ground. Nonetheless, all confrontations begin standing, and in most cases, these involve aggressors throwing punches and haymakers. An effective way to bring the fight to the ground is a double-leg takedown. To perform the double-leg takedown, the police officer needs to change levels and move towards the opponent swiftly. As the officer closes the distance, the officer needs to grab the areas behind the knee and drive forward. The result will be the opponent on the ground and the officer on top. Because the ground will likely be concrete, the knee doesn’t need to come into contact with the ground during the shoot. For street application, the double-leg takedown will be similar to a tackle. 2. Clinch Clinching is a certainty during most altercations. Law enforcement Jiu-Jitsu teaches an effective way to clinch. This method minimizes the risk of strikes from the opponent. It also allows better control of the opponent. To clinch safely, close the distance by grabbing one wrist and the back of the assailant’s head. While grabbing the back of the head, the forearm of the grabbing arm needs to be against the assailant’s chest. In this position, the officer can move the opponent around and even pin the opponent against the wall. The clinch also allows the officer to transition into other holds and positions. 3. Arm Drag to Back Control In the clinch, the officer maintains control of one of the opponent’s wrists. The head is also under the control of the officer’s fish hooks and forearm. If the officer wishes to take the back from the clinch position, it’s possible with the arm drag. To take the back, the officer should maintain control of the wrist. From here, the officer removes the hand from the opponent’s head or the nape. The hand quickly grabs the tricep on the same arm where the wrist is controlled. Once the officer establishes the grip of the tricep, a quick tug to the side will expose the opponent’s back. From here, the officer can take the free arm and establish a waist hold. With the officer behind the assailant, the assailant will be unable to deal damage to the officer. It’s also a good position to begin placing handcuffs. 4. Waistlock Takedown If the opponent resists while the officer is placing cuffs, a waistlock takedown is the next step. From back control, all the officer needs to do is place one foot behind the opponent’s heel. Once there’s contact between the officer’s foot and the aggressor’s heel, the officer can simply sit back. The opponent falls, and the officer can either take the back or maintain control of the aggressor. 5. Side Mount The side mount is one of the most important positions in police Jiu-Jitsu. Side mount is an excellent position for maintaining control and pacifying an unruly assailant. The trick is to establish a side mount an aggressor cannot shrimp out of. The way to maintain the top position is to ensure that the waist touches the ground. If the waist of the officer is above the ground, the officer’s weight shifts. When this happens, the aggressor can sweep the officer. While maintaining a good base, the officer must also control the head. While in side mount, the officer must control the head with one arm — the one on the side of the opponent’s head. The arm must be underneath the opponent’s head. Controlling the arms can be tricky. This is where the next police BJJ move comes in. 6. Key Lock or Americana The key lock otherwise known as an Americana is usually a submission move. For law enforcement applications, it can be an effective way to control the arm and disarm. The officer performs the Americana by removing the hand that’s underneath the opponent’s head. The hand should control the wrist of the opponent. The hand that needs to be controlled is one the officer is facing in side mount. While bending the arm at a 90-degree angle, the officer needs to trace his or her other hand under the opponent’s tricep. From here, the officer locks the hold by grabbing his or her wrist. The officer can elicit pain by pushing the controlling hand down and raising the opposite shoulder. However, this can break the opponent’s shoulder. The officer must use judgment and exercise caution to minimize damage. 7. Mount From side mount, a law enforcement officer can transition to the full mount. The full mount is effective if the officer is on the opponent’s hips and not the chest. Too close to the chest, the officer can lose balance and lose the position. The trick to establishing the mount is the transition. From side mount, the officer should take the knee closest to the waist and slide it over the hip crease. The officer needs to slide the knee until the opponent is in view. While mounted, the officer still needs to control the opponent’s wrists — like how Matt Serra did before his UFC Hall of Fame induction. 8. Back Mount Opponents will scramble to escape. For some reason, the most natural reaction is for them to roll onto their bellies. Right away, this places police officers behind the opponent. The back mount places officers in the perfect position to apply cuffs. Even if the opponent continues to resist, the officer will still be in an advantageous position. 9. Guard Position Sometimes, the opponent can take the officer down. As a result, it’s the officer who ends up on the ground. To retain control of the opponent and the situation, an officer can use the most common position in police BJJ — the guard. The guard position allows a fighter to control and submit opponents even from the bottom. To get an opponent into the guard, the officer just needs to ensure that both legs are locked around the opponent’s waist. As well, the officer needs to control the head by pulling it closer to the body. Because of the close distance, the strikes of an opponent will not be as powerful, causing less damage to the officer. 10. Kimura Lock to Kimura Sweep From the guard, the officer can attempt a kimura lock. The kimura lock is a shoulder lock that’s applicable from side mount and guard. In the guard, an officer has to control one of the opponent’s wrists with one hand. Then, the officer takes the other arm, sweeps it under the opponent’s tricep, and establishes the lock. The officer establishes the lock by gripping his or her wrist. To finish the lock, the officer pushes the wrist towards the ceiling while moving slightly to the side. This places pressure on the opponent’s shoulder. Other than finishing the lock, the officer can get to a mount position with a kimura sweep. After locking the kimura, the officer does not finish the lock. Instead, the officer raises the hips and kicks off the ground. The opponent will end up with the back against the ground. Expand Your Police BJJ Arsenal These law enforcement Jiu-Jitsu techniques are effective as long as officers practice them consistently. Training needs to be under the watchful eye of seasoned BJJ experts that are knowledgeable in all applications of the martial art. Training must also be in a BJJ gym that teaches evidence-based BJJ applications. Take control of opponents and your law enforcement Jiu-Jitsu progress at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu by trying out a free week.

Ways Kids Karate Lessons Can Change The World Choosing the right martial art for your child can be a challenge. There are so many martial arts that offer something to improve your child’s overall upbringing.  However, did you know that something as simple as enrolling your child in kids karate can lead to a series of events that could in-fact help change the world? We’re not kidding.  From improved mental health and cognitive development, as well as teach kids to be honest, respectful, determined, and self-sufficient.  Your child may be interested in martial arts, but unsure where to start and they may be asking themselves “what martial art should I learn?”. If this sounds familiar to your or your child’s interests, stick around, and let’s explore the many benefits that a child can receive by enrolling in kids karate.  Improved Mental Health Children live in a modern world filled with distractions. From online learning, video games, and YouTube, to parents and friends who are experiencing an ever-changing world with new challenges.  Believe it or not, our society is almost encouraging kids to doubt themselves and fear the unknown.  In our kid’s karate class, we teach your child to not only reject this ideation, but to embrace their new role as a leader, critical thinker, and problem solver. Kids are immersed in a stressful and distracting environment and without proper direction, physical exercise, and self-confidence, a child can end up depressed and full of anxiety at an age where they should be learning to change the world.  Each day in kids karate, your child will be greeted with new challenges and instruction that help your child build on their budding aspirations and reinforce a positive mindset.  From the physical exercise involved in kids’ karate to the breakthroughs of their own imposed mental barriers, your child’s mental health will get a much-deserved boost from kids’ karate.  Improved Cognitive Development Kids karate offers all children an opportunity to take on new tasks and build on their cognitive development. Your child will be learning new methods to communicate, problem-solve, and apply techniques with precision on each day of class.  Something as simple as a series of kicks and punches may seem not very challenging to the untrained eye, but each movement has a series of thought processes and techniques that require your child to develop their hand-eye coordination in each class.  Your child will not only be learning strikes like punches and kicks but also how to effectively de-escalate a potentially violent encounter using the most powerful weapon in the world - their mind.  In addition, in a kids karate class, there will be a mentally stimulating curriculum that challenges your child to learn the karate belt system, credos, and ethos to live by and these will be reinforced through class instructions and daily questions and answers between the coaches and your child to ensure it is retained and understood.  An Honest Child All children who enroll in kids karate classes learn from day one that honesty is an essential tool in any leader’s toolbox and must be developed at all times.  From what may seem like a little ‘white lie” to a full-blown example of dishonesty, it all will be treated the same, all young warriors in kids karate will learn that while there may be many ways to handle a situation, honesty is the foundation of all choices made both here at GBJJ and outside of the gym as well.  Our instructors at GBJJ will drive these honesty ethos home on a daily basis and teach your child that honesty is not only cool but an absolute must for anyone who steps foot on the mats. Each day of class, you can expect the coaches of GBJJ to quietly monitor the interactions each child has in class. If a situation arises where an honest action was not taken, this becomes a time to not berate or embarrass the child but to teach and uplift the child to make the right choice and correct the dishonesty.  A Determined Child Children are faced with many challenges as they grow up. If a child starts to lose confidence in themselves or their true potential, you may see a decline in their determination.  A child doesn’t lose determination because they are unable to do something or just not good enough, a child loses determination because they lose self-belief. Each day at GBJJ, our kid’s karate program uses a series of confidence-building programs that are seamlessly woven into our kid’s karate curriculum to build your child’s confidence and determination. Watching our children enter our doors full of concern and self-doubt and leave with a head held high and a determined outlook is one of the many priceless reasons a kid’s karate class is a beast when it comes to building a healthy, determined young person.  From role-playing with anti-bully scenarios to seeing your child face an intimidating encounter to getting stronger and more capable each week, your child’s determination levels will reach new heights.  A Self-Sufficient Child Children are often considered “unable” or “not capable”, after all, they are kids, right? Nope!  Our kid’s karate program at GBJJ is launching the abilities and confidence of our kids to show them they CAN do whatever it is they want to do. The cornerstone of any kid’s karate program is to teach and reinforce to your child they are more capable than they ever imagined.  At GBJJ, through skilled instruction, a safe learning environment, and a positive team atmosphere, your child will grow into their new, confident mindset, ready to change the world.  A Child Ready To Change The World Children enrolled in the GBJJ kids karate program are equipped with the tools needed to change the world.  From problem-solving to making new friends from all walks of life, your child’s development in a solid kids karate program cannot be replicated anywhere else.  Karate for kids takes a group of children from all walks of life, all social and economic backgrounds and teaches them that through respect, hard work, and dedication, they CAN change the world.If your child is ready to launch their inner superhero, then no time has ever been better than right now to start training at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu. Get started with a free week of training, click here!

The belts are an inseparable part of traditional martial arts, symbolizing rank, knowledge, and progression within the art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different and even before the first time you step on the mats, you will need to learn how to tie the jiu-jitsu belt. BJJ originated from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and as such is most often practiced in a specific uniform called a gi, quite similar to other martial arts styles like judo, karate, and taekwondo. Aside from its deep symbolism, the belt has a very important purely utilitarian purpose-to hold the gi’s jacket together. Learning how to tie a BJJ belt properly is a lesson you will carry through your entire jiu-jitsu journey, so it’s a good time investment to learn to do it properly.  There is no single correct way of doing the knot, but from the several different methods, there are 3 that are by far the most common. In this article, we will take you through the traditional way, the karate way, and the Unbreakable BJJ knot. The Symbolism Of Jiu-jitsu Belts Traditional marts arts all have a belt system that shows the rank of the wearer. Each time a practitioner is promoted he gets a new color belt that signifies his accent in the rankings. This practice brings a more easily measurable feeling of progress alongside all the physical and mental benefits gained through martial arts practices. BJJ doesn’t mess around with its ranking and it’s one of the strictest systems. There are only five different belt colors in BJJ- white, blue, purple, brown, and black. This means each promotion comes after dedicating an immense amount of time and hard work. You will never see a kid wearing a black belt in jiu-jitsu, unlike many karate and taekwondo schools.  Some schools have introduced stripes that signify the progress towards the next level, but even with them getting from one color to another is a big deal. Earning and wearing а higher grade belts means you possess certain skills, knowledge, and understanding and have spent the necessary time on the mats to acquire them.    Tradition and hierarchy are held in very high regard in jiu-jitsu. The gi must be worn with dignity, pride, and respect. Tying your belt correctly is one part of this tradition.  Here is a step-by-step guide of the 3 most popular variations to do it. How To Tie A Jiu Jitsu Belt Standard variation- This is the most popular way to tie your belt and most likely the first one you will learn if you just started BJJ. The pros of this method are that it's very quick to do and it’s easy to learn. Even kids don’t have a hard time with this technique. On the flip side, there will always be an overlap on the backside, which is not the best aesthetically speaking. Here is how to tie using the standard variation- Find the middle of the belt and fold it in half. Place the middle of the belt in the center of your belly your center point, right below the belly button. Come around the back with both tails and cross them over to the front. Extend both tails forward to tighten the belt. Feed the right side under all the layers of the belt coming in from the bottom and coming out on top. Tie a tight knot with the two tails putting over the high tail over the low one. Karate variation- The gi is the standard uniform for all Japanese martial arts, so it’s only natural that they also use belts to hold the jacket. One difference is that striking martial arts like karate don’t put the same stress on the gi as in grappling, so the belt stays secure even with a looser knot. This does not mean that karate guys can’t tie their belts properly. One of the most popular knots in BJJ comes from karate and is preferred by many because of its neat looks. With this method, you will have no overlap on the back typical for the standard method. This is how you do it. Take one tip of the belt and place it halfway on your back. Depending on the length of the belt this may come only to the lapel of the gi. Take the other end and wrap the belt around your body twice tightly overlapping it. Tuck the tail that is left in front under all others from the bottom and out through the top. This is the high tail. Take out the inner tail that you started with (the 3rd inner layer). Both tails should be equal at this point. If not adjust accordingly. Tie a knot with the higher tail going over and under the lower tail. Now pull the belt tight. The Unbreakable BJJ knot- You will likely want to learn this method even before you’ve seen it just because of its name. Also known as the superlock, this is the most secure way to tie a belt and forget about it during practice, sparring or competition. The first few steps are the same as the traditional way. In fact, you can also use the karate method up to step 5. The finishing details are where this method shines. Find the middle of the belt and fold it in half. Place the middle of the belt on your lower belly below the belly button Cross over both parts through your back before they come in front. Ensure the length is equal Put the right side underneath all layers and pull it out on top Take the lower tail and put it under the top layer, but only partially.   Put the other tail through the loop created in step 5 and underneath the top layer on the other side.  Pull both ends tight There are more ways to tie a BJJ belt and the best one is that it’s most comfortable to you. But whatever method you use you mustn’t worry about your belt getting loose and focus on the important stuff - improving your skills.

If you are searching for learning Jiu-Jitsu near me, you need to at least consider the responsibilities (and risks) that come with it.  Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art is a great way to get in shape, learn self-defense, and even be part of a growing community.  However, there are also some risks associated with the sport that you should be aware of before starting your journey. One such risk is back pain! If you want to protect your back while doing jiu-jitsu then we recommend adding yoga and cross-training into the equation!  These two practices will help strengthen your core muscles which can reduce injury in your lower back and neck. We'll go through more on this topic below: Can You Train Jiu-Jitsu And NOT Injure Your Back? The short answer is YES! You can absolutely learn jiu-jitsu near me and still maintain a strong, healthy back that will carry yours through your jiu-jitsu journey for the years to come. When you learn jiu-jitsu, your back gets stronger! However, most people don't understand how quickly this can happen. It's important to note that we're not talking about a significant amount of time here; typically only two months is needed for your back to go from a weakened state to a stronger version with consistent training, good stretching, and cross-training.   Two months is a very short amount of time, and since jiu-jitsu classes are so social, it's easy to get great advice from your fellow students as well. Ask them what they do on their off days or when they have pain in certain areas! This will allow you the opportunity to learn more about common training problems for people as well as making new friends at your local jiu-jitsu classes. Remember, the key here is to make cross-training and yoga an essential part of your jiu-jitsu training.  Why Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Need Yoga And Cross-Training? This one is easy! The more you train the better shape you'll be in, right? Well, that's not always true when it comes to doing jiu-jitsu.  You see, jiu-jitsu can put a lot of stress on your back, specifically your cervical spine area in the upper back as well as the lower lumbar area of your back. If you come straight off your couch at 40 years old with little physical activity in your daily life, you may find yourself injured very fast without proper stretching and strengthening. A good cross-training program that incorporates a series of movements designed to strengthen your whole body is key to ensuring your body can adapt to your new movement cycles found in jiu-jitsu. 4 Easy Ways To Incorporate Yoga and Cross-Training with Jiu-Jitsu For FREE There is no need to overdo it here. You don't need to enroll in Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga, and Crossfit all at once. Not only would you likely not have the time for all three schools, but you would also be spending a small fortune on that much training. Instead, you have several options to incorporate all of these for little to no additional costs. Let's look at some options below: Use Your Local Jiu-Jitsu gym to take yoga classes and use the gym equipment. Often good schools will offer some additional classes to help you out, sometimes at no additional costs. Free YouTube videos with yoga and DIY at-home strength training. You would be surprised at the excellent workout you can get at home for free with the help of endless content on YouTube. Something like this is an excellent place to start. Network with other jiu-jitsu classmates on their go-to warmups, stretches and classes they recommend to level up their jiu-jitsu journey. Get the most out of your pre and post-class stretches and warmups/cooldowns. You are already in class and ready to learn, while the younger students may not take the warmup too seriously, this is a prime time to heed the advice and leadership from the experienced jiu-jitsu coaches and follow their guidance with the warmup exercises and stretching. Our coaches here at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu have been learning to keep their bodies in excellent condition to facilitate learning jiu-jitsu for many, many years. Click here to speak with a GBJJ staff member today! Yoga and Jiu-Jitsu For Back Strength and Improved Flexibility In a recent survey, it was found that jiu-jitsu athletes were prone to lower back and neck injuries. This is because the sport of jiu-jitsu uses your core muscles quite often so it's important to be strong in these areas! To protect yourself from injury we recommend adding yoga into this equation as well. Yoga will not only help build up your core strength but also improve your flexibility.  Increased core strength and improved flexibility are a recipe for a much more enjoyable experience when learning jiu-jitsu near me. Stretching Before and After Jiu-Jitsu Before and after each jiu-jitsu class it's important to stretch your muscles. If you don't, you could be putting yourself at risk for injury in the long run!  Make sure to take time before and after class to do some light yoga stretches or other exercises that are focusing on your back, neck, and hips. Jiu-Jitsu and Our Aging Bodies As you get older, your body becomes stiffer and less flexible. You will start to notice that injuries happen more often in certain areas of your body than when you were younger.  Make sure to take extra care with the back, neck, and hips while learning jiu-jitsu. These areas are particularly vulnerable to injury as you age. For example, if a person does jiu-jitsu and doesn't strengthen their back muscles, they will be more likely to suffer from a herniated disk or even worse, an injured neck when rolling during class.  When paired with yoga and other cross-training exercises before starting Jiu-Jitsu, you are greatly increasing your odds to have an enjoyable jiu-jitsu learning experience without the frustration of an injury. Final Thought Remember, your class might have several younger, 20-somethings that wrestled in high school and have the energy and strength to roll for days without any injuries. For us over 40 on the other hand, we need to be a bit more tactical in our approach to a long and healthy jiu-jitsu learning career.

The back mount. One of the most dominant and versatile positions in jiu jitsu. While we all may know that the back mount is a great position to seek out in a roll, oftentimes, we don't take the time to learn and understand the fundamental philosophy of back mount. Today, we are going to share 5 tips that will help you better understand the importance of back mount and level up your jiu jitsu game. Why Is Back Mount A Good Position in BJJ? With all positions in Jiu Jitsu, there are pros and cons as well as a list of sweeps, chokes and escapes that can be applied from both competitors. However, the back mount specifically is one of the more dominant positions in BJJ where the person securing the back mount has more options to control their opponent and get the tap over most any other position. Once back mount is obtained, the competitor has the ability to run a series of transitions to chokes where their opponent must solely focus on reversing the position and/or escaping. Development of your back mount game in jiu jitsu is crucial. Certainly, getting comfortable in guard is a must, but it's just as important to get a good back mount game. Let’s explore 5 tips to develop a solid jiu jitsu back mount game. 5 Tips To Develop A Solid Back Mount Game 1. Learn To Take The Back Consistently You can't develop your back mount game in jiu jitsu if you don't know how to consistently take your opponents back. So, number one is going to be getting better and learning how and when to take back mount.  While there are many ways to enter the back mount position, it's important to start with one or two simplified methods that you can focus on when rolling. Practicing just 1-2 at a time gives you the opportunity to practice your back take without having your mind race through the 500+ Ryan Hall can take. Preferably, go with two entry positions to back mount that you can practice. By picking two methods, you can have an alternate entry from another common position (like mount or side control). Just like the first time you became proficient in a trap and roll sweep, you had to learn the timing, opponent’s movement, and angles to time your sweep just right. Learning to take the back is no different, you must learn to drill the fundamental movements, and then fine-tune your back take by repeatedly trying the entry in live rolls at class. At first, your back take will not work (just like learning a sweep didn't work at first), but, with time, practice and feeling out your opponent's movements, you will start to dial-in the timing and movements to consistently take the back. So, start slow, drill it, apply it in live rolls and get good at consistently taking the back. 2. Learn To Maintain Back Mount What good is the back mount that you finally learned to take consistently if you can't maintain back control long enough to enter into a submission attempt? Control in back mount has several fundamental steps that must be met before you will be able to maintain back mount without your partner escaping at will. Start by focusing on a strong chest-to-back pressure. Once your partner feels you taking the back, they will often immediately start to turn inwards, placing their back against the ground to prevent a choke and start their own escape. By maintaining a core fundamental like strong chest-to-back pressure, you start your back mount off with good control, limiting the space for your partner to roll towards you. Even if your hooks fall out, your partner may scramble, but with solid chest-to-back pressure, you can follow your partner and maintain the backpressure. 3. Use Your Hooks It's hard to discuss back mount while not discussing your hooks. “Hooks” in jiu-jitsu are referring to the control of your opponents’ hips and legs by “hooking” their inner thighs with your feet and ankles, effectively preventing them from kicking a leg out and escaping. Traditionally, with a back mount, you will use both feet (hooks) to control your opponent's movements. Using both feet is considered a standard method, however, you can also use a single hook and use your other foot to control the upper leg of your opponent. Play with both scenarios of a single hook and double hooks, you will learn that the single-leg hook coupled with strong chest-to-back pressure is an excellent method of limiting your partner's escape ability. 4. Focus On Your Partner Oftentimes in jiu jitsu when we get to a dominant position we start focusing on how we can finish the match and get the tap. However, if you take a mental step back and focus your attention on your partner's escape attempts, it can open a whole new world of opportunities to finish the match.  We can learn a lot from allowing our partners to escape a bad position. This “cat and mouse” approach really opens up your mind to the fundamental aspects of the move and also becoming aware of the vulnerabilities where you apply it. 5. Let Your Partners Break Free From Back Mount Yes, let them break free from your back mount. Why? Because it is inevitable that your back mounts will be challenged by those you roll with and you need to learn to stop it and regain control. By slowly starting to let your opponent escape, it's an excellent opportunity to study your opponents reactions as well as finding methods to regain that back mount control. Start small with this to really level up your game. From time to time, let a hook fall out, or let your opponent start to turn towards you. By allowing this to happen and then regaining that control back, you will find your problem-solving skills in this position will increase and your overall back mount retention will really start to improve. Final Thoughts Jiu jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. You must learn to embrace the difficulties, the challenges and the confusion. By applying these small steps in your live rolls, you will start to slowly see an improvement in your back mount game as well as your overall jiu jitsu IQ.But, that's enough of us talking about jiu jitsu training, the real results are in the work. So, put a couple of these tips into action, drill to win them at every opportunity and go train!

So many people look at BJJ as a young man's or young woman's game. It may be the fact that a lot of it is fought with takedowns, and a full contact sport at an older age may seem a little daunting. But don't be fooled, BJJ is a sport for all ages, and if you're thinking of starting BJJ at 30, 40 or heck even 80, then there is room in this sport for you. Read on to find out about why BJJ is perfect for all ages. Are There Any Age Restrictions In BJJ? Absolutely not! If you're middle aged, a senior citizen, or somewhere in between, then you're still welcome to join the BJJ family. In fact, there are plenty of people picking up the sport in their 30s, 40s, 50s, all the way through to their 70s and 80s, and probably even older people that haven't been identified just yet. There are certain safety considerations that will need to be made, of course, but these are considerations to be made by you as a potential competitor within BJJ. No instructors or trainers will turn you away from BJJ classes because of your age. In fact, GBJJ is renowned for their ability to work with anybody at any age, so if you are looking for a place to start, check out our classes here. But you'll see more about that later. For now, let's focus on why you should think about practicing BJJ later in life! What Are The Benefits Of Learning BJJ Later In Life? First off, BJJ has some amazing physical health benefits, especially within the aerobic department. Hip mobility is something that decreases naturally as you get older, but BJJ focuses on moving the hips with some common techniques, and this will help you improve your hip function in everyday life too. Your grip is also strengthened in BJJ because of some of the holds and stances that you learn. In fact, our cells in our bodies age slower when we are involved in intense physical activity. BJJ certainly counts as that, so it will help your whole body age at a slower rate. As BJJ engages muscles across your entire body, you get these benefits everywhere. Not only will you feel great and look great, but BJJ can physically slow down the aging process too! BJJ for Mental Health Another key benefit is that your mental health improves, as well as your physical health. Practicing something as demanding as BJJ later in life helps you to remain focused and drives you to work towards certain goals. This is really rewarding for your mental health. As you achieve more by becoming stronger and fitter throughout your training, you'll feel much better in every walk of life too! Your mental health also improves because of the community within BJJ. A full contact sport such as this requires other people, so you'll naturally form connections with those you train with and compete against. Jiu Jitsu for seniors is especially important, because loneliness is something that a lot of senior citizens battle each day. With BJJ, you'll form new friendships and connections, and you'll be seeing them regularly as you train. One more benefit of practicing BJJ later in life is that you will be actively fighting against certain diseases and illnesses that are associated with older people. Things such as heart disease, arthritis, loss of muscle mass, and high blood pressure can all be addressed through regular physical activity. Given that BJJ is a full-body workout, you'll be giving yourself the best chance to avoid these illnesses and diseases that might otherwise impact upon your life. Finally, BJJ affects your metabolism too. Senior citizens have less effective metabolisms than younger people, it's a natural process that happens as you age. But there are things that can be done to improve your metabolism, which will, in turn, make you lose weight and burn calories much quicker. The best way to do this is through physical exercise. BJJ is an excellent form of exercise, so it improves your metabolism, making you fitter and healthier. Are There Any Drawbacks? There are some drawbacks associated with BJJ. The main one for seniors who are practicing BJJ is that you rarely get to choose your partner. That means a 60, 70, or 80-year-old may well be facing off against a 20, 30, or 40-year-old. Fortunately, if you're not competing, you can just communicate to your rolling partner in class if you have any pains, sore areas or any other aspect you want your partner to be cautious of. This in itself isn't a problem if you're physically fit and are able to keep up with your competitors, but it can become a little overwhelming at first. But remember, within BJJ you should always be able to say no. If you don't feel comfortable facing off against a much younger person just yet, then say so. Any BJJ instructor worth their salt will understand and support you in that decision. Another drawback is that if you're joining later in life, there may be others who have been practicing for years and are much stronger competitors as a result. Again, this shouldn't phase you. Everybody has to start somewhere, so as long as you go in prepared to see people who are excellent at BJJ, then you will be fine. And remember, practice makes perfect, so maybe one day you'll be as great as those who have been training for years too! Safety Considerations This section is all about you, and knowing what your capabilities are. BJJ is a full contact sport, and it requires lots of flexibility and mobility. While practicing BJJ will improve this, you require a certain base level. If you know that moving is a struggle for you, and you have no room for flexibility because of a medical condition, then think about whether a full contact sport such as BJJ is right for you. Consider whether you can realistically practice BJJ each week without causing yourself too many injuries. Yes, you'll naturally feel a little bruised after your first couple of sessions, but if you know that you're not in a position to train frequently to improve your stamina and physical health, then again, you need to think about whether BJJ is a safe sport for you. Having said that, if you feel physically capable and want to join in with BJJ, then be confident in the knowledge that any BJJ instructor would be lucky to have you join them. Signing Up For Classes Finally, if you're looking for classes that offer Jiu Jitsu for everyone, at any stage in life, then you should check our classes here at GBJJ.The c lasses offered here are suitable for beginners and experts alike, no matter your age. So if you're serious about BJJ and you want to improve your health and fitness under the guidance of understanding and professional instructors, then head over to GBJJ's classes page and sign up for a FREE week today!

People who practice Jiu Jitsu know the importance of having the best BJJ belts. Besides flexing your new rank to the newbs, it is a necessity and an integral part of the uniform.  Not just any martial arts belt will work either, BJJ belts are specifically designed to withstand the daily rolls and work you're going to put your belt through. So, let’s explore the best Brazillian Jiu Jitsu belts for 2021.  Moreover, the belt’s color gives you an idea about the wearer’s rank. However, it is important to buy a BJJ belt that is made of sturdy material. That way, the belt lasts for several years. Also, it keeps you comfortable and doesn’t cause problems while practicing.  Experts recommend that investing in a BJJ belt is worth making. So, if you are planning to buy the best BJJ belt in 2021, read ahead to find out which one might suit you best. TOP 3 BEST BJJ BELTS THAT YOU CAN BUY: 1. FUJI COTTON BLENDED BJJ BELT If you have been practicing martial arts for some time, you may have come across amazing products from FUJI that you saw someone wearing or on the market. Most of their products are made of the finest material and they are affordable as well. >> Read real reviews about FUJI COTTON BLENDED BJJ BELTS on Amazon << For example, their BJJ belts, like the Premium BJJ belt is made of high-quality cotton fabric and have a collection of vibrant colors. The colors range from white to black. And, you can easily differentiate between purple and blue shades at first sight. In short, they are very bright. But, take a look at the coaches belt, its gonna fade and get worn out over the years, so get a good one.  Because these belts are made of cotton, they are very tough. Also, you get the feel of smooth touch. Moreover, you don’t feel any kind of discomfort while you tie one around your waist. The folding and color stand firm even when you are practicing for longer hours. Moreover, this belt won’t loosen or slip from the knot, unlike the ones that you have used before. As such, you don’t worry about grappling and rolling during practice sessions. Trusted by professionals, this BJJ belt is lightweight and doesn’t become stiff after several washes. What’s more interesting is that the color doesn’t fade as well. >> Check the latest pricing for FUJI COTTON BLENDED BJJ BELTS on Amazon << PROS – * High-quality cotton for durability and comfortability * Available in a variety of colors * Highly affordable * Easy to tie * Can be used in other versions of martial arts CONS – * Moderately thick FUJI is undoubtedly one of the best BJJ belts out there on the market because they don’t compromise on the quality standards as far as their products are concerned. These belts are impressive when it comes to achieving the perfect fit and look. 2. HAYABUSA 2.0 JIU JITSU BELT The best BJJ belts for sale should be a good fit for both men and women. This is where Hayabusa 2.0 Jiu Jitsu belt [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079G8ZZ53] comes into play because they are the best choice for many people. The belt is reinforced with a double-stitch and it runs throughout the belt’s length. >> Read real reviews about HAYABUSA 2.0 JIU JITSU BELT on Amazon << This provides the belt with sturdiness and durability. Because the belt is made of cotton fabric, it is comfortable and tough as well. There is no question that it will last until your training gets over. In short, this belt is prepared to undertake some rough treatment. While these belts might appear a bit expensive compared to the other options that you find on the local market, they are worth your investment. That’s because they are made of high-quality materials and durable. Moreover, they have great visuals too. >> Check the latest pricing for HAYABUSA 2.0 JIU JITSU BELT on Amazon << PROS – * This BJJ belt has double-stitch running throughout its length * The cotton fabric gives sheer strength to the belt * They are lightweight and don’t cause issues with maneuvering * The design has a visual appeal CONS – * Isn’t available in children’s size Hayabusa 2.0 Jiu Jitsu belts won’t disappoint you because it delivers performance, comfort, and durability. It fits comfortably on your waist and allows you to move freely without causing many problems. Even after regular washing, the belt retains its color and softness. 3. SANABUL BRAZILIAN PRO BELTS If you are looking for something that will last for a few years even after regular use in the arena, the Sanabul Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belts [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01865X98K] should be the right choice. These BJJ belts are one of the popular choices that you can find on the market. >> Read real reviews about SANABUL BRAZILIAN PRO BELTS on Amazon << These belts are perfect for strenuous, longer sessions. The belt undergoes anti-microbial and anti-fungal treatment so that it remains protected from getting contaminated. It stays in its place even after vigorous activity in the arena. Despite their durability and high resilience, they don’t cost you much compared to other brands. However, the affordability of this BJJ belt shouldn’t be taken into granted. In other words, the price of this incredible product shouldn’t deceive you into believing that this belt is not as impressive and effective as other brands. You should be surprised that the item adheres to the standard set by IBJJF. It means you don’t have to worry about the authenticity of this BJJ belt and take on the tournaments in full swing. The strip section is a great way to showcase your rank to people around you. So, if you want something that can absorb rough treatment during your training sessions, the Sanabul BJJ belt is the right one for your needs. >> Check the latest pricing for SANABUL BRAZILIAN PRO BELTS on Amazon << PROS – * Crafted from thick cotton material * The strip bar displays your rank * This belt adheres to the safety standards of IBJJF * Superior durability * Available in a variety of sizes * Not very expensive CONS – * Require few washes to soften the belt Adorned by both experts and beginners, this belt has enough thickness that helps it to stay in place and restrict movement when you are practicing. The availability of different sizes and colors makes it accessible to everyone. While it requires a few washes to soften up, the color remains the same. If you are looking for a strong belt yet affordable and comfortable, this one should be the best choice. WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE BUYING THE BEST BJJ BELT? There are a few important factors that you have to consider before buying the right BJJ belt. * The thickness of the belt * The material used to build * It should have a comfortable fit * Visible rank stripes CONCLUSION: This BJJ belt review is to help you pick the right one for your needs. No matter what item you choose, consider the important factors to avoid undesirable events later on. Home

Being awarded a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a major accomplishment. Someone who earns a black belt has demonstrated prowess on the mats, but there is more to a black belt than martial ability. Black belts should embody a high standard of personal behavior both on and off the mats. They should be ethical, humble, and honorable. After all, a person who has earned a black belt is going to be considered a representative of the sport no matter where they go in life. The opinions of their families, friends, and work colleagues about the art of jiu jitsu will be influenced by how the black belt behaves at work, at home, and in public.             That is all true, but it is also very abstract. What are the specific skills that it takes to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu? What kind of jiu jitsu training is needed to become a black belt? What specific accomplishments must a black belt meet to earn this high honor? What does it take to master this art? The Skills of the Black Belt A black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is someone who has spent a great deal of time and energy mastering this complex martial art. In fact, the average black belt has spent a decade or more honing their skills, competing, learning, and teaching. This dedication to the art helps the black belt hone their capabilities to a level of expertise that can only come with dedication and consistent practice. What are some of the specific skills of a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu? Teaching             Is teaching really a skill that black belts need? It absolutely is. A black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is not just a master of the physical art, they are also capable of conveying their knowledge to others. The role of the black belt as a teacher is so important that in some BJJ academies black belts are referred to as “Professor.” Black belts must be humble enough to continue learning but skilful enough to pass their knowledge on to others. Planning             The long-term training and practice of the black belt gives them the ability to plan ahead. If you are fighting a black belt, chances are they are thinking much further into the combat than you are. Many students can relate to the sensation of believing that they have a fight planned out, only to find themselves baited into a mistake and quickly defeated. It is safe to assume that the average black belt is thinking several steps ahead of less advanced competitors. You may have a plan when you’re fighting a black belt, but chances are the black belt has a plan too - and they’ll impose it on you before you realize what’s happened. Energy use             Anybody who works out can tell you that rationing your energy is important. Even a simple jogger will know that beginning a run with a burst of speed is going to blast through their biofuel quicker than a more measured pace would. Similarly, a black belt has mastered the art of conserving their energy. They possess an air of calm and relaxation, and are able to conserve their energy until a more critical point in a match has been reached - whereupon they can use their stored energy to quickly dominate a match. Biomechanics             Black belts have a broad swathe of experience in fighting to draw upon when in a match. Years of dedicated practice have helped them learn to master their body positioning to maximize their effectiveness. A black belt knows how to move their body just right to gain leverage over their opponent and wrestle them into submission with minimal effort. Something as simple as moving one’s limbs or body a few inches one way or another can change the balance of the match in favor of the black belt. What it Takes to Earn a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Promotion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just based on technical achievements. Just because one takes jiu jitsu training and masters a new technique they are not guaranteed to get a promotion. There is much more to earning a black belt than just beating opponents. Commitment The first thing it takes to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is commitment. It can take years and years to advance through the belts in jiu jitsu. One does not go from learning how to tie a jiu jitsu belt one day to becoming a black belt six months later. Those who want to earn the black belt must commit to the sport for the long haul. Perseverance Perseverance is another key trait of the black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Learning any martial art is going to come with a fair share of ups and downs, but this is especially true in jiu jitsu. A jiu jitsu fighter may feel on top of their game only to be routed by a novice fighter, or to find themself struggling with a specific sweep or grappling technique. Giving up and wandering off is not the way to become a black belt: those who earn this honor persevere even when the sport becomes demanding. Nobody ever got their black belt by quitting. Humility Finally, black belts are humble. Those who reach this level of mastery have been through a lot of matches and endured many painful learning experiences. They know that they are skilled fighters, but they also know that novices and lower-ranked competitors are on a similar path to mastery. They know the struggles of less experienced jiu jitsu fighters because they have been there themselves. They are not boastful or arrogant; rather, they maintain an air of dignity and humility that makes them a valuable resource for those who look up to and admire them. Skill             Those who earn their black belt all began with their white belt and little to no knowledge of the sport. It is through years of dedication, perseverance, and humility that one advances through the ranks in Brazilian jiu jitsu. The skills of the black belt can be taught, but only those who are willing to put in the effort and the work will ever achieve this high level of mastery. If you want to become a black belt, there is no day better than today to begin learning. Just remember to be persistent and stay humble, and someday, you could be among those who have achieved this remarkable level of mastery.

So, you are exploring self-defense options for your child and you keep hearing about Jiu Jitsu. Maybe you are wondering what jiu jitsu is and if it is even worth your child's time (and ultimately your money)? As a 5 year student of Jiu Jitsu and father of two kids who have actively been in Jiu Jitsu for the past 4 years, I can confidently tell you that Jiu Jitsu is the best martial arts program available today for your child, and I’m excited to explain why. What Is Jiu Jitsu? Jiu Jitsu is a grappling martial art with roots in Japan and Brazil. You may have heard it referred to as “Brazillian Jiu Jitsu” or just “jiu Jitsu”. In jiu jitsu, a person learns how to control another person using leverage, skill and very little strength where they can ultimately end a physical conflict with a submission. Jiu Jitsu was introduced to America in the early 1990’s and since its debut, it has become the premier martial art for adults and children alike. Why? Because it works, that's why. Why is Jiu Jitsu the Best Martial Arts For Protecting Your Kids? If you have been looking for martial arts programs for your child lately, you may be in a bit of sticker shock at the price of any martial art, let alone jiu jitsu. When you start spending upwards of $150-$200 a month, understandably, you want real results. Because of this, you do not want to enroll your child into a martial arts program just to learn that it's not something that could work in a real life scenario your child could become faced with. Remember, there's an old saying that applies to life (and jiu jitsu),  and it is “Cheap training isn't good, and good training isn't cheap”. So, let’s explore why jiu jitsu is not only worth the investment, but also a tool to equip your child with that will set them up for success in personal defense encounters, and life in general. Having Fun and Getting Fit One of the best parts about jiu jitsu is that kids just love it! It’s in their nature to roll around and wrestle with each other. You will see kids from all walks of life and in all socio-economic backgrounds laughing together, training together, and just having fun! When your child starts to grapple, there just isn't a way to do it without using a lot of physical strength, especially when you are new and not sure how to handle it. Your child will use lots of core strength, and overall, receive a full body workout each day in class, but don't tell them that, they are just having a bunch of sweaty fun. It’s A Practical Martial Art for Real World Encounters When jiu jitsu arrived in the US in the early 1990’s, no one knew what it was, but everyone quickly learned that jiu jitsu was the reigning king of martial arts when it was introduced in the very first UFC. The beauty of the first UFC events whas how it was arranged. Any fighter of any martial art discipline could compete and settle the debate of which martial art was the best. Well, the results are in, you cant even consider being a martial arts competitor (or even defend yourself) these days without knowing how to grapple. If you have ever been into a traditional martial arts studio, you may have noticed kids breaking boards, or maybe practicing kicks and punches from a standing position. But did you know, that the overwhelming majority of fights are taken to the ground within seconds, it's very rare two people fighting just stand there and trade blows. If your child has only practiced reciting kids karate kicks and punches, they may find themselves panicking the moment they are taken to the ground and not equipped to deal with this encounter. Kids Jiu Jitsu vs Kids Karate While karate schools do a good job of teaching kids moves, it's just not safe for kids to practice karate at full speed and strength in class each day. Kids would be getting concussions and other injuries from daily karate matches, even if they used pads and gloves, it's just not safe. On the other hand, Jiu Jitsu is the only martial arts program where each day your child will get to use what they learned in actual grappling matches where other kids are using all their strength against them. Injuries in jiu jitsu for kids are extremely low and rare. Because jiu jitsu is grappling on the ground, your child will not be punched or kicked while practicing at full speed. Once a child has a submission locked in, the other child taps either verbally or with their hand and the match is over, they “slap and bump” their hands and do it again. At first, your child may be let down when all of the other kids in their jiu jitsu class can “beat them”. But, your child's confidence will quickly spike the day a new kid comes into class and your child is able to control and submit them, and it only gets better from there. That's when they start to realize the power of jiu jitsu (and so will you). Real Confidence and Real Results Have you ever noticed in many traditional martial arts schools how there are so many children of all ages wearing black belts? A black belt is a designation that a martial arts student has spent an enormous amount of time learning, drilling and applying a martial art, and has reached a level recognized internationally as a competent practitioner. You will never see a child black belt in jiu jitsu, not because they aren't good, it's because the black belt is reserved for those that have been training jiu jitsu for MANY years, often over 10-15 years. Giving your child a black belt after two years of training in any martial art, is a good way to provide false confidence that they can deal with any physical altercation. It might be fun to punch and break a flimsy board as often seen in karate for kids, but it won't help you in real life, and any confidence gained from that will quickly deflate the moment a single punch or kick doesn't work in the real world.  Once your child leaves the jiu jitsu mats after months and years of training, they will enter the real world with real confidence as they have already put in the sweat equity and seen the results. You can't put a price on giving a child real confidence. Get Comfortable With The Uncomfortable Life is tough, there is no getting around it. You may be able to shield your child from danger for the first few years, but once they enter their middle school years (and beyond), they are in a position where they can't call on mom and dad for an immediate intervention, they need the tools now that empower them to take charge and control a bad situation whenever it arises.  One of the best parts of jiu jitsu is learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. What does that mean? Well, jiu jitsu is almost like a metaphor for life, when weak minded people get into tough (or uncomfortable) situations, they may panic or just lack the tools needed to deal with a bad situation. Because Jiu Jitsu requires intense physical grappling on a daily basis in class, it teaches the students to learn to think when even in the most uncomfortable situations. Fortunately, this skill carries with your child throughout life. If you can learn to think clearly, strategize and problem solve when you are drenched in sweat with the weight of another human on top of you (who is actively trying to submit you), you can then take those same skills into any scenario in life and apply them. Does that mean your child will try to take their teacher down to the ground and choke them? Nope, but it does mean that the same child when faced with a bad situation, will have the mental fortitude to relax, think, and problem solve without losing their cool, panicking, or making a poor choice out of fear. How To Get Started With Jiu Jitsu Hopefully this was helpful in pointing out a few of the many ways jiu jitsu will change your child's life for the better and why jiu jitsu is better than any other martial arts for your child. Contact Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu today and change your child's life for the better with a Free week of Jiu Jitsu Training!

Every form of martial arts has its own peculiarities, and jiu jitsu is no different. While it does have a history of descending from other forms of hand-to-hand combat, it has developed into its own complete art. There are degrees of progress that are measured by the color of the belt a participant wears, but many of them are unique to this particular style of fighting. As adult students progress by mastering each level, new belts will be available for wearing and display. From White Belt to Black Belt: The Jiu Jitsu Belt Order White belts are the beginning in many forms of martial art, and you will wear one when you begin your adult martial arts classes with us. Students at this point are expected to study and work on their mastery for at least half a year before progressing to the blue belt. Progressing to the blue belt is next, and it should take at least a minimum of two years before the next color promotion to purple. Earning a purple belt is where you will find even more interaction and excitement in progressing through the levels. It takes most students who have begun by searching martial arts near me approximately five years to get through all the necessary levels of this stage. The brown belt is about dominance and perfection, and it takes approximately one year to completely master. Challenging the next belt level will lead to it. Judo students often find the black belt is the ultimate, but jiu jitsu belts are slightly different. The black belt is a challenge, yet there are still a few more color levels left to master. Black belts in this form of martial arts are divided into more categories as red belts. The seventh degree black belt is actually red and black, and it has a minimum requirement of fifty years of age. Obtaining one more level will bring you to the red and white belt known as the eighth degree black belt. Minimum age requirement for this level is fifty-seven. The ninth degree black belts are for those with a minimum age of sixty-seven. They represent the highest category of those who have learned from the original founders and mastered their techniques and come up with their own moves. Teaching is an integral part of their duties as well. The final belt, the tenth degree, has been reserved for the five members of the Gracie family considered to have been the founders of this branch of the martial arts. They are Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gaston and Helio. What Are the Different Jiu Jitsu Belts Capable of Doing Learning the basics in jiu jitsu means being able to survive in a street fight, and that is where the lessons will take students. The very first belt worn, the white, requires students to learn how to escape a larger or stronger opponent before they can progress to the next level. Exploring personal abilities is what the blue belt encourages in each student, and it is a belt where promotion is earned on merit instead of time or mastering specified moves. Students looking for progress will find out what works best for their personal fighting style, and it you should be able to defend against a larger or stronger opponent at this point. The purple belt is an attainment for those of merit in their studies. As far as the learning responsibilities go, there are many. What becomes exciting when earning a jiu jitsu belt in this color is the ability to mentor other students at the blue belt level. Students mastering all levels of purple will find they should have confidence in their abilities, and they should master the complexities of combination moves. Their goal will be to become a challenge to those in the next belt level as they mentor those in the previous color belt. Moving up through each color belt is about mastering techniques, but confidence and the ability to finish an opponent in a match are also part of what constitutes progress. For those students in the brown belt category, it is time to polish their own abilities. The time spent here will provide them with opportunities to take on opponents at various levels, and they will be ready for progression once they are a real challenge to those in the next belt color. Mastery for the black belt in adult martial arts classes is about entering an entirely new level in jiu jitsu. Only those affiliated with IBJJF and passing a host of courses will be able to be certified in it. First aid classes are required, and they include CPR. Being able to pass the referee course for matches is also required. Certification is further dependent upon the ability to teach Brazilian jiu jitsu as a trained professional. The red belts associated with jiu jitsu are for those who have spent most of a lifetime learning and perfecting their abilities. They are expected to pass on their knowledge to their students, and many of them have come up with their own unique moves that have been added to the repertoire as it continues to evolve. The very last belt, the pure red, is reserved for the founding members of the Gracie family.

If you are interested in learning martial arts or just want to get into better shape, it might be interesting to learn more about jiu jitsu. The history of this particular sport is a combination of the story of emigration between cultures and the need for self-defense. While finding a class in any martial art could be as easy as typing martial arts near me into a browser, choosing this adaptive form could be one of the most intriguing ways to learn the sport while appreciating its unique history. In the Beginning Few people connect the spirituality of Buddhism with modern day jiu jitsu schools, yet that is where some of the most basic moves originated in the sport. In the beginning, Buddhists practiced their own forms of self-defense in times of need, and their goal was simply to survive without undue harm to others. It was not until the Samurai warriors were in need of their own defensive moves on foot that this art form became better known. The famed Samurai warriors of the past were Japanese males mounted on horses and heavily armored. Their style of fighting was an effective means of combat, but their enemies eventually learned that getting them off their steeds made them vulnerable. Seeking a way to prevail when they were on foot, they searched the world and adapted the Buddhist ways of hand-to-hand combat for their own needs and called it jujutsu. Centuries of Adaptation When the need for defensive maneuvers were recognized by the early Japanese fighters, the restrictive nature of their armor had to be taken into account. Over the next six centuries of adaptation, war and even individual fighting changed greatly. Armor became too heavy to use, and many soldiers wore less of it. They had the ability to move faster, and their ease assisted them in creating yet more moves in theJapanese art of jujutsu. The Japanese perfected their own version of this amazing sport, and it was eventually called judo across the globe. It can be found in many places online by keying adult martial arts classes into a browser, but you might want to read on to see the history that changed it As their perfection came to a pinnacle in the 1880s, Jigero Kano developed his own version that encompassed the skills and abilities of other trained fighters. One of his students, Mitsuo Maeda, brought this newest form with him when he emigrated to Brazil in 1914. Cultural Differences Humbleness and artistry are a way of life for the Japanese, so it should come as no surprise that Maeda was happy to teach the son of his benefactor in Brazil. George Gracie had been born in Scotland, but he eventually moved to Brazil, became a local politician, and that is how he met and helped Maeda leave Japan for his new home in South America. Teaching Carlos Gracie the art of jujutsu was just the first step in the evolution of the sport to its modern form. There are many differences in cultures throughout the world, and it is notable that street fighting was much more common in the less ritualistic society of Brazil. The need to be able to defend against the large bullies targeting smaller people on the streets helped Carlos begin the change that would eventually sweep the world and change judo and jujutso into jiu jitsu. His cultural needs were adapted into the moves that would change it eventually into a new and exciting adventure in adult martial arts classes. In 1925, Carlos Gracie opened the first academy dedicated to the art of jiu jitsu. He eventually trained his younger brother, and it swept through the country as the years passed. Handing down the moves that would enable smaller fighters to overcome larger attackers became a family business. In 1970 Rorion Gracie was yet one more member of the family to learn the art, but he chose to move to Los Angeles instead of remaining in Brazil. Modern Jiu Jitsu When Rorion left home, his goal was to open his own school for students in a new area. He eventually met and worked with Art Davies to create the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It is a combination of the many martial arts moves that can be learned in modern jiu jitsu schools. The championship was about creating an arena where those studying any form of martial arts could compete against each other. The very first competition was held in 1993, and Royce Gracie, Rorion’s younger brother, excelled. His jiu jitsu skills helped him best four challengers larger than he was, and it helped propel the sport into the Mixed Martial Arts of modern society. If you are interested in learning to master and compete in jiu jitsu, keying martial arts near me should easily help you find what you seek. If competition is the goal, checking out the International Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Foundation for information on specific competitions will provide the current rules and points system being used in matches.

Formal training in sports has long been acknowledged as being good for physical and mental health, and parents find it is a good way for their kids to learn discipline. If you are looking for a way to help your child, signing them up for kids karate classes with us would be a good idea. It can give them the basics in learning how to defend themselves against physical attack, but it also helps their coordination. They will need to lengthen their attention span to learn, and they may even want you to take adult martial arts classes so they can see if you can keep up with them. Celebrity Jiu Jitsu Practitioners Getting your child interested in participating in kids martial arts may be easy if they have a favorite celebrity who practices it already. There are many who have used their fame to help inspire others in many ways. For those who are looking for a bridge to discuss the possibility of enrolling their children in kids karate classes, here are just a few celebrities currently involved in jiu jitsu to help inspire them. A decades long favorite, Keanu Reeves has a variety of martial arts to his name. He not only is a practitioner of jiu jitsu, he has sword fighting and kung fu training. These are all arts that have been helpful in some of his movie roles, but he focuses on how they have helped him improve his own life by enhancing his ability to pay attention to the world around him. One of America’s favorite fathers, Ed O’Neal is one more celebrity involved in the martial arts. He has been practicing long enough to obtain his black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. While that is no mean feat, just imagine the years he has had to marshall young actors through their lines as an adult in the studio. He might have chosen to take adult martial arts classes to help him with the patience needed to help his young co-stars, and he has certainly mastered the techniques and disciplines by making it all the way to the coveted black belt in this sport. Being beaten up as a teenager is the reason Jonah Hill gives for his venture into jiu jitsu. He sadly remembers school bullies going after younger or smaller kids with no fighting skills, and he was one. He is still in the first stages of learning, but he now has more confidence because he knows he can defend himself at any age. It is never too late to start learning this art form, yet it might be best to get your child started before a bullying episode has an opportunity to haunt them for a lifetime. Not Just for Guys Action heroes have generally been boys and men on the big and small screen, but today’s women are proving you do not have to be one of the guys to practice and excel in the martial arts. Rather than taking the sport down to an easier level, women are taking it seriously and earning their way to the top. Here are just a few female celebrities to help inspire your daughter when it comes to enrolling in kids marital arts classes. Playing a male or female superhero generally requires a stunt double to do the difficult physical tasks, but not for Margot Robbie. When she starred in Suicide Squad, she did her own stunts. Part of making movies is the preparation to play the role, and Margot decided that Brazilian jiu jitsu would help her out in this particular movie. She was right, and it only took going three times per week for her to have the confidence to make all the right moves during filming. As a child star on Barney & Friends, Demi Lovato has gone on to entertain the world in many different venues. She is an actress, a singer, and she is also a practitioner of Brazilian jiu jitsu. She holds a blue belt, but that will probably not be the final belt color she wears as she continues to practice her martial art skills on a regular basis. She does say it helps her maintain her mental health, and she has commented it will help with depression and anxiety. While she may not particularly have time to experience these feelings, she is aware others may have them.