Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 

BJJ is a martial art that requires various physical capacities and skills. These include gripping strength, endurance and mobility.

The art can be practiced all over the world, and new academies are opening everywhere. It’s a great way to get fit, lose weight and make friends. It also relieves stress. Learn more about Long sleeve rash guard.

Clothing

BJJ is a martial art that uses leverage and submission tactics to subdue bigger, heavier opponents. It's a great option for women, children and people who want to learn self-defense without punching or kicking. It's also becoming a popular choice for law enforcement officers because it can help them take down suspects with little to no risk of injury.

Jiu jitsu evolved in Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century when Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda and his family settled there to submit opponents for money in circus fights. The Gracie family made it famous through outrageous challenges and marketing stunts that weren't always legal or ethical. Today, Brazilian jiu jitsu is one of the most popular styles around the world.

During competition, competitors wear a white kimono called a gi. It's made of cotton and has a single or double weave. The most common type of weave is the pearl weave, which consists of two sets of wefts—one thin and tight, the other wide and loose. It's considered more durable than the other types of weaves.

Competitors must also wear black, white or blue sasha, which are strips of fabric wrapped around the waist. They must have a belt width of 4-5 cm and be tied securely. A competitor is not allowed to compete with a gi that's torn or has discoloured sleeves. It's also against the rules to put any footwear on the mats.

Belts

BJJ fighters earn their belts by demonstrating dedication to training, competing, and mastering techniques. The system is far stricter than that of other martial arts, and it can take upwards of 10 years to achieve the black belt.

White belts have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the art's principles and a solid base of technique. They are encouraged to find quality training and drill extensively to progress. They should also focus on the fundamentals of posture in closed guard, how to open and close the guard, three sweeps from the bottom, and escapes from closed guard.

Unlike many other martial arts, BJJ rank progression is not overseen by one regulatory body. Instead, instructors evaluate students on a range of factors including skill, time spent in each rank, and age. However, some organisations like the IBJJF have official requirements for how long a student must spend at each rank to be eligible for promotion.

Once a student reaches the purple belt, they have gained a significant amount of knowledge and are generally qualified to instruct lower-ranked students. This is a key stage, where fighters must begin to develop their own style and express themselves on the mat. They are also expected to teach introductory classes at their own gym. To celebrate the achievement, fighters who receive new ranks often have to walk through a line of their fellow students who line up on either side and whip them with their own belts. While viewed as a symbol of adoration and respect, this practice is controversial because it can be seen as a form of hazing.

Shoes

The Gracie family lineage of jiu jitsu focuses on grappling and submission techniques that are designed for real-life self-defense. Many of these techniques involve holding an opponent on the ground until they are exhausted and then applying a chokehold or other technique to win. As a result, jiu jitsu requires physical fitness and stamina as well as mental concentration.

Jiu jitsu is considered the best martial art for self-defence because it can be used to disable an attacker or escape from being held against your will. Unlike other martial arts, BJJ does not require you to be bigger or stronger than your opponent to prevail.

During BJJ training, it is important to wear proper shoes. This is because the abrasions and friction from the mat can cause foot injuries, such as blisters and cuts. Additionally, wearing a good pair of jiu jitsu shoes will provide better gripping and stability on the mats.

Flip flops are a popular choice among bjj fighters because they are lightweight and easy to slip on and off. However, it is important to choose a pair that will not interfere with your kicking and grappling movements.

It is also recommended to look for a gym that offers both Gi and No Gi classes. Moreover, a gym that offers both MMA and wrestling classes is more likely to offer quality bjj equipment.

Mats

Jiu jitsu fighters spend most of their time on mats so it’s important to select the right one for you. The best mats are made of soft foam and rubber to provide cushioning for your body during training sessions. You can find them in various sizes and colors to fit your space and style of practice. If you do a lot of strength training then opt for thicker mats to protect your joints.

BJJ mats come in different materials such as tatami, foam and rubber. Foam mats are more comfortable and softer than tatami and tend to be cheaper but they can wear out quickly. The other types of mats are rubber and PVC and are a bit more expensive but they last much longer than foam mats.

You can also get a tatami-style puzzle mat which is popular among martial arts enthusiasts because they are durable and affordable. They are also easy to clean and can be used for many other grappling and martial arts activities. They are available in a variety of colors and are great for home training and for MMA, wrestling and no-gi grappling.

Another type of mat is a smooth mat which has a non-slip surface that keeps athletes safe and reduces mat burns. These mats are generally 3-5cm thick and come in various colors and sizes. They are easy to roll up and transport which makes them a good option for jiu jitsu home setups. You can purchase these mats from a number of manufacturers such as Fuji, Zebra or Swain/Dollamur.