Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is also called mixed martial arts (MMA). This sport has an interesting history because it has Japanese and Brazilian connections. This sport is connected to Kodokan judo and many of the masters connected to the sport were Japanese. These people include Mitsuyo Maeda, Takeo Yano, and Soshihiro Satake. Later on, Brazilian masters like Luiz Franca, Carlos Gracie, and Helio Gracie played pivotal roles in the development of the sport. In its present form, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not restricted to Japan or Brazil. It is a global sport with millions of passionate fans across the globe.
The philosophy of BJJ
Mixed martial arts is a combat sport but it is more of a grappling sport than a striking sport. A cardinal principle of this sport is that a much smaller opponent can defeat a bigger opponent using superior skill and fighting techniques. This is why the sport does not focus on brute force and large muscles. Instead, the emphasis is on technique, effective grappling skills, devastating holds, and chokes. BJJ promotes discipline, hard work, self-defense and honor. Some people describe BJJ as kick-boxing but this is not an accurate description of the sport. While you are allowed to use both your hands and your feet in BJJ, most successful fighters are technically sound professionals with grappling skills and devastating chokes and holds.
The Branches of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
There are four major branches of Jiu-Jitsu from the Brazilian sub-continent. These are the Gracie Humaita, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and the Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu branch. The idea of the four branches is not a universally accepted concept in the BJJ world. This is because different training organizations try to identify their own brand of the sport with their names. This is why fans of BJJ hear names like Machado Jiu-Jitsu (MJJ), Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Rules of BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has many rules. There are general rules as well as Gi rules. This sport also has submission grappling (no Gi) rules. Now, there is no point in going into all the detailed rules of the game. Below are some of the basic rules of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. The result is instant disqualification by the referee.
- Slamming is not allowed in BJJ.
- All combatants must show utmost respect to the referee.
- Combatants must wear the right uniform for BJJ fights.
- Fighters must compete in their approved divisions.
Scoring Rules
Below are some of the scoring rules in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The takedown or throw gets you 2 points while the body triangle from the back earns 4 points. If you pass the opponent’s guard, you get 3 points, the sweep nets 2 points and the back mount with hook gets you 4 points. Note that you can only gain points for a position if you show clear control for three seconds. The “no stalling” rule is very clear in BJJ. The combatant gets a warning for the first offense. For the second offense, the referee will give the advantage to the other opponent. A third offense attracts a 2-point deduction while the fourth offense leads to disqualification.
Fighting Techniques
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is unique in the sense that fighting techniques usually lead to success. A fighter on the ground may win the match by applying a devastating hold or lock on the opponent. In addition, a fighter may appear to be in a losing position to people watching the fight. However, this fighter can easily turn things around by executing a strong move. Some of the most popular moves employed by BJJ practitioners are the full mount, the side control, and the back mount. Others are the open guard, the half guard, and the closed guard.
Submissions
In many cases, a BJJ match ends with a submission. This happens when a combatant taps out. The coach can also end the match if his or her ward appears to be in bad shape. In this case, the coach simply throws in the towel and the referee ends the match. In some instances, the referee may end the match if one of the fighters can no longer continue or if a fighter is in danger of serious injury.
Safety Concerns
BJJ Grappling Dummy – reviews of grappling dummies and other concerned stakeholders express fears over the safety of fighters in BJJ matches. However, these fears are largely unfounded. Mixed martial arts is not as dangerous as boxing or wrestling. In any case, some chokes and holds are banned in MMA competitions to protect the fighters.
Crossover Fights
One evidence of the growing popularity of MMA is the fact that big name fighters in this sport have crossed over fights with professional boxers. Recently, Conor McGregor took on the great Floyd Mayweather in a boxing title fight. Mayweather won the fight but McGregor gave him a tough fight before he lost the fight in round 10.
Final Word
Mixed martial arts may not be as popular as soccer or basketball but its popularity is growing by the day. Grappling Dummies 2018 project that in future, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be a sport to reckon with in most parts of the globe.