What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? 

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a non-striking combat sport which is largely contested on the ground. It encompasses elements of both Judo and Wrestling as a means to takedown or sweep one’s opponent. It applies the principles of kuzushi (off-balancing), angles, timing, pressure and control to achieve the submission of one’s opponent.  Submission can occur from joint-locks, strangles or chokes. 

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is divided into two styles, where rulesets and techniques differ: 

• In Gi jiu jitsu, participants make use of the gi (kimono); the fabric can be gripped to apply various techniques including strangles (as in Judo).  
• In No-Gi jiu jitsu, gripping the material is not allowed, and there is considerably less friction; as such, No-Gi is often faster-paced, incorporates more Olympic Wrestling-style techniques, and allows more submissions (notably leg-locks) in certain rulesets.   

Adult (all levels) Class Structure 

Each class will open with a warm-up based on stand-up techniques relevant to the style (Judo for Gi classes and Wrestling for No-Gi). 

After warming up, the main technique will be taught. Techniques will follow a theme which progresses in each class over a period of several weeks. After learning new technique, we enter the pressure-testing phase of the class where techniques are tested with realistic reactions.  

Positional sparring will follow, where sparring commences from set positions and re-sets after an objective has been achieved. Finally, full sparring will take place where participants can test their skills in a safe environment. 

Beginners’ Class Structure 

The beginners’ classes will begin with basic grappling movements such as learning to break-fall properly.

After warming up, the main technique of the class will be taught. We often do light situational sparring before we show the technique of the class, where sparring commences from a set position (from a position we will teach that session) and re-sets after an objective has been achieved. This provides the opportunity for beginners’ to explore the position and to try problem solve from there. We will then show techniques/concepts from the position to help guide beginners’. After drilling the new techniques, we repeat the positional sparring round from earlier in the class. 

More positional sparring will follow from different positions. Finally, 1 or 2 full sparring rounds will take place where participants can test their skills in a safe environment.