Brazilian Jiujitsu

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a grappling art that originated from Japanese Jujitsu, Judo, and Catch-Wrestling arts brought over to Brazil by Japanese immigrants in the early twentieth century. Starting in the 1920s, Brazilian practitioners of the art began to adapt and hone the techniques to make them more efficient, allowing smaller and lighter fighters to use them effectively against larger and stronger opponents.

“Gi” vs. “No-Gi” Jiu-jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is practiced to two distinct ways with regard to equipment. In Gi jiu-jitsu, practitioners and competitors wear a traditional garment called the gi, which consists of pants and kimono-style jacket closed with a belt. This allows them to grip, choke and control their opponent in ways that mimic clothing. In “No-Gi” jiu-jitsu, the gi is not worn. Instead, practitioners wear close-fitting shirts and shorts, and grabbing the clothing is not allowed. Both styles have their advantages, and most committed jiu-jitsu players train in both styles.