BJJ traces its roots to Japanese jujutsu and Kodokan judo, which were martial arts practiced by samurai for self-defense, throws, joint locks, and ground control.  In the late 1800s, Jigoro Kano refined traditional jujutsu into a more structured martial art called judo, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and competition. Kano's judo included a heavy emphasis on newaza (ground techniques), which would become central to BJJ.

In 1914, a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda (aka "Count Koma"), a student of Kano, traveled the world demonstrating judo. He settled in Brazil in the early 20th century and began teaching the art to locals.  One of Maeda’s key students was Carlos Gracie, who, along with his younger brother Helio Gracie, would become instrumental in developing what we now call Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Helio Gracie, smaller and physically weaker than his brothers, struggled with the techniques as originally taught. He began modifying them, emphasizing leverage, timing, and technique over strength and athleticism. These innovations laid the foundation for BJJ as a distinct martial art.  To test their system, the Gracies issued the Gracie Challenge—open challenges to fighters of other disciplines. These public matches helped prove the effectiveness of BJJ and spread its reputation throughout Brazil.  BJJ practitioners participated in vale tudo ("anything goes") matches in Brazil—no-holds-barred fights that were precursors to modern mixed martial arts (MMA).  BJJ exploded globally after Royce Gracie, son of Helio, dominated larger and more athletic opponents in the early UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) events in the 1990s. This proved the power of ground fighting and sparked a worldwide interest in BJJ.

Today, BJJ is practiced globally both as a sport and a self-defense system. It has diversified into:

• Sport BJJ: With rulesets, points, and tournaments (e.g., IBJJF)

• No-Gi BJJ: Popularized alongside MMA

• Self-defense BJJ: Focused on real-world scenarios

New styles and affiliations have emerged beyond the Gracie lineage, and BJJ continues to evolve with influences from wrestling, sambo, and modern athletic training.

Thinking about trying your first jiu jitsu class?  Expect a friendly, supportive environment where beginners are always welcome.  Your class will start with a basic warm-up, followed by technical instruction, time to practice the techniques with your partner, and a brief cool down period. For each class you'll need to bring a water bottle, gi and belt (or a gym-provided rental) or rashguard and shorts (no pockets or zippers) for no-gi class, and flip-flops for off mat use.

Before You Step on the Mat

• Shower, wear deodorant, trim nails

• Remove all jewelry

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in

Tips

• Tap early, tap often – safety first

• Don’t stress about getting it perfect

• Stay relaxed and have fun

• Everyone feels lost on Day 1 — just keep showing up!

Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is widely regarded as one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense, especially in one-on-one situations.

Why BJJ Works for Self-Defense

• Control Over Strength: BJJ focuses on leverage and technique, allowing a smaller person to control or subdue a larger attacker without relying on brute force.

• Ground Defense Skills: Since many real-life fights end up on the ground, BJJ prepares you to defend, escape, or neutralize threats from disadvantaged positions like your back.

• Submissions: You learn how to apply chokes and joint locks that can end a confrontation without needing to strike — which is useful in legal or self-protection scenarios.

• Calm Under Pressure: Live sparring (rolling) trains you to stay calm in high-stress situations, helping you respond to danger without panicking.

• Nonviolent Control: BJJ gives you tools to restrain someone without causing lasting harm, which is ideal for situations like dealing with an aggressive drunk or untrained attacker.

What BJJ Doesn't Emphasize

• Striking: BJJ does not teach punches or kicks. It pairs well with arts like boxing or Muay Thai for a more complete self-defense system.

• Multiple Attackers: Like most martial arts, BJJ is less effective against multiple opponents.

• Weapons Defense: Traditional BJJ doesn’t specialize in defending against knives or guns, though some modern self-defense programs incorporate it.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses a belt system to represent a student’s skill level, experience, and time on the mat. For adults, the belt ranks are:

• White – Beginner: Focused on fundamentals and basic positions.

• Blue – Intermediate: Developing defense, escapes, and basic offense.

• Purple – Advanced: Strong technical understanding and fluid movement.

• Brown – Nearly Expert: Polishing techniques and refining strategy.

• Black – Expert: Deep knowledge and the ability to teach and lead.

Progression between belts can take several years, with average time to black belt ranging from 8 to 12 years of consistent training. Students also earn stripes on their belts as milestones between ranks.

There is a separate belt system for kids, which includes additional colors like gray, yellow, orange, and green to recognize their growth before transitioning to the adult ranks.

Promotions are based on time, technical ability, attitude, and performance,

1. Respect the Dojo, Instructors, and Teammates

• Bow toward the center of the mat when entering and leaving the mat.

• Shake the hand of each black belt at the beginning of class.

• Address instructors appropriately (e.g., Coach, Professor).

• Listen when instructors are speaking—no talking or drilling during explanations.

• No cell-phones in the dojo area.

• It is not proper etiquette to ask a higher ranking student to train. He/she will ask you to train.

• No foul language inside the school.

• No food or drinks on the mats.
  
  

2. Maintain Proper Hygiene

• Always wear a clean gi or rash guard/shorts (for no-gi). A dirty gi is a sign of disrespect.

• Trim your nails (hands and feet).

• Shower before class if needed and always after training.

• Do not train if you have skin infections or open wounds.

• Women always wear training shorts or training pants under their gi.

• Remove all jewelry prior to class.
  
  

3. Arrive on Time and Be Prepared

• Show up early to stretch and be ready when class starts.

• Late arrivals must wait at the edge of the mat and ask the instructor for permission to join the class.
  
  

4. No Shoes on the Mats

• Mats must be kept clean—shoes off before stepping on.

• Always wear footwear off the mats (to and from bathrooms, entering/exiting the gym etc.).
  
  

5. Tap Early, Tap Often

• Safety first—tap out before injury.

• Respect your partner’s tap immediately.
  
  

6. Train with Control and Awareness

• No slamming, neck cranks, or twisting small joints.

• Know your strength—adapt to your partner's size and skill level.
  
  

7. Keep the Ego Off the Mat

• Leave pride at the door—every roll is a learning opportunity.

• Celebrate progress, not just submissions.
  
  

8. Be a Good Training Partner

• Help newer students.

• Drill with focus, not force.

• Avoid excessive talking or coaching while rolling.
  
  

9. Follow the Instructor’s Curriculum

• Do not teach or demonstrate other techniques unless asked.

• Respect the class structure and stay with the group.
  
  

10. Represent the Gym with Integrity

• Be respectful and humble at competitions and other gyms.

• Train hard and be respectful..

Yes. The Academy Jiu Jitsu offers a free trial class.  

• You can book a free trial class by visiting our homepage and filling out our form requesting a free trial class.
• Alternatively, you can  contact them by phone at 321-482-6717 or by email to schedule your free trial. 

• The Academy Jiu Jitsu offers programs for both adults and children, including women's classes and white-belt beginner classes..
• During your free trial, you'll learn the foundational elements of Jiu Jitsu.
• You'll also have the opportunity to meet the team and experience the welcoming and family-first environment they offer.