What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

The short answer

BJJ is grappling. There's no punching or kicking. You learn to hold good positions, escape bad ones, and finish with a submission: a joint lock or choke that makes your partner tap. Because it relies on leverage and timing, a smaller person with good technique can control a bigger, stronger one.

Where it comes from

It grew out of Japanese judo and jiu jitsu brought to Brazil in the early 1900s, where the Gracie family and others shaped it into a ground-focused style. Today it's trained around the world, for fitness, self-defense and competition.

What you actually do in class

• Warm-up: movements you'll use on the mat, like shrimping (hip escapes) and rolling.
• Technique: the instructor shows a move, then you practice it with a partner, slowly.
• Live training (rolling): controlled sparring. Beginners ease into this over time.

Why people stick with it

It's a full-body workout that doesn't feel like one, because you're solving problems the whole time. Many people also say it's the best stress relief they've found. And every class is with partners, so you make friends fast.

Try it in Redlands

Adult beginners start in Fundamentals, Monday to Thursday evenings. Kids classes run from age 3 to 15. See adult beginners or kids classes. Your first class is free.

Questions

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

A grappling martial art where you control a partner with leverage and technique, then finish with a joint lock or choke. There are no strikes.

Is BJJ the same as MMA?

No. MMA mixes striking and grappling for fights. BJJ is one of the grappling arts MMA fighters learn.

Can a smaller person do jiu jitsu?

Yes. BJJ is built on leverage and timing, so technique matters more than size.