Many people are familiar at this point with mixed martial arts, with the growing popularity of UFC and other MMA promotions, but many are less familiar with one of the most important aspects of mixed martial arts, jiu jitsu.

Jiu jitsu is a very technical style of grappling and influences all the wrestling and ground work in mixed martial arts. Some key elements of jiu jitsu are take downs, which are used to get your opponent on the ground, submissions which are used to finish your opponent by getting their limbs in a position where they are forced to tap to signify that you have beat them, or chokes which, if done correctly also end in a submission.

Is Jiu Jitsu safe? This is something many people may wonder at first, given the very dangerous nature of jiu jitsu submissions and chokes. The answer is that when jiu jitsu is performed with any degree of control and respect it is extremely safe. Everybody learns how to exercise this control immediately, because when you begin to practice this art the first submission or choke that you are put in for demonstration will show you how uncomfortable and dangerous they can possibly be. It is both a humbling and empowering experience. You will instantly gain respect for your instructors and peers for the care they take to ensure that you all can train jiu jitsu in a safe manner. Even the biggest, strongest guy can be submitted in jiu jitsu by a smaller guy with good technical skill. This is why it is known as the great equalizer. All people will learn that they can be tapped as easily as they can tap someone else out. This is a good lesson for anyone to learn. The reality of your self is that you are neither invincible nor incapable of damaging others. Therefore you will learn to respect yourself and your own abilities as well as the power of others. In this way the fighting art of jiu jitsu can be the greatest teacher of peace. Also, most moves and submissions in jiu jitsu are performed deliberately and gently. If good technique is used, there is usually no need for great bursts of energy or any dramatic force. This is the primary reason why jiu jitsu is safe.

Jiu jitsu is one of the best way to build physical strength and cardio endurance. Your body is engaged almost all the time. You will build very lean functional strength. For women, this can be ideal if you want to build confidence and strength without too much bulk. Also, time flies while grappling! It’s a great way to be mentally engaged during your conditioning so that you enjoy it, rather than trudging through another cardio workout on a treadmill or elliptical. This is real strength, real fitness, real defensive and offensive combat skill.

The video I’ve posted above is a good example of what competition in jiu jitsu tournaments looks like today. As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, jiu jitsu is being practiced by all ages and both women and men alike. For MMA fighters, training jiu jitsu is not an option. There isn’t a fighter that steps in the octagon that doesn’t train in brazilian jiu jitsu. Whether they are executing a rear naked, d’arce, or head and arm choke or defending a triangle or an arm bar, the skill is vital to surviving in the cage.

Hope to see you on the mat!

Jennifer Calogero
@jennycalalala