WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport and effective self defense system that emphasizes ground grappling, with free sparring being an important training method. The aim is generally to use a variety of grappling holds to advance in positioning, and to finally obtain a submission hold, referred to as "Position before Submission". Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is usually practiced in a gi very similar or identical to a Judogi (which is called kimono in Brazil), but non-gi training is also part of the training regimen in many BJJ schools, and is sometimes referred to as 'submission wrestling'. It is well known for its effectiveness in mixed martial arts/no holds barred fighting. It was made famous by Royce Gracie in the 1993 Ultimate Fighting Championship. It also has realistic self-defense application. The term Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) is sometimes used interchangebly with Brazilian "jiu-jitsu", but is trademarked by Rorion Gracie, and specifically refers to the style of Brazilian jiu-jitsu taught by him and other selected teachers. Of course, his system and the other BJJ systems are similar, except for a few theories.