by Tatya H.P.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is quite popular in the US. Adapted from Japanese Jujitsu, various competitions are held across the country every year. To give you an example, fighters can join the Hoosier Open, Michigan Open or South Bay.
In each of these matches, fighters are classified depending on their age group, weight and skill. Various techniques have corresponding points while victory can be achieved through certain means.
Let’s talk about scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
A fighter is awarded 2 points if he or she successfully sweeps the opponent, put their knee on their opponent’s stomach or performs a technical side mount reversal. Three points are given if the fighter performs passing the full guard. You get four points if you execute a mount or back mount with hooks.
You will only be credited a point if you are able to hold this for at least 3 seconds. Additional credit is given when you are able to hold this position much longer.
Getting the most points is just one way to achieve victory but making your opponent surrender is much better. This is done by executing a hold or choke until your opponent taps on the mat. You could also be declared the victor if your opponent is disqualified but this rarely happens so you have to do your best to defeat them.
Your points can also be deducted if you are caught doing something that is not allowed during the match. For instance, you cannot bite, hair pull, punch or kick your opponent. You can’t stall a fight, swear or do obscene gestures. There are corresponding penalties for each of these infractions. The worse is being disqualified.
Matches for the BJJ depend on the age group and belt. White belt fights for the kids last 4 minutes while for grownups this is 5 minutes. One minute is added to each of the other belts except for those competing in the senior division which is between 5 to 6 minutes.
Aside from individual awards to be given out to the top three fighters per age group and weight class, there is also an award for the team. So if many in your team topped their events, you will most likely win the overall event.
The rules and the points for scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are quite different than other martial arts events. Everyone has to understand that beforehand so there will not be any problems during the match.
So you can get the most points during your event, you have to practice regularly by sparring often with your team mates and studying how your opponent moves. You can also learn some new moves given that they are many ways to execute sweeps, mounts, throws and takedowns as this will make you more confident in dealing with your opponent.
Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the same even if the players are required to wear Gi or any other outfit. If you have to wear the official uniform, don’t forget to put on your belt so people will know your rank. In competitions that do not require this, make sure you are wearing clean board shorts and a rash guard or shirt. The use of athletics supports like the cup or mouth guards are optional.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Finding a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym
by Tatya H.P.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very popular and this is why a lot of gyms across the United States offer it. Mixed martial arts competitions had something to do with it but people have realized that this is also a very effective self-defense technique. To learn all about it, you have to find a gym.
You should know that one Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym is different from the other. In Brazil for instance, there are 4 fighting schools of this martial art and this could be traced either from Carlos Gracie or Mitsuyo Maeda.
So visit a club and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They should be able to answer everything like tell you how long they have been in operation and what organizations are they affiliated with. You should also ask who the instructor is and what the student to teacher ratio is.
If you want to give it a try, go ahead since your first session is usually free. Come on time and wear a T-shirt and pants first. If you want to continue training with them, you will have to buy the official uniform worn by the students known as the Gi.
The Gi usually costs less than $100. Make sure it is clean at all times and if there is a tear, you have to go out and buy a new one.
Enrolling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not free so it will cost you. When you are there, don’t forget to ask how much do classes cost. Some instructors will not beat around the bush and say it straight. Others will try to avoid that question by telling you to avail of the free trial so don’t be fooled by it because it is very important to get the information now.
You should also ask if there is a contract. If there is none, it will be easy for you to cancel it at anytime if you are not satisfied with their program.
Aside from talking to the instructor, find some time to talk to the students because their input is also important.
The gym you may be enrolling in has a lot of students and in different age groups. If you are an adult, see to it that you are not placed in a class that has kids but rather with those close to your age group.
After going around the neighborhood looking for your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, finalize the list to at least three and then decide which one you want to go to. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, try the introductory class then make up your mind.
Not everyone learns Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to compete. Some do it simply as a form of exercise, others learn it for self-defense and there are those who use this as their first step to participate in competition. Whatever you reason, beginners will start out as white belts and then move up alter on once they pass the requirements.
If you are martial arts experience in the past, the instructor will first examine your skills in your previous discipline before deciding whether you can skip the beginner’s belt. The odds of this happening are higher if you know judo or aikido rather than karate or tae kwon do.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very popular and this is why a lot of gyms across the United States offer it. Mixed martial arts competitions had something to do with it but people have realized that this is also a very effective self-defense technique. To learn all about it, you have to find a gym.
You should know that one Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym is different from the other. In Brazil for instance, there are 4 fighting schools of this martial art and this could be traced either from Carlos Gracie or Mitsuyo Maeda.
So visit a club and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They should be able to answer everything like tell you how long they have been in operation and what organizations are they affiliated with. You should also ask who the instructor is and what the student to teacher ratio is.
If you want to give it a try, go ahead since your first session is usually free. Come on time and wear a T-shirt and pants first. If you want to continue training with them, you will have to buy the official uniform worn by the students known as the Gi.
The Gi usually costs less than $100. Make sure it is clean at all times and if there is a tear, you have to go out and buy a new one.
Enrolling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not free so it will cost you. When you are there, don’t forget to ask how much do classes cost. Some instructors will not beat around the bush and say it straight. Others will try to avoid that question by telling you to avail of the free trial so don’t be fooled by it because it is very important to get the information now.
You should also ask if there is a contract. If there is none, it will be easy for you to cancel it at anytime if you are not satisfied with their program.
Aside from talking to the instructor, find some time to talk to the students because their input is also important.
The gym you may be enrolling in has a lot of students and in different age groups. If you are an adult, see to it that you are not placed in a class that has kids but rather with those close to your age group.
After going around the neighborhood looking for your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, finalize the list to at least three and then decide which one you want to go to. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, try the introductory class then make up your mind.
Not everyone learns Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to compete. Some do it simply as a form of exercise, others learn it for self-defense and there are those who use this as their first step to participate in competition. Whatever you reason, beginners will start out as white belts and then move up alter on once they pass the requirements.
If you are martial arts experience in the past, the instructor will first examine your skills in your previous discipline before deciding whether you can skip the beginner’s belt. The odds of this happening are higher if you know judo or aikido rather than karate or tae kwon do.
Equipment for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
by Tatya H.P.
Everyone who decides to get into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu must follow the rules and have the proper equipment. This is for the safety of the fighter and of those he or she will be competing against during practice and competition.
But what do you need for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? For starters, you will need to get yourself a Gi which is the official uniform that is worn by everyone.
The correct uniform has sleeves that are not more than a fist distance up the arm from the waist so that your opponent will be able to grab you which is one way for the opponent to score a point.
Since it is prone to wear and tear, you have to buy a new one every so often. This should also be kept clean at all times and among the different colors around, try getting blue or something darker which for obvious reasons is better than white.
The only way to improve in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to spar against your opponent. So you don’t inflict any major damage, you should wear gloves and feet protectors.
You can find these online and in your neighborhood sporting goods store. These are available in both open and closed palm designs. This has to be checked by the instructor and if used in competition by the official to make sure it follows the standard of at least half inch of medium to soft foam.
A general rule for any equipment worn for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu especially the gloves is that it must never contain anything metal or plastic. You might think these are harmless but when it hits someone, it could cause a cut, scratch or something more serious.
No one wants a broke jaw so get yourself a mouth guard. Accidents do happen in the ring and one other part to protect especially for the men is the groin so wear a cap.
For the women, don’t forget to put on a sports bra so if the Gi, gets loose, you don’t show your breasts to everyone there.
Although this is optional except for fighters under 16 years of age, you can wear a helmet to protect your ears, eyes and forehead in the event of a frontal strike.
If you are not sparring, go and hit the heavy and throw some punches. This should weight at least a hundred pounds and measure 6 feet in height.
Aside from what you should wear during practice, a few other things you can buy to help improve your skill are a notebook and some videos. By taking down some notes and watching how other people do it, you can try and execute them during your next sparring.
All your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu equipment must be kept clean and in good condition at all times. It may cost a hundred dollars but this should last a good year or two before you have to replace it with another one.
Becoming a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter will take a lot of hard work and having the right equipment around is not enough to do that. You have to devote your time and effort to developing your skill because your opponent will be doing the same thing. Who wants it more will determine who wins or losing during competition.
Everyone who decides to get into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu must follow the rules and have the proper equipment. This is for the safety of the fighter and of those he or she will be competing against during practice and competition.
But what do you need for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? For starters, you will need to get yourself a Gi which is the official uniform that is worn by everyone.
The correct uniform has sleeves that are not more than a fist distance up the arm from the waist so that your opponent will be able to grab you which is one way for the opponent to score a point.
Since it is prone to wear and tear, you have to buy a new one every so often. This should also be kept clean at all times and among the different colors around, try getting blue or something darker which for obvious reasons is better than white.
The only way to improve in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to spar against your opponent. So you don’t inflict any major damage, you should wear gloves and feet protectors.
You can find these online and in your neighborhood sporting goods store. These are available in both open and closed palm designs. This has to be checked by the instructor and if used in competition by the official to make sure it follows the standard of at least half inch of medium to soft foam.
A general rule for any equipment worn for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu especially the gloves is that it must never contain anything metal or plastic. You might think these are harmless but when it hits someone, it could cause a cut, scratch or something more serious.
No one wants a broke jaw so get yourself a mouth guard. Accidents do happen in the ring and one other part to protect especially for the men is the groin so wear a cap.
For the women, don’t forget to put on a sports bra so if the Gi, gets loose, you don’t show your breasts to everyone there.
Although this is optional except for fighters under 16 years of age, you can wear a helmet to protect your ears, eyes and forehead in the event of a frontal strike.
If you are not sparring, go and hit the heavy and throw some punches. This should weight at least a hundred pounds and measure 6 feet in height.
Aside from what you should wear during practice, a few other things you can buy to help improve your skill are a notebook and some videos. By taking down some notes and watching how other people do it, you can try and execute them during your next sparring.
All your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu equipment must be kept clean and in good condition at all times. It may cost a hundred dollars but this should last a good year or two before you have to replace it with another one.
Becoming a good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter will take a lot of hard work and having the right equipment around is not enough to do that. You have to devote your time and effort to developing your skill because your opponent will be doing the same thing. Who wants it more will determine who wins or losing during competition.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Rules to Follow In the Dojo
by Tatya H.P.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been around for more than 50 years. Since it gained popularity in the early 1990’s, more people want to learn it and the best place to that is in a gym. Before you sign up for class, here are a few rules you must know when you enter the Dojo.
1. You have to be in proper attire before you step on the mat. This usually consists of the Gi. If you haven’t bought one yet, you can enter wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants or shorts. Just get one as soon as possible.
2. Even if the dojo is air conditioned, it is going to get hot during class so bring a towel to wipe yourself and have with you a water bottle to avoid dehydration.
3. The instructor must always be addressed as “Sensei.” In English, it means “the one who has gone before.” Outside the dojo, you can take out labels and call each other on a first name basis. As for other students who are senior, it is safe to call them Sir or Ma’am.
4. Aside from properly addressing those higher than you, bowing must be done once you enter the dojo, before a fight and when you leave the dojo after class. The correct way of doing it is to bend forward with your feet together and with both hands on the front of the thighs. When this is done in front of someone, always maintain eye contact.
5. Everyone will have their chance to spar and when it is not your turn, pay close attention to what the rest are doing. You can take notes if you like so you can review them when you get home. This should also be over to your Sensei as this is one of the components that are graded in order for you to get the next belt.
6. There are is a seating plan in the Dojo. Those who wear the brown belts sit on the left of the instructor while those wearing blue and green on the right. If you are new, you have a white belt and you will be seated in front of the instructor. When signaled, everyone bows to the instructor and he too will do the same.
7. The proper way of sitting during Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class is on your knees with your butt resting on your feet or cross legged. Other positions are considered to be impolite so never make the mistake of doing that.
8. If you have to go to the bathroom or leave the class early, inform the instructor first so he or she knows where you are.
9. During a match, the only way to win a match is to make your opponent tap the mat. When this happens, you have to let them go in the same manner that they will also show the same courtesy to you.
10. Classes start on time so you should be ready by the time it begins. If you are going to be late, call in advance.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rules are practiced so no one gets seriously hurt. If you don’t know what to do, follow what the rest are doing or ask questions.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been around for more than 50 years. Since it gained popularity in the early 1990’s, more people want to learn it and the best place to that is in a gym. Before you sign up for class, here are a few rules you must know when you enter the Dojo.
1. You have to be in proper attire before you step on the mat. This usually consists of the Gi. If you haven’t bought one yet, you can enter wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants or shorts. Just get one as soon as possible.
2. Even if the dojo is air conditioned, it is going to get hot during class so bring a towel to wipe yourself and have with you a water bottle to avoid dehydration.
3. The instructor must always be addressed as “Sensei.” In English, it means “the one who has gone before.” Outside the dojo, you can take out labels and call each other on a first name basis. As for other students who are senior, it is safe to call them Sir or Ma’am.
4. Aside from properly addressing those higher than you, bowing must be done once you enter the dojo, before a fight and when you leave the dojo after class. The correct way of doing it is to bend forward with your feet together and with both hands on the front of the thighs. When this is done in front of someone, always maintain eye contact.
5. Everyone will have their chance to spar and when it is not your turn, pay close attention to what the rest are doing. You can take notes if you like so you can review them when you get home. This should also be over to your Sensei as this is one of the components that are graded in order for you to get the next belt.
6. There are is a seating plan in the Dojo. Those who wear the brown belts sit on the left of the instructor while those wearing blue and green on the right. If you are new, you have a white belt and you will be seated in front of the instructor. When signaled, everyone bows to the instructor and he too will do the same.
7. The proper way of sitting during Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class is on your knees with your butt resting on your feet or cross legged. Other positions are considered to be impolite so never make the mistake of doing that.
8. If you have to go to the bathroom or leave the class early, inform the instructor first so he or she knows where you are.
9. During a match, the only way to win a match is to make your opponent tap the mat. When this happens, you have to let them go in the same manner that they will also show the same courtesy to you.
10. Classes start on time so you should be ready by the time it begins. If you are going to be late, call in advance.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rules are practiced so no one gets seriously hurt. If you don’t know what to do, follow what the rest are doing or ask questions.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the Guillotine Choke
by Tatya H.P.
The guillotine choke is one of many submission holds in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Chances are, you have seen this countless times during MMA events.
But why do you see it often? The answer is very simple. The opponent gets into the right position that the more skills fighter sees and then executes it properly. This happens every time when that person puts their head outside of the opponents’ body so don’t you think this is worth learning?
There are two types of guillotine choke. There is the blood choke and the air choke. If you apply pressure using your forearm against your opponent’s windpipe, then you achieve an air choke. If this is placed on the arteries of the neck, then you have a blood choke.
In addition to the two types of chokes, you should also know that this can be done while you are standing or on the ground. Most fighters do it while they are standing because of better leverage in this position. If you are on the ground, you have to get your opponent first into a full guard position.
Now it is time to learn how to choke.
Let’s make it simple by starting in a standing position and perform the regular guillotine choke. You have to first pull your opponent’s head down by placing your hand on his neck or by pulling down on his GI so he is facing the ground.
Now put your arm around his neck into a position similar to a headlock. Slide your forearm down under his chin and around his neck making sure that the blade of your forearm is against his neck.
Then grasp the wrist of your choking arm with your free hand. Keep this grip on his neck tightly so that his head is wedged under your arm.
Place one leg slightly forward, stand up straight and twist your hips in the direction of your forward leg whichever you are using to execute this choke.
A more complicated version is the spine locking guillotine choke. Here, you start by bringing your opponent’s head down and wrap your arms around his head which is similar to the regular guillotine choke.
Using your forearm, turn your opponent’s head towards the hand of your choking arm so can put pressure on his spine.
Put your free hand on your opponent’s back on the same side of his head as your free hand. Then grasp the wrist of your planted hand with the hand of your choking arm and lean back.
If executed properly, your opponent has no choice but to surrender. If they don’t, they will become unconscious in the next few seconds. This move is not only used in competition but also in the street so you just have to practice how to do it.
Aside from the guillotine choke, there are other moves in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can learn and apply in and outside the ring.
After all, this can only be used when you are in front of the opponent. There are ways to subdue them when you are able to go behind them or on their side. You just have to listen to your instructor and watch how these are done so you can spar with someone in order to do it correctly.
The guillotine choke is one of many submission holds in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Chances are, you have seen this countless times during MMA events.
But why do you see it often? The answer is very simple. The opponent gets into the right position that the more skills fighter sees and then executes it properly. This happens every time when that person puts their head outside of the opponents’ body so don’t you think this is worth learning?
There are two types of guillotine choke. There is the blood choke and the air choke. If you apply pressure using your forearm against your opponent’s windpipe, then you achieve an air choke. If this is placed on the arteries of the neck, then you have a blood choke.
In addition to the two types of chokes, you should also know that this can be done while you are standing or on the ground. Most fighters do it while they are standing because of better leverage in this position. If you are on the ground, you have to get your opponent first into a full guard position.
Now it is time to learn how to choke.
Let’s make it simple by starting in a standing position and perform the regular guillotine choke. You have to first pull your opponent’s head down by placing your hand on his neck or by pulling down on his GI so he is facing the ground.
Now put your arm around his neck into a position similar to a headlock. Slide your forearm down under his chin and around his neck making sure that the blade of your forearm is against his neck.
Then grasp the wrist of your choking arm with your free hand. Keep this grip on his neck tightly so that his head is wedged under your arm.
Place one leg slightly forward, stand up straight and twist your hips in the direction of your forward leg whichever you are using to execute this choke.
A more complicated version is the spine locking guillotine choke. Here, you start by bringing your opponent’s head down and wrap your arms around his head which is similar to the regular guillotine choke.
Using your forearm, turn your opponent’s head towards the hand of your choking arm so can put pressure on his spine.
Put your free hand on your opponent’s back on the same side of his head as your free hand. Then grasp the wrist of your planted hand with the hand of your choking arm and lean back.
If executed properly, your opponent has no choice but to surrender. If they don’t, they will become unconscious in the next few seconds. This move is not only used in competition but also in the street so you just have to practice how to do it.
Aside from the guillotine choke, there are other moves in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can learn and apply in and outside the ring.
After all, this can only be used when you are in front of the opponent. There are ways to subdue them when you are able to go behind them or on their side. You just have to listen to your instructor and watch how these are done so you can spar with someone in order to do it correctly.
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