With roots in Japan and Brazil, BJJ became an internationally recognised combat sport during the 1990s. It has developed a lot since the early days, not only to improve safety but to also to tailor the moves into more of a contact sport. Fighters have to get their opponent down to the ground, and then use a range of manoeuvres, submission holds, locks, chokes and other ground fighting techniques to achieve dominance.
BJJ is more about ground fighting than other martial arts. When you’re training for sport BJJ you’ll be pitted against a partner to practice your sparring techniques, as well as learning training exercises that are designed to help tune up your physical conditioning. Classes in BJJ for self-defence often involve one person being surrounded by a circle of other students, allowing practice at dealing with attacks from all directions, using Jiu Jitsu techniques they’ve learned.
Names of different holds include terms like, the paintbrush submission, the armbar submission, Kimura, and Triangle. Certain traditional moves are not permitted in competition for health and safety reasons. A good example is the twisting knee lock which can cause permanent damage and hospitalisation, so is not recommended. Other submissions and manoeuvres, such as the banana split and calf slicer submissions, are limited to the more experienced belts.
Tapping out is one of the earliest lessons in BJJ. This lets the opponent know that the move was successful so that the hold can be released before any real physical damage is done. If a competitor is experiencing pain or discomfort, they should choose to ‘tap out’ rather than risk further injury.
So if you're just getting into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, what should you wear? You'll definitely need a BJJ Gi. It's similar to the clothes worn in judo, but a closer fit. The first belt you’ll wear will be white, and as you work your way through the training, other coded colours of belts will be awarded, to demonstrate to others the level of your BJJ training and experience. If it's your thing, you'll soon get hooked and experience the satisfaction and fun of working towards higher levels.
If you’re looking to buy clothing for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, take a look at the range we stock and get in contact if you have any other questions. We'll get you kitted out.
