Brazilian jiu-jitsu reflects the physical, mental and spiritual states of its practitioners. The martial art relies not only on strategy and physical stamina, but also a sense of inner grace that allows room for defeat without retribution. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is believed to have originated at the Olympic games of Ancient Greece where Pankration -- a combination of wrestling and boxing -- was practiced. The mind-over-matter essence of jiu-jitsu likely stems from later Indian and Japanese refinements of the sport.
Position & Submission
The ultimate goal of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match is to obtain the full surrender of your opponent via the arm-lock, choke or mount positions. Learning to manipulate your body through varying degrees of position and submission without causing physical harm to yourself or your opponent is one of the basic principles of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The mantra "position before submission" is common in jiu-jitsu, as personal surrender is often used as a platform for position advancement.
Jiu-Jitsu Rules
Jiu-jitsu practitioners must abide by a no hurt policy. Striking, punching, kicking or any other underhanded tactics that could be used to force your opponent into submission are not allowed in jiu-jitsu matches. You must learn to move with the ebb and flow of position and submission in order to overcome your opponent. Rounds are decided in your favor after your opponent taps the mat three times indicating surrender.
Patience
Brazilian jiu-jitsu requires physical and mental agility. Patience is valued as a tool of leverage that allows smaller opponents to conserve physical energy. The art of patience in jiu-jitsu is also synonymous with timing. According to the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, your ability to stifle impulsiveness in favor of the "right moment" is the deciding factor in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match. Being patient with loved ones, friends and enemies is considered to be an essential concept of jiu-jitsu.
Control
The mastery of oneself is the paradigm that encases all other concepts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Jiu-jitsu is considered to represent the interconnection between your mind, body and spirit for this reason. Self-control is viewed as a mirror that reflects your personal discipline habits. Students of Brazilian jiu-jitsu are advised to choose a healthy lifestyle that is devoid of drugs, alcohol and any other substances that cause the mind, body and spirit connection to wane.
Member Comments