Please stop by for a free introductory class and experience it for yourself. All are welcome at Gracie Barra Niagara.

In 1914 a Japanese Judo and jiu-jitsu master named Mitsuo Maeda traveled to Brazil. In return for help from a Brazilian politician, Maeda taught jiu-jitsu to one of his sons, Carlos Gracie, who then shared these techniques with his brother Helio. These brothers went on to further refine the art via constant no-rules competition and practice, developing what would become Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. From that, all varieties of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu soon developed. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) deviated from traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu because it took a completely different approach to applying the techniques. Instead of relying on elements like speed and strength, BJJ uses the principles of leverage and position in its application. Since the BJJ practitioner is not trying to match the speed or strength of his/her opponent, it is easier for a much smaller person who understands BJJ to control or defeat an opponent that is considerably heavier or stronger. BJJ teaches a variety of chokes and joint manipulation in order to subdue an opponent. BJJ is different than other Arts in that the reliance on striking an opponent is minimized. The BJJ player aims to “close the distance” between him/herself and the opponent to get in close and bring the situation down to the ground, where grappling techniques can be employed most effectively using leverage. BJJ views this as practical theory, since most physical conflicts or attacks involve being grabbed, or going to the ground.

Functional Training: Most other Martial Arts teach destructive techniques such as striking or gouging opponents. It is therefore very difficult to functionally train for this, or to practice these techniques on a training partner in a practical conflict situation. The result is that the student does not know if the techniques being studied will work in a real life physical confrontation, until the confrontation happens. BJJ is different, since during grappling practice the practitioners can chose the tempo of the sparring session. BJJ players can therefore practice with intensity, applying techniques that are learned, only to stop once the opponent taps. If a training partner feels discomfort from a joint lock or choke, he or she simply taps their hand and the action is stopped instantly. At Gracie Barra Niagara, students are free to train at a pace of their own choosing, allowing the student to determine the level of physicality in their training. BJJ is the ultimate mind/body chess game – a thinking persons Art. The combinations and cycles of the techniques taught afford a distinct advantage to the sharp thinker. The mental and physical exercises that a BJJ player experiences in class provide focus and activity, both of which are excellent for promoting health and combating stress.

Self Defense: At Gracie Barra Niagara, self defense is a primary objective. The various instructors have had decades of experience not only in BJJ, but also in Wrestling, Judo, and Boxing. The techniques that are taught in class can be very easily learned and applied by women, children, or people in their later years. Along with peace of mind, BJJ practitioners enjoy a higher level of fitness, benefiting from the increased lean muscle mass and cardio vascular endurance that this hobby helps to develop.

See you on the mat!