How to Pick the Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools in the U.S.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a branch of the martial arts in which one uses the force of their opponent against them. By employing certain joint locks and chokes, a smaller and even weaker person can submit an opponent. This art, founded in Japan in the late-19th century, was refined by the Gracie family in Brazil over the past 85 years. Their Brazilian form is the foundation of the popular mixed-martial arts (MMA) of today. Many people looking for a complete workout join BJJ schools here in the United States. Picking the right school is the biggest step you can take toward a new life of fitness, strength and well-being.
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Instructions
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Define Goals
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Beginning a martial art is a life-changing choice for many. A beginner should write down goals before stepping into a BJJ school. "A beginner should look for a school that makes him feel comfortable and is right for him personally and fits with his personal goals," states purple belt Robert Arevalo in a recent phone interview. Arevalo is been training in Jiu-Jitsu since 1995 with Jean-Jacques Machado and Renato Magno.
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Traditional
Some BJJ schools stick to traditional Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense. There you will learn foundational techniques such as the guard, passing the guard, the arm bar, the triangle, the collar choke and others. "Every professor of Jiu-Jitsu has his own teaching methods and style, as well as expression of the art that is consistently evolving," adds Arevalo, who also teaches beginner classes under champion Rigan Machado. A "gi" is the required uniform, alond with a mouth piece and groin protector. -
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MMA
Other BJJ schools are more focused on competitions like those in mixed-martial arts. To compete, the student must be proficient in other forms of martial arts such as Karate, Muay Thai and boxing. Schools will offer these classes separately, so each discipline is learned separately. Depending on demand, MMA sparring classes will be offered to bring all the disciplines together. These classes, along with BJJ, are heavily monitored by the teacher and their assistants. Training gear is required, consisting of boxing gloves, shin pads and a mouthpiece. -
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School Environment
The environment of the school is the most important factor in finding a new BJJ school. "I believe it's a personal choice, but the most important thing for beginners who have never trained in any martial arts in their life, is a safe and productive training environment," says Arevalo. With safety first on every school's mind, a beginner won't be taught more complex moves until the second year. The first year revolves around the basics. -
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Now that you have a basic idea of how to pick a BJJ school, which schools are the best to attend in your area? That's your job to find out. Search online and in the yellow pages for schools, then pay them a visit to find one right for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to the students of the school you are visiting. Ask how the training has helped them in their lives.
Read up on the teachers at the school.
Injuries, while many occur, often happen when a student is careless with their training and their partner's well-being. Feel safe with the partner you have chosen. Let them know your level and if the training is too rough.
