Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) where it comes from and basic rules

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world, attracting practitioners of all ages. Whether you want to learn self-defense or develop your physical condition, BJJ offers a complex experience based on technique, discipline and strategy. In this article, you discover what this discipline entails, how it appeared and what are the main rules by which it is guided.

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?

BJJ It represents a modern martial art, originating from Brazil, focused on ground combat. Practitioners aim to control the opponent through advantageous positions and end the fight using levers or strangulations. Instead of relying only on strength, you use techniques that involve body alignment and lever principle. Thus, you can participate in training or competitions regardless of age or level of physical training.

Compared to other martial arts, which emphasize hits, BJJ is differentiated by grappling. This means that you learn grips, control, positioning and ground immobilization methods. Many athletes appreciate this approach because it allows them to neutralize larger or more powerful opponents, developing useful strategic skills outside the hall.

A practical example: during a workout, a student weighing 20 kg less than his partner could effectively control and forced him to surrender, using the technique of a "triangle choke".

How BJJ is distinguished from other martial arts

Unlike styles like Karate or taekwondo, where attack techniques consist of kicks, BJJ focuses on ground control and submission techniques. Practitioners learn to neutralize aggressive actions, avoiding damage to the opponent as much as possible. For example, instead of hitting, you apply a strangulation or a lever so that your partner fails, reducing the risk of serious injuries.

This difference explains why BJJ so integrates so well into contact sports like MMA (mixed martial arts), giving fighters an additional weapon to resolve ground confrontations.

Origin and development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

BJJ origins find their roots in the early 20th century in Brazil. The style arose from the fusion of Japanese judo and jiu jitsu elements, brought by master Mitsuyo Maeda. The Gracie family had a major impact, adapting the techniques for the real fight and developing a clear training system.

Basically, members of the Gracie family have adjusted traditional movements to work effectively on the street or in competitions. Over the years, they opened schools, tested their methods in public matches, and turned BJJ into a globally recognized system. Today, many BJJ academies around the world take over this legacy.

A remarkable example occurred when Royce Gracie, a family representative, participated in the first editions of the UFC tournament, where he won by fighting against much more physically solid opponents, using exclusively BJJ techniques.

Basic Techniques and Training Style in BJJ

BJJ encompasses a wide range of techniques, mostly focused on ground combat. Practitioners learn to use strategic positions, as well as methods of obedience that force the opponent to fail.

Main positions in BJJ

• Guard: The practitioner stays on his back and controls the partner with the help of the legs. Closed, open guard or advanced variants such as "Spider Guard" allow fast transfers to the attack.
• Montada: the position above the opponent, which provides almost total control. From this position you can easily apply a strangulation.
• Side Control (Side Control): You are sideways to your partner, restricting their movements and preparing a possible completion.
• Back control: When you get behind your opponent, you prepare strangulations, such as the "Rear Naked Choke" technique.

Types of completions

The objective in a BJJ fight is to obey the opponent. The most common techniques include:

• Arm lever: Isolate your opponent's arm and apply pressure to force him to surrender.
• Strangulations: "Triangle choke" uses the legs to block blood circulation in the neck.

In training, the instructors explain step by step each technique and monitor the execution for safety.

Training with GI and NO-Gi

The GI practice involves the traditional equipment (resistant kimono), which you can use to control and maneuver your partner. For example, you can hang the GI sleeve to block an escape attempt. There are kimonos specially adapted for intense workouts, such as the model BJJ Kimono "Poderoso" Ripstop Extra-Light, very useful in competitions and long sessions.

You participate in no-gi sessions in Rashguard and shorts, and the sockets target more the body, not the equipment. Both approaches bring benefits. The GI practice calls for endurance and control, while NO-GI encourages speed and adaptability. For suitable equipment, you can consult the category of BJJ suits or Jiu Jitsu costumes.

A practical example: in many BJJ schools, in the same week you can participate in distinct classes, alternating GI and NO-GI, to complete your training.

Basic Rules in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Compliance with the rules ensures a safe and fair environment both in training and in competitions. Here are some of the most important rules:

belt system

Progress in BJJ is reflected by the colored belt system. For adults, the order of the belts is: white, blue, purple, brown, black. Children receive intermediate belts (yellow, orange, green, gray), adapted to their age and skill level. Each color marks a period of learning and mastering a set of techniques. For example, in the blue belt, practitioners must show a good mastery of basic techniques, such as guard crossings and the most common forms of obedience.

The instructor decides to promote to the next belt, assessing your skills on the mat, discipline and participation in training. Various models of BJJ belts comply with official requirements; It is important that the belt is clean and well fixed during training and competition.

Competitive rules

• Hits are not allowed in BJJ; The focus falls on control and obedience, reducing the risk of severe injuries.
• Certain techniques remain prohibited, especially in juniors (for example, dangerous levers on the knee or back, violent throws).
• The score reflects the evolution on the mattress: you get points for actions such as guard passing, side control or roller coaster, but also for effective rollovers (Sweep).
• There is also the concept of "advantage" - you get additional points for almost completed actions or moments when you dominated the opponent.

Basic equipment and safety

Participation in training and competitions requires compliance with standards related to equipment, hygiene and safety. The GI must be clean, well-maintained and respect a proper cut. You can watch suitable models on BJJ costumes.

Athletes also use protective accessories, such as dental protection, rashguard, knee pads or bandages. They reduce the risk of minor injuries, frequent in intense sparring phases. Official competitions are held on tatami surfaces, which cushion falls and prevent accidents. You can find details about Gym and Tatami Equipment, useful both for clubs and for individual training.

Sanctions

Failure to comply with the rules brings warnings, penalties or, in some cases, disqualification. Respect for partners and instructors, as well as compliance with hygiene rules, support a positive training climate.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is not just a contact sport, but a modern martial art that combines technique, strategy and self-control. Born in Brazil, but spread worldwide today, BJJ teaches practitioners how to turn the strength of the opponent into an advantage and how to win through intelligence and technique, not through raw power. The basic rules make it accessible to anyone, from children to performance athletes, and the benefits are obvious: physical strength, self-confidence and a united community of respect and discipline.