About BJJ
WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art and combat sport that focuses on controlling an opponent through positioning, leverage and technique.
Unlike martial arts that rely mainly on striking, BJJ teaches takedowns, ground control, escapes and submissions. One of its central principles is that good technique and leverage can allow a smaller person to control or defend themselves against a larger and stronger opponent.
Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is practised around the world by people of all ages, for self-defence, fitness, competition, confidence and simply because they enjoy learning a challenging new skill.
THE HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu developed from Japanese Judo and Jiu Jitsu traditions introduced to Brazil in the early 20th century.
Mitsuyo Maeda, an experienced Japanese judoka, arrived in Brazil and became an important influence on the development of the art. Members of the Gracie family, including Carlos and Hélio Gracie, subsequently developed and promoted their approach to Jiu Jitsu, placing particular emphasis on ground fighting, positional control and submissions.
Over the following decades, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continued to evolve through challenge matches, competition and the development of different schools and teaching methods.
The growth of mixed martial arts in the 1990s brought BJJ to a much wider international audience, and today it is one of the world's most widely practised grappling martial arts.
GI & NO-GI JIU JITSU
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be practised in two main formats: Gi and No-Gi.
In Gi Jiu Jitsu, students wear the traditional Jiu Jitsu uniform, and the jacket and trousers can be used for grips and control.
No-Gi is practised in shorts and a rash guard without the traditional uniform. It generally involves different grips and often a faster style of movement.
At Grand Union, we believe training both helps students develop a more complete understanding of Jiu Jitsu.
WHY TRAIN BJJ?
People start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for many different reasons.
Some want to learn practical self-defence. Others want to improve their fitness, become stronger or challenge themselves mentally. Many simply discover that they love training and become part of the community.
Regular BJJ training can help develop:
- Fitness, strength and mobility
- Confidence
- Discipline and resilience
- Problem-solving skills
- Practical self-defence
- Coordination and body awareness
But one of the biggest benefits is the people you meet along the way. Jiu Jitsu brings together people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities who train, learn and improve together.
IS BJJ SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Absolutely.
You do not need to be fit, flexible or have any previous martial arts experience before starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
At Grand Union Jiu Jitsu Brighton, complete beginners can learn through our structured teaching system, starting with the fundamental positions, movements and techniques of BJJ before progressing into more advanced training.
Everyone starts somewhere.
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU AT GRAND UNION
Grand Union has been teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for almost two decades.
Our Brighton academy is led by Cesar Lima, 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Roger Gracie, with more than 25 years of experience in Jiu Jitsu and over 18 years of coaching.
Our programme includes classes for kids, teens and adults, from complete beginners through to experienced practitioners and competitors.
We teach both Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, with a structured pathway designed to help every student develop at their own pace.
Whether your goal is to get fit, learn self-defence, compete, build confidence or simply discover a new passion, you are welcome on the mats.
READY TO START JIU JITSU?
The best way to understand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to experience it.