The Gentle Art

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger attacker by using leverage and technique, taking the fight to the ground. Once on the ground, the practitioner will apply joint locks or chokeholds to defeat the other person. Students of BJJ typically wear a “gi” but will also train “no-gi” as the techniques differ. A “gi” is an outfit similar to that of Judo or Karate. It is typically composed of tough heavy cotton and reinforced trousers to prevent tearing or rips when grabbed or pulled by the opponent. If in “gi” the student will wear a coloured belt to reflect their rank and experience. When training “no-gi” this relates to training in a rash guard and shorts. Rash guards are close-fitting base layers. The emphasis is on a quicker pace with fewer techniques employed