Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling art with a primary focus on ground fighting in which practitioners utilize a series of techniques and submissions to either gain dominant position or submit their opponent with chokes or joint manipulations. Students and competitors wear what is called a Gi which consists of long pants, a jack style top as well as a belt which signifies the individual’s rank.

The art of Jiu-Jitsu is often referred to as the gentle art because it uses the concept that through the use of leverage and technique a smaller opponent will be able to defeat a larger opponent. This concept coupled with the success of the art in the sport of MMA is what has attracted a countless number of individuals to experience the art and sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

BJJ itself has existed and flourished in Brazil for several decades but its effectiveness was displayed during early versions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The tournament style competition pinned a variety of martial arts and fighting styles against one another and thanks to Royce Gracie, the world was exposed to Brazilian Jiu-Jistu and how a smaller competitor could defeat larger opponents through the use of technique and leverage. All modern day MMA fighters now incorporate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into their training regimens.

Brazilian Jiu-Jistu can also be trained for self-defense, sport or hobby along with being a key component in the sport of MMA. Many practitioners of the sport participate in grappling tournaments, which may include Gi and No-Gi competition.