Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, although obviously similar in many respects to Judo and other traditional systems of Japanese JuJitsu, differs in some fundamental ways from all other related systems. Judo was originally designed as a powerful system of self-defense. Presently, although the techniques of Judo may certainly be applied in real fighting, the emphasis of most schools is on sport competition. Other styles of classical JuJitsu are plagued by the problem of less emphasis of randori, namely, technical practice is limited to kata.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has followed a different course. The “Gracie Challenge” and participation in countless free fighting events has led to a different emphasis in fighting strategy and the development of unique rules for BJJ sport competition. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is broken down into three broad categories, each mutually supportive of the others; self-defense, mixed martial arts, and sport grappling including both gi and no gi competitions.

The strategy behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is designed to equip a physically smaller or weaker individual with an effective method of defending against a larger and stronger attacker. When applying BJJ techniques, leverage is paramount, as leverage is the secret to the amplification and most efficient use of force. BJJ also has the most developed methods of fighting while on one’s back; a position weaker fighters will often find themselves in when attacked.

The innovations of the Gracie family and continuing with BJJ fighters today, through constant testing and refinement in actual fights, has resulted in this unique Martial Art.