The number of people participating in Brazilian jiu jitsu training has been increasing since the early part of the twentieth century when the discipline was first introduced to Brazil. Over the past two decades in particular, Brazilian jiu-jitsu academies have seen tremendous growth as people have witnessed the power of this martial art in tournaments, like the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Here is a simple description of how most classes are structured.
Basic Brazilian jiu jitsu training, as with advanced training and most forms of structured physical activities, will almost always begin with some form of a warm-up. If you are new to jiu jitsu, then the instructor will most likely focus on a lighter warm-up session. A lighter session will usually involve some basic exercises like push-ups and sit-ups, and perhaps laps around the gym. Stretching also happens once your body has warmed up a bit. A heavier warm-up would be longer and really designed to break a sweat and help you with conditioning for endurance.
After the warm-up, the next part of Brazilian jiu jitsu training usually focuses on techniques. Certain moves will be chosen by the instructor and broken apart so that students can perfect each stage. Mistakes are ironed out at this point, and the instructor will try to spend time with each student to make sure things are being done properly. More experienced students are often paired with newer ones, so that the former can assist the latter. This is especially important in larger classes where the instructor can hardly give everyone personal training at the same time.
The last part of a class usually involves the application of what was learned in the techniques section. Brazilian jiu jitsu training often focuses on ground fighting so there could be a sparring match on the floor, or there could be stand-up sparring. Usually, the sparring is a chance for students to try out the techniques they have practiced in a very controlled setting in a freer exercise. There may also be demonstrations given by the more experienced students from which the newer ones can learn.
No two Brazilian jiu jitsu training sessions will be the same, but the general principles will be the same in terms of how the class is structured. You will be given time to get your body ready for the workout, you will have time to learn and practice different techniques, and finally you can apply what you’ve learned in a realistic fighting situation. Jiu-jitsu academies across North America will all give you the chance to learn martial art techniques in a controlled environment, and you will hopefully have fun doing so as well.
Related Articles