Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling with an emphasis on ground fighting. The goal is to achieve a dominant position and ensure that an attacker taps out as quickly as possible. It is based on an adapted version of the traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu, called ‘Jiu-do’.
The idea is that soft beats hard. In other words, a smaller, weaker person can defend themselves against a stronger and larger attacker with the right techniques and movements. You can practice it for self-defense, during special Grappling tournaments, and Mixed Martial Arts tournaments. Sparring and continuous repetition of exercises play an important role in training. It is mainly about the performance delivered, especially during matches and tournaments.
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The sport began when Mitsuyo Maeda, a master in Kosen Judo (a form of judo that specializes more in ground fighting, called Ne Waza), emigrated to Brazil. He changed training methods to non-lethal and taught these techniques to Carlos Gracie, who in turn passed them on to his younger brother Helio. The brothers taught their children the sport, which the family tradition still continues today. The Gracie family has continuously perfected the system over the years.
Often, they fight Vale Tudo matches (predecessor of Mixed Martial Arts) where they focused on ground fighting and adaptations of techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became known in the United States in the early ’90s when Royce Gracie won the first, second, and fourth ‘Ultimate Fighting’ championships. Since then, it has become a preferred sport for many MMA fighters and is widely praised for its emphasis on ground fighting. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments have gained growing attention worldwide and are becoming increasingly well-known and larger, such as the no-gi submission grappling tournaments of the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club).
Sometimes the sport is called Gracie Jiu Jitsu, but this name is trademarked by Rorion Gracie and refers to the style he and his teachers promoted. Other members of the Gracie family have similar styles, such as Charles Gracie and Renzo Gracie. The Machado brothers call it Machado Jiu-Jitsu. Each style has its own unique aspects but are generally considered derivatives of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Netherlands
Although the sport has been practiced for years in the Netherlands, it is not yet very well known, despite the fact that we have worldwide recognition in the field of martial arts. There are quite a few schools in the Netherlands where you can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Usually, they have a ‘black belt’ instructor, but not all. The trainers mainly come from Brazil. Mathieu Peters from Oss is the first Dutch ‘black belt’. He passed the prestigious exam in January 2007 at the Yamasaki Academy in Washington, USA. The expectation is that the sport will take off enormously in the Netherlands. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is seen as one of the most effective martial arts.
In Belgium, there are already several black belts: Juan Grizzo, Sabatine, Mario D’Hoker, and Koen Smets. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also very popular here, and the number of practitioners is steadily growing. Many were forced in the past to travel abroad for competitions and seminars. Nowadays, clubs themselves increasingly organize camps, seminars, and competitions to raise their level.
