Bussemakers Jiu-Jitsu

If you want to learn jiu-jitsu, it is a good idea that you become familiar with the origin of the martial art first. Many people think that jiu-jitsu came from Brazil but the truth is it is an ancient form of martial arts that can be traced to Japan's feudal period. In fact, the word jiu-jitsu came from the Japanese word jujutsu which means the art of suppleness or flexibility, qualities that are necessary to master the techniques. But the basic principle remains and that is to maximize the use of the human body in unarmed combat.

The style of jiu-jitsu that was first practiced in Japan is known as Nihon Koryu jiu-jitsu. It was developed during the Muromachi period which lasted from 1333 to 1573. The focus of this particular style of jiu-jitsu was to teach warriors who perhaps were not armed to be able to fight successfully against heavily armed opponents.

A whole range of skills are learned as part of jiu-jitsu training, and it is down to the warrior to select the most appropriate skill for the situation that they find themselves in. These skills include grappling, restraining, throwing and the use of weapons.

The term jiu-jitsu was first widely used in the seventeenth century. It can be translated from the term for way of yielding, as it is a sport that takes the aggressiveness of an attacker and uses this against them.

The art of jiu-jitsu has changed over the years, and it is a more modern version of the sport that we see today. This is sometimes referred to as Edo jiu-jitsu, as it really began to gain popularity during this period. It is not as effective for fighting someone wearing armor as the old style of the sport, but this is not something that is really applicable in the modern era.

jiu-jitsu uses the strength of the attacker against them, by directing this strength in a way that the attacker would rather it was not used. The use of weapons is taught, but it is known as an art that is very effective against weapons being used against the person that is being attacked.

The ultimate aim of anyone taking part in jiu-jitsu is always the same. An opponent’s aggressiveness is to be used against them to disarm them and neutralize the threat that they pose.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Brazil. It focuses on grappling techniques and ground fighting, with an emphasis on submissions and positional control. Developed from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and adapted by the Gracie family, BJJ gained popularity for its effectiveness in real-life self-defense situations and its successful application in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions.

Unlike other martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places a significant emphasis on ground fighting techniques. Practitioners aim to take opponents to the ground and then use leverage, joint locks, chokes, and other techniques to gain a dominant position and force their opponents to submit. It relies on technique, leverage, and timing rather than strength and size, making it an effective form of self-defense for people of all ages and sizes.

Apart from self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers various physical and mental benefits. It provides a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. The training also promotes discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills.

In BJJ, practitioners earn belts to signify their progress and skill level. The ranking system starts with white belt (beginner), followed by blue, purple, brown, and finally black belt. Advancement is achieved through consistent training, demonstrating proficiency in techniques, and competing in tournaments.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become increasingly popular worldwide, with numerous academies and competitions available for practitioners of all levels. It is commonly practiced by both recreational practitioners and professional fighters.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

White Belt

The white belt is the second jujutsu rank earned after the red belt. It refers to the 7th kyu rank (7級 / 七級) in the Japanese jiu-jitsu ranking system.

A jujutsu white belt practitioner focuses on learning basic Japanese jiu-jitsu stance and coordination.

Yellow Belt

The yellow belt is the third jujutsu rank after the white belt. It refers to the 6th kyu rank (6級 / 六級) in the Japanese jiu-jitsu ranking system.

At the yellow belt rank, a jujutsu practitioner learns various techniques and moves, including blocks, locks, and throws.

Orange Belt

The orange belt is the 4th Japanese jiu-jitsu rank after the yellow belt. It refers to the 5th kyu rank (5級 / 五級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

At the orange belt rank, a jujutsu student understands and masters more technical moves.

Green Belt

The green belt is the 5th jujutsu rank after the orange belt. It refers to the 4th kyu rank (4級 / 四級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

At the green belt rank, a Japanese ju-jitsu practitioner moves to application. Using his past learning, He begins creating an effective game with effective blocks, throws and finishes techniques.

Blue belt

The blue belt is the 6th jujutsu rank after the green belt. It refers to the 3rd kyu rank (3級 / 三級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

At the blue belt level, a Japanese jiu-jitsu student understands the numerous techniques learned in the past. As a result, he can execute the techniques (blocks, throws, etc.) correctly.

Purple Belt

The purple belt is the 7th jujutsu rank after the blue belt. It refers to the 2nd kyu rank (2級 / 二級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

A Japanese jiu-jitsu student with a purple belt rating has achieved high precision. Consequently, he can execute the various techniques (blocks, kicks, advanced throws, etc.) with crispness, cleanliness, and accuracy.

Brown Belt

The brown belt is the 8th jujutsu rank after the purple belt. It refers to the 1st kyu rank (1級 / 一級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

A Japanese jiu-jitsu student has achieved effectiveness at the brown belt rank. Consequently, he knows all tactics and can execute them correctly, displaying the capacity to apply the techniques successfully in a street self-defence scenario.

Black Belt (1st Dan)

The 1st dan black belt is the next belt rank after the brown belt. It refers to the shodan rank (初段) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

Achieving the 1st dan black belt requires years of dedication to the Japanese jujutsu martial art. Yet, it is the lowest black belt degree since this rank contains ten degrees.

Reference: https://jiujitsu-news.com/does-japanese-jiu-jitsu-have-belts/

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Senior Ranks (BJJ)

White Belt

Brazilian jiu-jitsu's entry-level belt is white to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental offensive maneuvers like submissions and guard passes.

Blue Belt

In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a blue belt is the second belt for adults. Students who obtain their blue belt spend thousands of hours on the mat, perfecting their technique and learning how to use it effectively. At the blue belt level, the learner often learns various moves. To enter the adult belt system at the IBJJF's blue belt level, a practitioner must be at least 16 years old.

Purple Belt

Practitioners must maintain their purple belt status with the IBJJF for a minimum of 1.5 years. In the adult ranks of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the purple belt represents the intermediate level. Practitioners of the purple belt level have amassed a wealth of information and are often promoted to teaching roles with pupils of lower belt colors. The IBJJF recommends that a student spend at least two years as a blue belt before being eligible for a purple belt, and it requires students to be at least 16 years old to graduate directly from the juvenile belt.

Brown Belt

Exceptional belts at the highest levels of Brazilian jiu-jitsu notwithstanding, the brown belt is the highest-ranked color belt in the art. The standard training time for a brown belt is five years. This period is typically associated with the improvement of methods. To be eligible for a brown belt, trainees must have been training for at least 18 months as a purple belt, and the IBJJF demands that they be at least 18 years old.

Black belt

Three years of continuous training is required to maintain one's black belt status with the IBJJF. The rank of black belt is the pinnacle of achievement in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as it is in many other martial arts. Black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are typically referred to as "Professor" within the discipline, however, other schools and organizations reserve that title for higher-ranking practitioners. To be eligible for a black belt from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), a student must be at least 19 years old and should have spent at least one year in the brown belt rank.

Black/Red belt (Coral belt) Belt

For at least seven years, a practitioner must maintain their black and red belt status with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). In a nod to the alternating red and black belt obtained by Judoka at the sixth degree, Brazilian jiu-seventh-degree jitsu's black belts are also given out. The coral belt is a common name for this particular band of the ocean. Those with the rank of "coral belt" have attained a high level of expertise in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and are commonly referred to by the term "master" among the community of practitioners.

White/Red belt

If you want to keep your white and red belt with the IBJJF, you'll need to train for at least ten more years. The criteria for promotion from seventh to eighth-degree black belt have been updated as of late by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. If you look at page 6 of the IBJJF General System of Grading, you'll see a comment about the change in Section 1.3.4. A practitioner who has earned the 8th degree of black belt will typically be recognized by the use of a red and white belt.

Red Belt

There is no living Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who has earned a higher rank than a 9th-degree red belt. Red belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are awarded to "those whose influence and fame brings them to the top of the art," as Renzo and Royler Gracie stated. This certificate replaces the ninth and tenth levels of the black belt.

Reference: https://thesporting.blog/blog/jiu-jitsu-belt-ranking-system-and-belt-order.

Junior Ranks (BJJ)

(For ages 5 to 15 years)

White Belt

Grey Belt

Yellow Belt

Orange Belt

Green Belt

Jiu-Jitsu Training

Even if you never see yourself competing, you can still undertake jiu-jitsu training for its health benefits. Jiu-jitsu is an intense form of workout because it involves movements usually performed at high speeds. So, if you are looking for a more exciting and challenging workout than simply using the machines at the gym, you should try jiu-jitsu. Individual training in jujitsu is also advised to supplement the sessions with other Cardio activities. An excellent way to prepare for jujitsu is to start a daily running routine to improve cardiovascular endurance. To add variety to your cardio routine, you can also add swimming, biking and sprinting. Jujitsu involves locks and moves that employ the use of different muscles and joints, particularly the elbows, wrists and shoulders. These parts of the body are usually employed in locking techniques. Through jujitsu training, you can strengthen many different muscles and joints in your body. Jujitsu experts are actually known to have powerful forearm muscles and biceps.

Strength is one of many things that you will develop from jiu-jitsu training. In fact, you can consider strength to be only secondary to flexibility as far as this martial art is concerned. After a few sessions, you will notice increased flexibility in your hamstrings, calf and upper back muscles. This is because these are the muscles where most jujitsu techniques originate. If you are fighting someone, these are also the body parts of your opponent that you should be targeting. If you want to have more flexibility, then consider taking jiu-jitsu classes.