Why Choose BJJ?

There are many martial arts out there, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. But there are several reasons that make Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stand out among the rest.

First, its self-defence benefits. BJJ is one of the most effective systems of self-defence you can learn. The proof of that claim is that the art’s techniques are taught to law enforcement officers around the world, as well as militaries including the United States’.

Second, its mixed-martial arts credentials. BJJ was proven to be arguably the most effective martial art during the early UFC years. Today, the UFC pits martial artists who have mastered several disciplines against one another. Initially, the UFC pitted an expert from one martial art against an expert of another. The result? Dominance by Royce Gracie, a Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

Finally, fitness. People often think they don’t have the discipline to exercise regularly, but often the problem is the exercise they’re doing. Running and weight lifting are both good for you, but they’re improbable to keep up if you’re bored by them. BJJ is an excellent full body workout, but it’s also fun. You’ll get healthier doing exercise that’s not a chore.

BJJ History

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a unique martial art, although it’s name is often a source of confusion. People often confuse it with the Japanese art of JuJutsu, but its origins are actually in another Japanese martial art: Judo.

Mitsuyo Maeda was a champion judo practitioner in Japan, and through allegedly winning thousands of fights earned the moniker “the toughest man who ever lived.” To expand Judo, which was at the time a new martial art that grew out of the age-old JuJutsu discipline, he toured the US, Mexico and Cuba before emigrating to Brazil.

There he met Gastão Gracie, who convinced Maeda to teach Judo to his children, Carlos and Helio. Helio was younger and weaker than Carlos, and modified the Judo techniques to suit his limited physical abilities. In place of the throws Judo is known for, he emphasized ground-based techniques. Leverage and timing were supreme. Through this tinkering, modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was born.

Helio Gracie’s son Royler heads Gracie Humaita, and awarded Bruno Panno a black belt in 2001. Bruno travelled to Australia in 2001 to establish the martial art — and one of his first students here was Gracie Botany Professor Craig, who earned his black belt in 2018.