Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of grappling in which opponents aim to end a match through the use of submissions. It is a sport/martial art which has gained tremendous popularity over the last decade primarily due to the efforts of the Gracie family and the tremendous popularity of Mixed Martial Arts on television and pay per view.
Students who train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu learn techniques which allow smaller often weaker practictioners to gain the advantage over larger and stronger opponents through the effective use of technique versus strength.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on an adapted version of the original Japanese Art of Judo which arrived to Brazil in the early 1900's. At the time the terms Judo and Jiu Jitsu were used in some circles synonomously and when it hit Brazil the term Jiu Jitsu stuck.
Practioners use both the traditional Judo style Gi as well as no-Gi in which paractitioners wear shorts or other casual training attire. This allows the BJJ participant to experience both traditional moves as well as more adaptive ground fighting techniques which might have practical self defense applications.
Training
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes normally start of with about 15 - 20 minutes of light conditioning and stretching. Some of the exercises are unique to Jiu Jitsu training as they emphasize common movements in ground fighting. Some of the stretches and exercises are common to many other forms of fitness training. Once the class is warmed up and stretched out techniques are shown one at a time and then students pair off to try the techniques and instructors move about the group helping each pair to perfect their practice of what they were shown.
At this stage of practice the emphasis is on the accuracy of the technique and the attitude of each student is in helping their partner to perfect what they have been shown.
In the final phase of a typical class the group breaks apart again into pairs for 3 minute rounds of free form sparring. This type of sparring is all done on the ground and students are free to try the best they can to gain the advantage in position and if possible to submit their opponent.
Some classes are held with Gi's on and some are without. You can see which are which by looking at our course schedule.
Belt System
RITC3 uses a standard belt system for promotion. Belts are used to help to let the student know that they have progressed to a certain level as well as letting the instructor know how advanced the student should be in each technique.
Adult belt colors (16 and over)
- White
- Blue
- Purple
- Brown
- Black
- Red
Children belt colors (15 and under)
- White
- Yellow
- Orange
- Green