BJJ is an ideal form of self-defense since most attacks on women end up on the ground; Jiu-Jitsu is one of the very few forms of self-defense that deals with the most neglected form of combat, ground fighting. Also most martial arts rely on speed, strength or the element of surprise to be effective. What is not put into the equation is the fact that women are usually attacked by surprise without  given the opportunity to strike at the right moment. So what do you do when you find yourself on the ground with a person 100 pounds heavier than you on top of you? Certainty not punching and kicking.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enables practitioners to subdue their opponents without the use of punching and kicking, eliminating the need to use excessive force in a real-life self-defense situation. BJJ is a martial art that uses grappling techniques and ideal for diffusing an aggressive situation. Nobody has to get hurt with Jiu-Jitsu, the idea of “tapping out” during training allows the students to keep their training realistic, yet safe.

Kids are ranked in a belt system and within these belts they will earn degrees. The belt system allows your child to set long-term goals (becoming a black belt) and short-term goals, such as being able to execute a new technique they learned in class, or achieving their next degree or belt. These skills will help you child learn commitment and perseverance which are life-long skills important for every child to learn and understand to succeed in their goals.

Kids learn motor movement at a very early age. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu challenges the entire body, developing coordination, balance, agility and poise. These traits are often neglected and not fully developed in team sports. By starting children in Jiu-Jitsu they learn how to fall properly, and how to initiate movement patterns that are inherent to life and any sport they might choose down the road. We also begin basic fitness and calisthenics that will give them a leg-up on their peers who do not engage in fitness activities at an early age.

When practice is more important than your next belt, you have become a GB student. As a new student or someone who is moving up from the Fundamentals Program, you’ll find the Gracie Barra Advanced Classes perfect for taking your Jiu-Jitsu to the next level.