New Students

January 10th, 2011 Leave a comment Go to comments
GRACIE’S and the art     In the early 1900′s, Gastao Gracie, was instrumental in helping Japanese immigrants establish a community in Brazil. It was at this time that he met a Japanese man named Mitsuyo Maeda Koma. At that time, Koma was recognized as the world champion of Jiu-jitsu. Because of Koma’s Jiu-jitsu exploits, he had been awarded a government position by Crown Prince Hirohito.     Interestingly, Koma was one of five “Guardian” instructors sent by Professor Jigoro Kano to the United States to teach U.S. military men the art of Judo. These instructors were requested by President Theodore Roosevelt. Koma had been personally trained by Kano.

     The duties of Koma’s position were to oversee Japanese immigration to Brazil. This is what brought Gastao Gracie and Koma together. The friendship between them became so strong that Koma decided to do something that was not normally done. He taught Jiu-jitsu to Carlos Gracie. This was about 1918.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)

     Carlos Gracie was the first Brazilian to learn Japanese Jiu-jitsu.  He was invited to learn the Japanese Jiu-Jitsu from Count Mitsuyo Maeda Koma, (a friend of the crowned prince, Hirohito). From the start he tried to improve it and share its tradition and philosophy with the other people.

     All those decades, the gracie family dedicated their lives, day and night, to improve Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Now the Japanese learn from us.

     Carlos Gracie was not a strong man physically. He was small in stature, and he never liked to fight. In fact, he never wanted anything to do with fighting. When he had the chance to learn this he thought, “My God, I think I can give something extraordinary to people who don’t have the physical advantages that natural athletes have. I want to transform little guys into giants. I’ll use these techniques to help people like me succeed, not just in physical confrontation but in all areas of life.” Because non-Japanese were never taught Jiu-jitsu, Koma asked that Carlos Gracie never teach it to the public, only to family members. He did this for years until he learned of Koma’s death in Japan. He made inquiries and found that Koma had died under mysterious circumstances. His food had been poisoned.

     Carlos Gracie then decided that he should share the gift that Koma had given him so that Jiu-jitsu would never die out in Brazil. This is when the first Gracie Jiu-jitsu Academy was started.

     Carlos Gracie had twenty-one children, ninety-eight grandchildren, and one hundred-eighty great-grandchildren. Of his twenty-one children, all ten of his sons became black belts. Combined with their ancestors in Scotland and Ireland, the Gracie family could be the largest family in the world. 

     Today Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is most notable for its success in MMA style competitions and its use as the most effective form of self defense in the world of martial arts.
Mitsuyo Maeda Koma

 

Carlos Gracie

 

Carlson Gracie

 

Marcelo Saporito and Fabio Novaes
(4th & 5th Generation)

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU   Frequently Asked Questions

What does the art involve?

Like most gentle arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu relies much upon what the opponent does. Ultimately he or she gives you the move to place on them. You simply have to be able to recognize and perform the correct technique for the given situation.  I’d compare it to a game of chess. The curriculum includes throws, armbars, leglocks, cranks and chokes as a means for submission. The emphasis of the art is groundwork.

What do I wear to class?

At this academy we will be specifically training in gi with some no gi days. Anyone who wants to reach any level of true proficiency in the art would want to purchase a gi.  If nothing else, sweatpants and a shirt will do. WARNING:  A gi worn for a striking art will not withstand the wear and tear of a jiu-jitsu gi. It will rip and tear in just a few classes. Everyone is encouraged to purchase a jiu-jitsu gi, unless they already have one.

Some places train no gi, why do you train with a gi?

This is a very complex question, but probably one of the most important to understand. Training with a gi requires true technique and doesn’t allow you to slip out of moves through force or sweat. It makes you do proper escapes and protect vital areas around the neck through the use of a collar. What good is all the strength and technique in the world if you are choked out because you don’t protect your neck and how many times do you think you’ll get into a fighting situation where the  person will already be dripping wet with sweat? Once a person knows how to train with a gi they can always take it off. The movements from the gi will be built in already. Your body will automatically think to protect your neck. Not relying on strength or slipperiness you will do techniques with much more crispness. Not to mention once you take the gi off you’ll be able to breathe. Think of a gi as the training wheels to proper technique and true skill in the art.

Is there a belt system?

Yes, rankings are as follows: white, blue, purple, brown, black.  With black belt taking about 10 years to obtain, this art is not for someone looking for a quick belt to add to their resume. Belts can be very time consuming and are truly earned with sweat and hard work.

So… I want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu how do classes operate?

Classes are for all levels and ages. Typically we begin classes with some light jogging followed by a few exercises specific to the art and some stretching. (20 min) This is followed by the instructor showing various positions, counters, etc. Students then practice the specified move with a non-resisting partner(30-40 min).The last part involves the students grappling to test the moves in real resistance situation (30-40 min)  Total Class Time:  1.5 hours. 

It should be noted that unlike many styles that promote formality, jiu-jitsu is more of a relaxed environment. If you are running behind, need to use the bathroom or have to take a call, feel free to do so. Although it is encouraged to be on time when possible don’t worry about getting in trouble. I appreciate you making the effort to show up at all. We promote a family environment!!!

Any other questions or concerns please feel free to call me anytime!!! 

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