What Is Jiu Jitsu

What Is Jiu Jitsu? It is a Japanese form of martial art styles which consists of
grappling and striking techniques. History shows that this was first introduced
before 750 AD and this reached its peak when Japan was united in the early
1600's.

The reason why Jiu Jitsu flourished was because no one was allowed to carry
weapons anymore. This meant that the only way to protect yourself was through
hand to hand combat which even someone smaller can do to win over a bigger and
heavier opponent. In the years that followed, this martial art was taught to
both the police and the army.

Jiu Jitsu is sometimes spelled as jujitsu. Regardless of how you spell it, in
English means the practice of gentleness. This can only be achieved with proper
timing and leverage so you are able to grab hold to your opponent and then
execute a few strikes so this person is no longer a threat.

Aside from learning how to defend yourself, it changes you as a person since you
become more calm and focused. Students will also be able to learn other values
such as efficiency, patience, surrender and yielding.

In some schools, you will also learn how to fight using a variety of weapons,
others will teach healing techniques like giving another person a massage and
there are those that put a heavy value on the study of philosophical or
spiritual concepts.

Jiu Jitsu gave rise to other martial arts forms. First is judo which is often
compared to freestyle wrestling and while the two shares many techniques, Judo
focuses on self defense maneuvers so you are able to throw your opponent off
balance and then execute a throw.

The other is Aikido as it uses hand techniques redirect the force used by the
opponent. Once the threat is on the ground, you may now use various painful hold
techniques until he or she surrenders. If they don't, their elbow joint will be
dislocated or rendered unconscious.

Jiu Jitsu is not a sport which is why unlike karate or tae kwon do, there are no
competitions. However, the Brazilian form of Jiu Jitsu which was adapted from
Judo is. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is a major
governing body for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) which hosts several of the biggest
tournaments in the world, including the European Championships, Mundials and Pan
American.

This was founded by Carlos Gracie, Jr., head of Gracie Barra and son of Carlos
Gracie, the founder of this form of martial art. The IBJJF is closely tied to
the Confederacao Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu, sharing its rules and regulations.

Although Jiu Jitsu is quite old, its technique is visible in other martial arts.
You will see this used by some fighters during mixed martial arts competitions
like the Ultimate Fighting Championship which has become popular ever since this
was first introduced in the early 1990's.

In fact, Royce Gracie used the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu technique and was the first,
second, third and fourth champion of this tournament.

Anyone can learn Jiu Jitsu. This is the reason that it is often taught in
self-defense classes so anyone who is under threat will be able to neutralize
the attacker, escape and get help. All you have to do is find a gym which offers
it to students.

Why You Should Learn Jiu Jitsu

To be prepared is the only way you can keep yourself out of harm's way. You
might think that a can of mace will be able to do that but if you don't have
time to take it out, then it is useless. This is why you have to learn Jiu
Jitsu.

Jiu Jitsu is an ancient Japanese martial art. It is technique which consists of
ground grappling, punches, kicks, throws and weapons. The key here is leverage
so even someone small will be able to learn it.

If you think defending yourself is the only benefit of learning Jiu Jitsu, think
again. Studies have shown that learning a martial art like this one will help
build balance and coordination, increase your self-confidence and
self-discipline, improve mental focus as well as reduce stress.

It is also a great form of exercise that will significantly improve your
endurance, flexibility, muscle tone, speed and strength since you are doing this
repeatedly to get the technique right.

You can also learn Jiu Jitsu to attain fame and fortune. You will have to learn
this technique first and become an expert just like Royce Gracie who used this
technique to win the first four championship titles of the UFC or Ultimate
Fighting Championship.

Anyone can learn Jiu Jitsu. If you enroll your child in a program, you will
notice that their confidence levels will improve thanks to the help of
experienced instructors and students who will all be helping in a
non-competitive environment. In fact, two of the most important values that will
be instilled in them is patience and self-control because it teaches them to
yield rather than resist.

For adults, this will reduce your stress levels and enable you to develop
conflict resolution skills since sound decisions can only be made when you are
relaxed and your mind is at ease.

Regardless of age, people who learn Jiu Jitsu or any other martial art are less
likely to get involved in violent situations.

So now that you know the benefits of learning Jiu Jitsu, the only thing to do now 
is find a gym that offers it. You can ask your friends, check out the neighborhood 
gyms or surf online. Once you have found it, see if you can attend one class then 
decide whether or not you want to pursue it. Most gyms offer the first class for 
free so you should take advantage of it.

There are certain rules which you have to follow in order to learn Jiu Jitsu.
This includes wearing the proper attire, how to address the instructor and
proper behavior in class which is to show respect and for the safety of everyone
present.

Students who practice and are ready may move on to the next belt. This can
happen at any time as long as you are able to complete the requirements. If you
fail, then you just have to practice where you had trouble and then retake it.

Jiu Jitsu which means the gentle art is not designed as an offensive weapon but
rather a defensive one. This will be very useful during an attack because you
will be able to subdue your opponent without causing any injury but bodily harm
may be necessary if you have no other choice.

What to Expect in Jiu Jitsu

It is no joke when you want to learn a martial art. After all, many students do
it so they are able to defend themselves. But what can you expect in Jiu Jitsu?

Getting into any physical activity like Jiu Jitsu is a great way to keep your
body fit. You can expect improvements in your endurance, strength and speed and
with all the stretching exercises, you will become very flexible.

When you are attacked, the training provided will enable you to handle a certain
amount of pain so you will be able to overcome it and have the strength to fight
back. You will learn this in class by falling, rolling and being thrown to the
ground. Those who are just starting will only join the main class when they feel
comfortable.

In essence, beginners of Jiu Jitsu will learn 4 basic things namely basic hold
and escapes, basic throwing arts, grappling arts and advanced combination arts.
As you move up to another belt, other things are taught like how to defend
yourself against knife and gun attacks, a system of resuscitation and
restorative massage techniques.

The only way you can move to another belt class is to pass certain requirements
and then demonstrate these skills in front of your instructor. If you pass, then
you will be given the next color. Those who don't make it should practice where
they went wrong so this will not happen again.

If this is your first time to walk into a gym, someone from the club will
introduce you to the school and inform you of the rules that you have to follow
once you step in the door. An example of this is bowing each time you enter
through the door and when you set your foot on the mat which should also be done
at the end of each class or when you leave the gym.

Another is properly addressing the instructor even if he or she may be younger
than you. You have to remember that these individuals worked their way up the
ladder to reach the color of their belt.

Should you buy a Gi or uniform before joining a class? Not yet unless you
already signed up in the program. If you haven't, you will be allowed to come in
wearing a shirt and pants during the first few sessions and then get the
official attire later on.

But what if you are already experienced in another martial art and want to learn
Jiu Jitsu? If that is the case, someone from the gym will talk to you about your
previous martial arts experience before integrating you to the rest of the
class.

Aikido and Judo are similar to Jiu Jitsu so you don't have to start again with a
white belt but if you know Tae Kwon Do or Karate, you will have to start from
the bottom and soon experience something that you have never done before.

There are a lot of things you can expect when you enroll in Jiu Jitsu. At the
end of each class, you will fill refreshed and relieved even if you just had an
exhausting day at the office. Aside from mastering the art of defending oneself,
you will learn to have self-confidence, self-control, self-discipline and
respect for others.

Scoring in Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most popular form of martial art that evolved from
the Japanese. There are various competitions held every year and the scoring
system will determine who will be the winner at the end of the tournament.

One point is credited when the following is done.

1. The fighter delivers a clean striking technique using either the hand or the
foot to legal target areas. Strikes to the head are allowed as long as it is
light or touch contact only.

2. The same goes to the inner or outer thigh when a roundhouse kick is made
using either light or medium contact.

3. When the strike made looks potentially damaging or injurious.

4. If the player launches a combination of strikes, the judge may award multiple
points but this is at their discretion.

5. Multiple strikes will only be allowed during a 5 second period should
grappling occur. Afterwards, both sides should break and then the match resumes.

You can get more points if you are able to execute a controlled kick to the head
as long as it is only a light touch to the head gear area. Multiple points are
given when you are able to execute a legitimate hold down position during the
allotted ground time.

This depends on the color of the belts of those who are competing. For instance,
a black belt is awarded 2 points for every 10 seconds up to the 30 second time
limit. For lower belts, a point is awarded for every 5 seconds for a 15 second
time limit.

The hold down time starts when the signal is given by the signal referee. Unlike
boxing where you can be saved by the bell, it does not happen here so the point
is counted on the fighter who initiated it.

Other ways to score points could happen if you execute a half-throw or sweep
which causes the opponent's foot to leave the mat and when the referee
intervenes should the choke or lock cause serious injury if this was allowed to
continue.

Lastly, submission also constitutes points for the fighter.

Points can be deducted if the referee sees that excessive contact was used on
the opponent. Examples of these include using illegal fighting techniques,
running out of bounds to avoid a fight, attacking illegal areas, falling on the
ground to avoid an attack, continuing to fight even after being ordered to stop,
disrespect to officials and other competitors as well as unsportman's like
conduct.

Aside from deducting points, the referee may disqualify the player from the
tournament. This is classified as minor or major. Minor disqualification means
you cannot play anymore during the existing contest. Major means being banned to
participate in future competitions for a designated period of time.

A Jiu Jitsu match consists of two rounds which lasts a minute with a 30 second
break in between. This will give time for both players to rest and the referee
time to check who is leading among the two fighters. Once the time is up, the
referee will signal the second round to begin. The rules for black belts are the
same but instead of having two rounds that last a minute, it is two rounds that
last 2 minutes each.

Scoring in Jiu Jitsu is not that different from other contact sports. After the
two rounds, the scores are tabulated and the referee will announce the winner.

Jiu Jitsu Etiquette

Jiu Jitsu is an ancient martial art. If you want to learn it, you have to enroll
in a gym and follow Jiu Jitsu etiquette.

Jiu Jitsu etiquette is practiced by everyone and there are no exceptions. If you
forget what these are, just remember to follow whatever the senior student lead
is doing.

1. You have to wear the proper judo uniform during class but if you don't have
one yet, just come in a T-shirt and sweat pants or shorts.

2. It is going to get hot during the session so bring a towel and be sure to
bring a water bottle to avoid dehydration.

3. You are allowed to take notes during class so you can review it when you get
home. This should be turned over to your Sensei as this is one of the components
that is graded in order for you to get the next belt.

4. The instructor regardless if this person is male or female must be called
"Sensei" which means "the one who has gone before." Outside, this person can be
addressed on a first name basis. If the person who is teaching you is not an
instructor but is helping you develop proper technique, they can be addressed as
Sir or Ma'am. As for your classmates, you can call them using their first names.

5. Aside from calling the instructor Sensei, you also have to bow which is the
Jiu Jitsu salute. This is done before working out with a partner and after as
this shows respect for each other. The proper way of bowing is to stand with
your feet together and with both hands on the front of the thighs. You must
maintain eye contact when you bend forward and slide the hands down the thighs
for a second before standing up again.

6. The bow should also be done when entering or leaving the mat and dojo. This
lets others know you are there to practice with them and also signifies that
whatever worries you have are not important so you are focused during class.
When the class is done and you bow, you are once again ready to return to
reality.

7. If the class has started and you are either entering or leaving the mat, be
sure to inform the instructor first so he or she knows where everyone is.

8. There are seating arrangements in a class. Brown belts seat on the left of
the instructor, blue and green on the right. White belts which are the beginners
will always sit facing the instructor. When signaled, everyone bows to the
instructor and he too will do the same.

9. How you sit during a Jiu Jitsu class is important. The proper way is on your
knees with your buttocks resting on your feet. The other is to sit cross legged.
Any other pose is considered inconsiderate and impolite unless you have an
injury.

10. During a match or a Randori, tapping is one way to show submission. This is
done by tapping the person or the mat and when this is done, you must stop.

Jiu Jitsu etiquette must be practiced at all times so no one is seriously hurt.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask the Sensei or anyone who is senior.

3 Modes of Fighting in Quantum Jiu Jitsu

There are 3 modes of fighting in Quantum Jiu Jitsu namely Out-Fighting,
In-Fighting and Ground Fighting. If you want to be a good fighter, you have to
be an expert in all three.

Out-Fighting is combat before you clinch. It consists of combinations, defense,
movement, strikes and stance.

When you are on the offense, you have to throw a combination of punches and
kicks so the opponent is not able to protect himself. You have to make each shot
count by letting the power come from both your weight and momentum.

Naturally, whoever you are fighting is not just going to stand there and take
your hits. He or she will also do their share to inflict pain so you have to
know how to defend yourself by learning some blocks and evasions. The most
common is being able to keep your hands up and absorb the blow.

Movement is part of defense and offense. By staying on the balls of your feet,
you will be able to switch direction and change levels. The best way to practice
that is to do this in front of a mirror with some music playing. If you notice,
you dance to the rhythm and this is very similar when you are engaged in a
conflict.

The foundation of Out-Fighting is the strike and this is best achieved with a
combination of punches and strikes. This is most effective when you are able to
knockout your opponent and you can learn this in the form of complex individual
techniques.

Lastly, is the stance. Just like a boxer, you have to keep your heads up and
your chin down. While it is hard to say which one is best, you should only use
whichever is most comfortable with you.

The second mode of Quantum Jiu Jitsu is In-Fighting. The difference here is that
this is combat after you clinch. This consists of the clinch, defense, shoots,
strikes, throws and takedown.

The clinch is the foundation of In-Fighting because this will allow you to
control your opponent. From there, you will be able to throw a series of punches
or kicks and this can only be achieved with a relatively straight posture
otherwise, you will technique will not be very effective.

You might think that strikes, shoots and throws here is the same in
Out-fighting. That is partly true except for the fact that the techniques used
are for close quarters combat. As for the takedown, a knockout is classic
example. Just make sure you end it in a control position.

As for defense, you can do this with a grip and body position. It is important
to get your hips out while fighting for control and not get pulled in a bent
position since your torque power relies on an upright posture so keep your head
up and chin down.

The last mode of Quantum Jiu Jitsu is Ground Fighting and this happens when you
hit the floor. This consists of the same things as In-Fighting with the addition
of transitions. This is achieved by learning how to change and adapt that will
allow you to have dominant control over your opponent.

Anyone can learn Quantum Jiu-Jitsu. By learning these three modes of fighting,
you will be able to win over your opponent.

Why Joint Locks Are Sometimes Ineffective in Jiu Jitsu

There are different ways to make a person submit in Jiu Jitsu. One technique is
the joint lock which involves manipulating the opponent's joint in such a way
that it reaches their maximal degree of motion. There are 5 types namely arm
locks, leg locks, small joint manipulation, spinal locks and wristlocks.
Unfortunately, some people don't do this right making what they are doing
ineffective and here are the reasons why.

Poor mechanics is very common. To prevent this from happening, you have to learn
the mechanics of this technique so you know precisely where to put your strength
specifically most of your body weight into one joint.

Your joint lock will also be unsuccessful if your opponent is very flexible.
Although r are, some people are able to bend their arms backward to almost a 90
degree angle or bend their wrist backward and touch the palm of their hands
using their forearms.

Another possible reason is that your opponent has a high tolerance for pain.
This means that even if you are able to do it correctly, that person is still
able to withstand it.

If the person does not seem to have a high tolerance for pain, it is possible
that your opponent is mentally deranged or high on a drug.

When this happens, you have to try another submission technique like a chokehold
because they will be unconscious if they do not submit to you.

A good example is the Rear Carotid Restraint. This is done by reaching deep in
front of the opponent toward his stomach and molding your biceps against the
side of his neck. You then bend your arm so that your elbow is pointed straight
down and the crook of your elbow is directly below his trachea.

Now reach up high and grab your own shoulder or simply grasp a handful of his
shirt. Your biceps and the inside of your forearm should press on the sides of
the neck. With your free hand behind his head, use it to push the back of his
head forward while pushing with the elbow that encircles his neck into his chest
as though you are squeezing it towards his spine. Shrug his shoulders up like
you are hanging him and hold it for a few seconds until his body goes limp.

As mentioned before, it is not often that you encounter an opponent that is
flexible. Another reason why your joint lock is not working could be they had a
previous injury in the same spot before.

The last reason why your joint lock is not effective could be a combination of
any of the reasons stated.

Of the different reasons mentioned as to why your joint lock does not work, poor
mechanics happens to be the only thing that is under your control. The rest
really depends on your opponent and if you can't handle the situation, the best
thing to do will be to run and get help.

Jiu Jitsu is not the only martial art that uses joint locks to make an opponent
submit. This is also used in Aikido, Catch Wrestling and Judo to name a few. If
you want to get this right, you have to practice this regularly this technique
regularly so it can be used when a threat presents itself.

Finding a Jiu Jitsu Gym

Jiu Jitsu is offered in a lot of gyms across the United States because it is an
effective self-defense technique that anyone can use when faced with a threat.
If you want to learn that, all you have to do is find a gym.

One thing you should know when looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym is that each one is
different. It is only in doing some research and asking the instructor some
questions will you be able to find the right one for you.

You should ask the instructor to tell you a little bit about the school. They
should tell you how long they have been in operation, how things are done here
and if they are a member of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation or AJJF.

Most students start out as white belts. In order to move up, a good question to
ask will be what is their testing policy and what are the fees. In general, test
fees should not exceed $60 and the cost should be the same regardless of the
color.

It will also be nice to know the name of the head instructor and how many junior
instructors there are present. Naturally, they will tell you the accomplishments
of these individuals and you can check this out by doing some research on the
web.

Students are required to wear the proper attire when inside the gym. If this
will be your first time, ask if you can wear a T-shirt and pants or shorts
first. If you are told to wear the Gi which is the official uniform, then go
ahead and get it because you will be using even if sign up in another gym.

The Gi will cost from $30 to $60 and will last several years before you have to
buy a new one. Just be sure to keep it clean.

If the gym teaches Jiu Jitsu to all ages, you should know how these are grouped.
If you are an adult, you don't want to be in a class that has kids in it but
rather with those who are close to your age group.

One of the most important questions to ask is how much the classes are. A lot of
instructors will try to avoid answering this question and instead try to give
you a free trail period. Although that sounds good, you need to know how much
you will be paying when you decide to do this on a regular basis.

Is there a contract? If there is none, then that is great but gyms that have it
do not allow you to cancel for any reason including injury.

Aside from speaking to the head, make time to talk to the students there. Their
input is also important especially when you will be paying a monthly fee as a
member of the gym.

After asking these questions, go home and then pick the top three. You should
then make time to avail of the free class to get the feel of what it is like to
workout over there. This will all help narrow down your choices so you are able
to find a gym, go there on a regular basis and learn everything there is to know
about Jiu Jitsu.

Jiu Jitsu Equipment

The proper equipment in Jiu Jitsu must be worn at all tim es for the safety of
the fighter and those he or she will compete against. This is the reason that
this is inspected by the judges before a match is about to begin.

But what equipment do you need to have in order to compete in Jiu Jitsu? The
good news is that you don't need a lot of stuff. Just make sure that you have
everything that is needed.

First, you must have a Gi which is a traditional martial arts uniform with
sleeves no more than a fist distance up the arm from the waist. This will give
you and your opponent the opportunity to grab hold of the other since grappling
is one way of scoring a point.

If there is blood or there is a tear, this has to be replaced immediately
otherwise the fighter forfeits the match.

For those who want to spar, you will need gloves and feet protectors so you do
not inflict any serious harm on your sparring partner. If you want to do full
contact sparring, you will need some proper boxing gloves.

These are available in both open and closed palm designs. In order for this to
be certified, it must have at least a half inch of medium to soft foam.

To prevent broken jaws, you should also use a mouth guard because accidents do
happen and you might get hit pretty hard in the facial area especially in the
mouth. The same goes for men who might get hit in the groin. Fortunately, you
can buy a groin protector.

Although a sports bra isn't very thick, this is something women should have so
they don't feel any discomfort in combat and embarrassment should all the
grappling make one side of the Gi come off.

You may also use a heavy bag to practice your punches. Ideally, this should
weigh a hundred pounds and measures 6 feet in height so that when you are not
sparring, you are able to practice other techniques.

Helmets are only mandatory for fighters under the age of 16 but anyone who wants
to use it will be allowed to so. After all, the padding to the head will protect
your ears, eyes and forehead in the event of a frontal strike.

Although Jiu Jitsu is best practiced numerous times and in the ring, you can
learn a few tricks which you can use by watching videos on how others do it. You
can buy the DVD or watch this through the web especially when you don't have to
pay a thing.

Most Jiu Jitsu equipment is sold separately but there are some retailers that
sell these in sets which consists of a sparing mitt, shin guards and boots.
These are available in different sizes and designs so you are sure to find
something you like.

All Jiu Jitsu equipment must not contain anything metal or plastic especially
when this is what you are going to use against your opponent. Keep in mind that
although this is a contact sport, you are not there to inflict any serious
injury.

Becoming a good Jiu Jitsu fighter is not easy and you will have to practice real
hard so you can win during the tournament. If you need other things to help
improve your skills, ask your instructor about it so he or she can point you in
the right direction.

Three Moves in Jiu Jitsu to Subdue an Attacker

Jiu Jitsu is an effective martial art technique that is very useful in close
quarter combat. To give you an idea, here are three moves which you can use when
there is a threat.

The first is called the Clinch. Most people attack by punching or kicking when
they know there are in range to do so. The best way to avoid getting hit is to
stay out of the hitting range or go close enough to limit his or her punching or
kicking ability.

To make this happen, you have to get your head against your opponent's chest
then get your hands up to your forehead with your forearms so you avoid getting
punched in the face. At the same time, you close the gap by leading with a leg
check or a distracting kick to his leg.

You now sweep your hands out to block his biceps on each arm, trap his arms by
hooking your hands over his triceps and use your forearms to control his arms.
With your forehead still on his chest and by pulling his arms, you create
isometric tension limiting his punch and movement.

This move is completed when you reach around his back with one arm and move to
that side. Make sure that you his other arm tightly under your armpit so you can
still protect your face by burying it in the biceps of the trap arm. Don't
forget to pinch your thighs on the leg closest t you so he won't be able to turn
and knee you to the groin.

You can still fight if the attacker has overpowered you. For that, you employ
the second move called the Closed Guard. For this to work, you have to be on the
ground facing your attacker. You wrap both of your legs around him so his body
is in between your thighs.

With your lower body having a tight grip, try to get one of his arms by trapping
it under your arm and grabbing behind his elbow. Ideally, the arm you should
catch is the one he uses to punch you with.

Using your other hand, hold his head down as this will limit his ability to sit
upright and protect you from a head butt. You can do this by holding the back of
his head or by the back of the neck.

Unlike the first move, the attacker will still be able to hit you so protect
yourself from these attacks using your elbow and knee.

The Closed Guard will not work if the attacker is too large or too strong. When
this happens, try the third move called the Open Guard instead. This is achieved
by thrusting both of your knees into the chest.

With your head back on the ground and your hands covering your face, arch your
back and push this person as far back as possible. Should he stand up, put your
back on the floor and use your feet on his hips.

If the attacker decide to lunge forward and choke you, put your feet on his hips
and pull him forward until his head is even with yours then use your legs to
pick him up and flip him over your head.

These three Jiu Jitsu moves should be practiced regularly so your reflexes will
kick in when you are in danger. The best way of course is to enroll in a gym
and work with a sparring partner.

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