Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Fitness Facts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a unique way to stay fit and healthy – not only is it used as a form of self-defense, but the techniques and exercises practiced in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offer a complete body workout. From take-downs, locks, chokes, drilling (practicing specific techniques to perfect them), wrestling a.k.a. "rolling", and even warm up workouts, BJJ training helps in reducing body fat, which can control various obesity related diseases. Some benefits are:

Increased cardiovascular strength
Muscle building and toning
Reduced risk of diseases such asosteoporosis and arthritis
Increased stamina

Blood pressure regulation
Bone strengthening
Ground self-defense

Improved circulatory system
Increased flexibility
Fat loss

The beauty about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that anyone can do it – man or woman, regardless of athleticism, strength and even size. It is unlike any workout that you would do at a gym because it requires you to use a different type of strength and endurance. BJJ exercises constantly alternate between high and low impact to optimize target heart rate levels.

"What I like…is that he takes time to explain what we're doing in class and why we're doing it."

"I'm a big fan of mixed martial arts, but have never really understood the movements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I took Judo for a year, but have never really worked on the ground, mostly throwing people to the ground. I like that I now understand the way positioning works within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am more aware of what I'm doing when I'm drilling or rolling with a partner on the ground. I am more appreciative of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I watch it on t.v. I now understand the importance of strategy. I've been to other schools that have BJJ classes, but none of them have been able to really break it down for me to understand. What I like about Master Jason is that he takes time to explain what we're doing in class and why we're doing it. I feel like my skills in BJJ have improved, and I have a better understanding of it."

~ Leo Doroy – Folsom, CA

So What Exactly Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on grounding fighting or grappling. The art was born out of the Japanese martial art of Judo.

When learning BJJ the student begins to see how a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique. Bjj utilizes the power of joint locks and choking to defeat the other person. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training can be used for sport grappling tournaments and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self defense. Sparring (commonly referred to as "rolling") and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition, in relation to progress and ascension through the grades/belts.

It's origins started back in the early 1900's when Judo's founder Kano Jigoro sent Judo experts overseas to spread the art to the world. In 1914 they arrived in Brazil and the young Carlos Gracie who saw a demonstration in 1917 became interested and started learning Judo.

He passed this knowledge onto his brothers and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu start to grow. There are two different "styles" within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that is disputed still today and that is the original Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The main difference that you will want to know is the Gracie Jiu Jitsu emphasis more on self defense and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu put their emphasis on sport training for competition.

Both "styles" of jiu jitsu are taught at Folsom Martial Arts Center and the student get the opportunity to focus their training in the different interest to them.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes getting an opponent to the ground in order to utilize ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokes. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground.

BJJ permits a wide variety of techniques to take the fight to the ground after taking a grip. 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.

In BJJ there is no striking and full emphasis is placed on taking the opponent to the ground by defending a strike and then applying a take-down technique to utilize a submission or choke.

What Should I Know Before Joining A BJJ School?

There are many different factors that play into choosing the right school. What I feel is the most important factor is that you are getting what you pay for.

What you're paying for should be first-rate instruction as well as a friendly and safe environment to learn. Know that when you are training at Folsom Martial Arts Center you will get exactly that… safe, friendly, WORLD-CLASS TRAINING.

Customer service is one of our main priorities as well. One of the biggest areas you should consider when joining a martial arts school is if they have good customer service and if you are treated with respect when you come into the school. Ask yourself if they really were happy to see you. Did they greet you when you came in? Were you giving time to speak to someone? Whatever you need, our staff will be there to assist you.

One thing that separates our school from all of the others is that we have a specialized system (curriculum) that we teach. This curriculum-system is one of the secrets to our student's success. Most schools have no curriculum and basically the instructors teach whatever may pop into their heads each night for class. We believe in setting short-, intermediate-, and long-term goals, and then putting a plan in place to reach each of these goals.

Folsom Martial Arts Center doesn't just concentrate on helping students develop their skills technically and physically, but also MENTALLY! Martial arts is more than the physical side. It is about personal growth as well. Becoming a leader and taking control of your life is way more important.

We all have different reasons for joining Martial Arts. But, most of us have the same reason for staying. That is to foster our personal growth that we have gained in the years spent in the academy. Your physical improvement is very important, but neglecting your mental progress will only limit your abilities to reach the goals you set for yourself. So, let us show you how you can achieve the greatness you deserve.

If Your Interest Is Fitness, Self-Defense, Competition, or Personal Growth, You Are Going To Love Our Program! Call us any time: 916-983-3604….

What Sets Us Apart?

Safe place to train, so you don't have to worry about going to work with a bruised face
NOT full of "ego" and people with nasty "tough guy" attitudes
Classes designed specifically for beginners, even if you've never trained before
A family-friendly atmosphere where you can feel comfortable
And, you can get into shape while learning how to defend yourself

You'll learn defensive and offensive skills. We give you the very best training, the most effective techniques, and a GREAT Workout.
This is the promise I made to my students so they get the very best in each class. You'll get:

A Top-Level Workout in each class!
Effective skills to use in a self defense situation or in competition!
The SELF-CONFIDENCE to do anything and make your dreams come true!
Increased FLEXIBILITY to wrap your opponent into a pretzel!
The CONFIDENCE to never worry about being pinned to the ground!
A STRESS RELIEVER while receiving all the other benefits I just talked about!

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not very athletic or coordinated, can I still learn BJJ?

It doesn't matter how athletic or coordinated you are, anyone can learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Like anything else physical, it takes practice to learn how to be coordinated and to become athletic. We help you learn in an easy environment, and are super patient to help you through ALL the training! Don't worry, after a few sessions you will be amazed at what you can do.
I'm not very athletic or coordinated, can I still learn BJJ?
It doesn't matter how athletic or coordinated you are, anyone can learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Like anything else physical, it takes practice to learn how to be coordinated and to become athletic. We help you learn in an easy environment, and are super patient to help you through ALL the training! Don't worry, after a few sessions you will be amazed at what you can do.

Will I get Injured?

I place a huge amount of emphasis on doing the techniques correctly so students don't get injured. I want you to have the best experience while learning and developing great skills, so the classes are designed for progression before being placed in situation you are unaware of. Majority of injuries come from lack of proper technique or form, and being forced to do sparring ("rolling") before the student is properly prepared for it. We walk you through each step, so you can feel confident that you won't get injured and that you will be able to train for a very long time. Beginner can feel confident they will learn each step. I have been doing this a long time and rarely see injuries occur during the classes. It is 100% safe to train in our school.

Am I too old to train?

You are absolutely NOT too old to train in BJJ. I have students from all ages training and many who are over 50 years old in my program loving everything they are learning. If you have the determination and the right attitude, then you will get the best training ever.

Can a woman do BJJ?

I hear this often from ladies who would like to train, but are worried that it is for men only. This is totally FALSE! Women can do this and actually perform BETTER than men. I have been teaching men and women for over 20 years and find that women tend to be better at picking this up and learn much faster for reason I don't know. It is just my experience. If you are determined and come with an attitude to learn and have fun, then you will get a lot out of your training and have a great time. The classes are very welcoming and everyone helps each other learn. The instructors are patient and can help you get through any of the techniques.

I don't know anything about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

If you are a complete beginner to BJJ, then you have NOTHING to worry about. Our program is designed to meet the needs of a beginner student and walk you step-by-step through a progression that will give you A LOT of systematic knowledge of how to use your new skills in a self defense situation or if you'd like to compete. You don't have to have previous training to do BJJ at our school.