~ 217 Clarksville Rd ~ West Windsor, NJ 08550 ~ (609) 799-0088 ~ wwtaekwondo@comcast.net
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes getting an opponent to the ground so that you can use ground fighting techniques. BJJ permits a wide variety of techniques to take the fight to the ground after taking a grip. While other combat sports, such as Judo and Wrestling almost always use a takedown to bring an opponent to the ground, in BJJ one option is to "pull guard." This entails obtaining some grip on the opponent and then bringing the fight or match onto the mat by sitting straight down or by jumping and wrapping the legs around the opponent. Once the opponent is on the ground, a number of maneuvers (and counter-maneuvers) are available to manipulate the opponent into a suitable position for the application of a submission technique. Achieving a dominant position on the ground is one of the hallmarks of the BJJ style, and includes effective use of the guard (a signature position of BJJ) position to defend oneself from bottom (using both submissions and sweeps, with sweeps leading to the possibility of dominant position or an opportunity to pass the guard), and passing the guard to dominate from top position with side control, mount, and back mount positions.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uniform is similar to a judogi, but often with tighter cuffs on the pants and jacket. This allows the practitioner to benefit from a closer fit, providing less material for an opponent to manipulate, although there is a significant overlap in the standards that allows for a carefully selected Gi to be legal for competition in both styles. Traditionally, to be promoted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the wearing of the Gi while training is a requirement. The term kimono is sometimes used to describe the outfit, especially in Brazil.
Yes, like TaeKwonDo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own belt system - different colored belts are awarded to signify increasing levels of technical knowledge and practical skill. Traditionally, the concept of demonstrating skills in a competitive environment quickens the pace to promotion. The length of time it takes to achieve the rank of black belt varies, but the average time frame is between 8 and 10 years with a consistent training schedule of 3 to 4 times per week. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at the West Windsor TaeKwonDo & Kickboxing Academy is designed to train students in sport grappling and the basics of mixed martial arts (MMA).
