Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Theories & Techniques

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling based style of self-defense that utilizes clinching, chokes and joint locks to subdue attacking opponents. The style first gained popularity in the United States through the first Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view events in 1993 when Royce Gracie used Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques to win three of the first four tournaments under "no holds barred" rules that only banned biting and eye gouging. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has several basic strategies and techniques.

  1. Philosophy and Strategy

    • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is designed to assist a smaller person in defending against a larger and stronger attacker. The style often requires a practitioner to close the distance to an attacker to minimize the risk of being injured with a strike, as it is difficult to punch someone who is hugging you. Once the distance has been closed, a practitioner will use his arms and legs to isolate a limb or the neck of the opponent, applying force with the entire body to that targeted area to force a submission or choke the opponent unconscious.

    Armlocks

    • Arm bars focus on the elbow joint of the opponent, trapping it against the pelvis of the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner so pressure can be exerted. A properly applied arm bar will snap the elbow if the practitioner is not careful. Key locks and kimuras place pressure on the elbow as well, but also exert tremendous force on the shoulder. This can cause a dislocation of either joint by bending the arm at an extreme angle.

    Leglocks

    • Leglocks are common in the Russian martial art of Sambo but they are also used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. One of the most dangerous leg locks is the inverted heel hook. The opponent's heel is trapped in the crook of the practitioner's elbow and used to twist and torque at the knee. A straight leg lock operates in a similar fashion to the arm bar; the knee is trapped and bent backwards to force a submission or a joint break.

    Chokes

    • Two basic types of chokes exist: strangulation and circulation. Strangulation chokes cut off the air supply and prevent an opponent from breathing. While uncomfortable, the opponent can still potentially stay conscious for several minutes. A circulation choke cuts off the blood flow to the brain. This renders an opponent unconscious in less than nine seconds if the hold is tightly and correctly applied. Chokes need to be used with caution since keeping one applied for an extended period of time can result in brain damage and even death.