If you’ve ever watched a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) match, you may have noticed something odd: no punches, no kicks—just lots of hugging, twisting, and rolling around on the floor. But don’t be fooled! BJJ is far from a snuggle fest. It’s a martial art that’s all about strategy, leverage, and, let’s be honest, trying not to get choked out.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, explaining what it is, why it’s so popular, and maybe even why you should give it a try. Spoiler alert: you might end up in a triangle choke, but it’s all part of the fun.
What Exactly is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. The goal? To control your opponent and force them into a position where they tap out—or surrender. Sounds simple, right? But it’s like a chess game where every move matters. One minute, you’re on top, the next you’re pinned under someone twice your size. That’s the beauty of BJJ—it doesn’t matter how big you are, it’s all about technique.
Unlike other martial arts that emphasize strikes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches you how to use leverage and technique to defend yourself, even if you’re smaller or less strong than your opponent. And let’s face it: getting out of a chokehold with some smooth moves is much cooler than throwing a punch.
The Basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Before you throw yourself into the deep end, let’s break down some of the basic concepts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Trust us, understanding the fundamentals will make you feel less like a fish out of water in your first class.
Positions
In BJJ, there are different positions you can find yourself in during a match. Some are more comfortable than others, and a few make you feel like you’re trapped in a small cage of doom.
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Guard: This is the position where you’re on your back, but you’re not necessarily in danger. It’s actually one of the most defensive positions, where you use your legs to control your opponent. Think of it as a human spider web.
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Mount: Here, you’re on top of your opponent, sitting on their chest like a victorious knight. This position is the holy grail of submissions because it gives you control. Bonus points if you can pull off a submission here without looking too smug.
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Side Control: This one is a little like playing “peek-a-boo” with your opponent—except they’re not so happy to see you. You’re on top of them, but to their side. It’s a great way to start setting up submissions.
Submissions
Ah yes, the ultimate goal: bjj close to me. BJJ is all about using joint locks and chokes to get your opponent to tap out. Common submissions include:
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Armbar: The classic “you’re gonna wish you hadn’t messed with me” move. This submission hyperextends the arm, forcing your opponent to tap before their arm gets twisted into a human pretzel.
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Triangle Choke: Think of this one as the “friendly” hug—except it cuts off your opponent’s air supply. Your legs form a triangle around their neck, and you squeeze until they tap. No, they don’t get a cookie afterward.
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Rear-Naked Choke: This one’s exactly as it sounds. You get behind your opponent and choke them into submission. It’s like a cozy bear hug, but less cuddly.
Why Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu So Popular?
So, why has Brazilian Jiu Jitsu become so popular in recent years? Well, aside from the obvious fact that it’s cool to say you do something called “jiu jitsu,” BJJ offers real-world benefits.
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It’s Great for Self-Defense: Knowing how to defend yourself on the ground can be a game-changer, especially if you’re caught in a situation where striking isn’t an option.
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It’s a Workout: Don’t let the slow-moving, ground-hugging nature of BJJ fool you. Rolling on the mats is an incredible workout, combining strength, endurance, and flexibility. If you don’t feel sore the next day, you’re probably doing it wrong.
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It’s Addictive: Once you get the hang of it, BJJ becomes strangely addictive. You’ll start dreaming of sweeps, submissions, and chokeholds, and before you know it, you’ll be in the gym every day, trying to master every move.
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It’s Fun: Sure, you’re learning how to control people in ways they won’t be expecting, but BJJ is actually a lot of fun. You get to roll around, spar with friends, and—best of all—you can’t take yourself too seriously in a sport where you’re often trapped between someone’s legs while trying not to tap out.
Getting Started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
If you’re thinking about getting into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, don’t worry. You won’t have to learn all the moves in one day. In fact, you don’t even need to be in shape to start—just bring a willingness to get really comfortable with the floor.
Here’s how to get started:
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Find a Gym: Look for a local BJJ academy or gym. Most places offer beginner-friendly classes, so you won’t get thrown into the lion’s den (figuratively speaking).
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Get the Right Gear: In BJJ, you’ll typically wear a gi (a kimono-like uniform), but no-gi classes are also an option, where you wear athletic clothes. Either way, you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable. Pro tip: Avoid wearing your fanciest white gi the first time—you’ll probably get it dirty.
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Tap, Tap, Tap: One of the most important rules in BJJ is tapping out when you’re caught in a submission. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s about safety. Tap before something gets popped, locked, or choked.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for self-defense, fitness, or the sheer joy of tapping people out, it’s a martial art that offers more than just ground fighting. It’s a community, a workout, and—if you’re lucky—a chance to try and not get stuck in a triangle choke.
So, if you’re ready to join the ranks of BJJ practitioners and roll around with some new friends, sign up for a class and dive right in. Just remember: you might get choked, but you’ll always get back up for the next round.
