Jiu Jitsu discussion / complete beginner!
Discussion
Quick Question form somebody with Zero knowledge.
My son (12yr old) fancies another go at a Martial Art (he's done 2yrs of Taekwondo but had a bad experience with a grading instructor so stopped)
From limited reading I think Jiu Jitsu would suit him as it would build up strength for his Rugby game.
Is it suitable for kids and are there different types or is it all one type?
thanks
My son (12yr old) fancies another go at a Martial Art (he's done 2yrs of Taekwondo but had a bad experience with a grading instructor so stopped)
From limited reading I think Jiu Jitsu would suit him as it would build up strength for his Rugby game.
Is it suitable for kids and are there different types or is it all one type?
thanks
Hi Carl,
Firstly, there are generally two main sets in the UK - 'traditional' Jiu JItsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
This thread is (obviously) devoted to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which can also be focused in the following areas:
Self-defence / MMA applications - lots of emphasis on not getting punched, distance control of your opponent and using strikes to set submissions up
Sport / Competitions - less emphasis on getting punched, but arguably more technical since there is a bigger focus on grips, technique, provoking reactions and countering your opponents efforts.
There is a cross over between self-defense and sport Ju Jitsu i.e. some techniques work well for both (but not all). I've done both so I feel that I have a little appreciation for the nuances here.
In terms of BJJ for kids, I'd absolutely recommend not only for the physical exercise benefits but also the confidence kids take away knowing that if they got into a scuffle they could handle themselves. My daughter started 2 years ago and I've seen a massive difference in her.
Firstly, there are generally two main sets in the UK - 'traditional' Jiu JItsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
This thread is (obviously) devoted to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which can also be focused in the following areas:
Self-defence / MMA applications - lots of emphasis on not getting punched, distance control of your opponent and using strikes to set submissions up
Sport / Competitions - less emphasis on getting punched, but arguably more technical since there is a bigger focus on grips, technique, provoking reactions and countering your opponents efforts.
There is a cross over between self-defense and sport Ju Jitsu i.e. some techniques work well for both (but not all). I've done both so I feel that I have a little appreciation for the nuances here.
In terms of BJJ for kids, I'd absolutely recommend not only for the physical exercise benefits but also the confidence kids take away knowing that if they got into a scuffle they could handle themselves. My daughter started 2 years ago and I've seen a massive difference in her.
Pete, good to here about your quick nap, the sport needs more people with your approach to not having an ego
Also fully agree with Pete's summation of the Jiu Jitsu options available. there is a massive scene for kids/youth BJJ these days, whenever i watch some of the best kids I'm gobsmacked at their ability and fearless approach to the game, they pull of stuff i'd never even dream of attempting
Not much to report on my game, been busy with work and a house renovation so only training twice a week at grappling split between Gi & No-Gi, still getting some wrestling in during MMA and then doing some striking once a week. Training at this volume though means i'm really not progressing very quickly atall and some of the relative beginners are catching me up very quickly
Also fully agree with Pete's summation of the Jiu Jitsu options available. there is a massive scene for kids/youth BJJ these days, whenever i watch some of the best kids I'm gobsmacked at their ability and fearless approach to the game, they pull of stuff i'd never even dream of attempting
Not much to report on my game, been busy with work and a house renovation so only training twice a week at grappling split between Gi & No-Gi, still getting some wrestling in during MMA and then doing some striking once a week. Training at this volume though means i'm really not progressing very quickly atall and some of the relative beginners are catching me up very quickly
Just to echo Pete's enthusiasm.
My son's been doing mixed stand up and grappling classes since he was 4 (now 12) and almost without exception he and his classmates have preferred grappling to the stand up (be it kickboxing/TKD/whatever).
Sadly our club only teaches straight bjj at 16+, but I'm sure most clubs are fine with 12+.
It seems a really chilled sport, primarily as it's about trust and control - you're consciously putting yourself in situations where you have to trust the other person not to rip your arm off and visa versa of course. Give it a go
My son's been doing mixed stand up and grappling classes since he was 4 (now 12) and almost without exception he and his classmates have preferred grappling to the stand up (be it kickboxing/TKD/whatever).
Sadly our club only teaches straight bjj at 16+, but I'm sure most clubs are fine with 12+.
It seems a really chilled sport, primarily as it's about trust and control - you're consciously putting yourself in situations where you have to trust the other person not to rip your arm off and visa versa of course. Give it a go
WestyCarl said:
Thanks for the info, from checking our local club is not JJ (not BJJ)
I'll take him down for a try out session.
From experience, I'd suggest doing the BJJ, wrestling or Judo rather than " Japanese" (actually British, allegedly) Ju Jitsu. There is more rolling, grappling and resistance in the first three.I'll take him down for a try out session.
Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 30th November 13:19
WestyCarl said:
Quick Question form somebody with Zero knowledge.
My son (12yr old) fancies another go at a Martial Art (he's done 2yrs of Taekwondo but had a bad experience with a grading instructor so stopped)
From limited reading I think Jiu Jitsu would suit him as it would build up strength for his Rugby game.
Is it suitable for kids and are there different types or is it all one type?
thanks
My lad was in a similar situation up until starting BJJ 2 years ago after doing 2-3 years of Karate at a typical local club (run as a hobby by enthusiasts rather than somebody earning their living). My son (12yr old) fancies another go at a Martial Art (he's done 2yrs of Taekwondo but had a bad experience with a grading instructor so stopped)
From limited reading I think Jiu Jitsu would suit him as it would build up strength for his Rugby game.
Is it suitable for kids and are there different types or is it all one type?
thanks
The main difference other than the obvious ones is he will practise his techniques against a resisiting opponent rather than against a willing partner, this avoids getting lulled into a false sense of security when it comes to what works and what looks pretty. I honestly think grappling in some guise is the best thing you can do as a kid and my lad absolutely loves it.
The whole BJJ 'scene' is very laid back in my experience and everybody wierdly wants to help everybody else from what I have seen over the last couple of years. This has even been the case in the competitions I have taken him to. The number 1 rule is 'leave your ego at the door' and whilst it's a bit of a cliche its true.
BJJ or wrestling would be my first choice, but traditional JJ should be OK but for my/my lads needs we would want to make sure it involves a good percentage of rolling and not just elaborate throws etc. that IMHO look pretty but are a lot of the time pretty pointless.
For what it's worth, my 12 year old this weekly completely by choice:
Monday Traditional JJ
Tuesday Rugby
Wednesday Alternate weeks BJJ and no gi grappling/traditional JJ
Thursday Rugby
Friday BJJ
saturday Match
BJJ and JJ both help his rugby I beleive, and will only do more so when he gets older. We;'ve booked his rugby team in for a full wrestling session at one of my clubs to let everybody benefit.
Not quite clear from your post which your local club does.
There's a big difference between traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
<geek alert
/>
The former was the original self defence system for samurai in the event that they became disarmed and had to face (kill) people who were still armed with swords. 90 years or so ago somebody realised that that wasn't particularly relevant any more so it split the Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu (or similar) into a sport (Judo) and a softer more user friendly system (Akido).
Incidentally this original Japanese JJ formed the basis of most of the Fairbairn Sykes system that was taught to the Marines/Commandos in ww2, so not quite as ineffective as it's now become fashionable to say/ignorantly mock.
</>
BJJ emerged much more recently as a ground based system and is done either wearing a Gi (pyjamas) or NoGi (slinky skin tight numbers).
NoGi BJJ is generally what this thread is about and is the ground work used in UFC etc. As above, it's a really nice scene and certainly the better system for your son to get into IMHO. Examples below to show the difference:
Traditional (technique 3 - kotegaeshi
): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXTtmHUBLw
Gi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkxQH4w1mU8
NoGi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8KA5puPLI
There's a big difference between traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
<geek alert
/>The former was the original self defence system for samurai in the event that they became disarmed and had to face (kill) people who were still armed with swords. 90 years or so ago somebody realised that that wasn't particularly relevant any more so it split the Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu (or similar) into a sport (Judo) and a softer more user friendly system (Akido).
Incidentally this original Japanese JJ formed the basis of most of the Fairbairn Sykes system that was taught to the Marines/Commandos in ww2, so not quite as ineffective as it's now become fashionable to say/ignorantly mock.
</
>BJJ emerged much more recently as a ground based system and is done either wearing a Gi (pyjamas) or NoGi (slinky skin tight numbers).
NoGi BJJ is generally what this thread is about and is the ground work used in UFC etc. As above, it's a really nice scene and certainly the better system for your son to get into IMHO. Examples below to show the difference:
Traditional (technique 3 - kotegaeshi
): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXTtmHUBLwGi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkxQH4w1mU8
NoGi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8KA5puPLI
Another bust little toe for me..... 2nd one in 6 months or so. Heard a crack during wrestling takedowns as it got stuck in the mat, now in plenty of pain trying to work out if it's dislocated, broken or neither. Can't bring myself to go to A&E with a poorly pinky but I don't want to leave it too long if it needs resetting etc.
Pair of wrestling shoes now on my Christmas list.
Pair of wrestling shoes now on my Christmas list.
ben5575 said:
Not quite clear from your post which your local club does.
There's a big difference between traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
<geek alert />
The former was the original self defence system for samurai in the event that they became disarmed and had to face (kill) people who were still armed with swords. 90 years or so ago somebody realised that that wasn't particularly relevant any more so it split the Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu (or similar) into a sport (Judo) and a softer more user friendly system (Akido).
Incidentally this original Japanese JJ formed the basis of most of the Fairbairn Sykes system that was taught to the Marines/Commandos in ww2, so not quite as ineffective as it's now become fashionable to say/ignorantly mock.
</>
BJJ emerged much more recently as a ground based system and is done either wearing a Gi (pyjamas) or NoGi (slinky skin tight numbers).
NoGi BJJ is generally what this thread is about and is the ground work used in UFC etc. As above, it's a really nice scene and certainly the better system for your son to get into IMHO. Examples below to show the difference:
Traditional (technique 3 - kotegaeshi): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXTtmHUBLw
Gi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkxQH4w1mU8
NoGi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8KA5puPLI
Thanks, I don't think it's BJJThere's a big difference between traditional Japanese Ju Jutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
<geek alert
/>The former was the original self defence system for samurai in the event that they became disarmed and had to face (kill) people who were still armed with swords. 90 years or so ago somebody realised that that wasn't particularly relevant any more so it split the Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu (or similar) into a sport (Judo) and a softer more user friendly system (Akido).
Incidentally this original Japanese JJ formed the basis of most of the Fairbairn Sykes system that was taught to the Marines/Commandos in ww2, so not quite as ineffective as it's now become fashionable to say/ignorantly mock.
</
>BJJ emerged much more recently as a ground based system and is done either wearing a Gi (pyjamas) or NoGi (slinky skin tight numbers).
NoGi BJJ is generally what this thread is about and is the ground work used in UFC etc. As above, it's a really nice scene and certainly the better system for your son to get into IMHO. Examples below to show the difference:
Traditional (technique 3 - kotegaeshi
): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXTtmHUBLwGi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkxQH4w1mU8
NoGi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8KA5puPLI
http://northamptonjitsuclub.co.uk/
Nope; has a whiff of aikido about it. This is their governing body: https://www.jitsufoundation.org/about/japanese-mar...
Try having a look here: https://graciebarra.com/find-a-school/
I'm sure others on here will be able to help better than I can though. Good luck.
Try having a look here: https://graciebarra.com/find-a-school/
I'm sure others on here will be able to help better than I can though. Good luck.
Great posts Ben.
Depends where abouts in Northampton you are really, heres a couple of options:
Roger Gracie Academy, very well respected, super legit and fantastic lineage. Roger Gracie is widely regarded as one of the GOATs in BJJ - https://www.rganorthampton.com
BST Academy which looks to be under Kev Capel. Another one of Rogers students, I have a friend who has trained with / under Kev for a while and as I understand he is highly rated - https://www.bstacademy.co.uk/mma/class/bjj
MC2 BJJ - I don't know too much about this one. Head Coach is a purple belt (don't let that necessarily put you off). He looks to be under Peter Richardson who I have taken a class under previously in Aberdeen, nice guy and great teacher - http://mc2-bjj.co.uk
Gracie Barra Milton Keynes. I think Tony trains at a Barra club, probably the biggest affiliation in the UK. Great curruculum and generally excellent teaching - http://graciebarramk.co.uk
Theres a couple of options, hopefully you can find something. Always feel free to post up a link to a club you are considering and we'll steer you right (hopefully!).
Anyway, its 5am Monday Morning (up since 4, couldn't sleep!) Time to squeeze in a quick gym session before work! Have a good one all.
Depends where abouts in Northampton you are really, heres a couple of options:
Roger Gracie Academy, very well respected, super legit and fantastic lineage. Roger Gracie is widely regarded as one of the GOATs in BJJ - https://www.rganorthampton.com
BST Academy which looks to be under Kev Capel. Another one of Rogers students, I have a friend who has trained with / under Kev for a while and as I understand he is highly rated - https://www.bstacademy.co.uk/mma/class/bjj
MC2 BJJ - I don't know too much about this one. Head Coach is a purple belt (don't let that necessarily put you off). He looks to be under Peter Richardson who I have taken a class under previously in Aberdeen, nice guy and great teacher - http://mc2-bjj.co.uk
Gracie Barra Milton Keynes. I think Tony trains at a Barra club, probably the biggest affiliation in the UK. Great curruculum and generally excellent teaching - http://graciebarramk.co.uk
Theres a couple of options, hopefully you can find something. Always feel free to post up a link to a club you are considering and we'll steer you right (hopefully!).
Anyway, its 5am Monday Morning (up since 4, couldn't sleep!) Time to squeeze in a quick gym session before work! Have a good one all.
As Pete says, I am at a GB club and also cross train at a different club so have a little experience with the 2 'types'. Gracie Barra is very structured, very well organised and has a fantastic atmosphere a very supportive and friendly culture and is very much like a family. The top 2 men (the Estima bros) are very actively involved in things and there seems to be an emphasis on making sure the academy owners/head instructors seem to be hand picked to continue this ethos. The timetable is on a fixed rotation and every academy in the world trains the same thing the same week. GB is primarily gi based, or at least it is at ours, but they do run some no gi sessions too.
Price wise, GB is more expensive than my other club and you do have to wear their gi's which aren't the cheapest. My other club is a lot less 'formal' and allows any colour gi etc and the timetable is a lot less structured and the class content seems to be whatever takes the head coaches fancy. Costwise it's cheaper too and they are much, much more focused on no gi.
Due to the difference in the way both of these operate, people seem to be more 'loyal' to GB once they get past the initial period compared to the other place which seems to have a more 'transient' set of students.
GB is a monthly direct debit payment scheme only but the other club offers both pay as you train and DD options - although best to check about other fees for gradings etc (we pay £25 for a grading at the other club for the lad but new belts at GB/gradings aren't charged for at GB.
Price wise, GB is more expensive than my other club and you do have to wear their gi's which aren't the cheapest. My other club is a lot less 'formal' and allows any colour gi etc and the timetable is a lot less structured and the class content seems to be whatever takes the head coaches fancy. Costwise it's cheaper too and they are much, much more focused on no gi.
Due to the difference in the way both of these operate, people seem to be more 'loyal' to GB once they get past the initial period compared to the other place which seems to have a more 'transient' set of students.
GB is a monthly direct debit payment scheme only but the other club offers both pay as you train and DD options - although best to check about other fees for gradings etc (we pay £25 for a grading at the other club for the lad but new belts at GB/gradings aren't charged for at GB.
Hi all,
Just been reading this thread as just had my 3rd lesson with Gracie Barra BJJ.
I did a year of traditional Japanense Jiu Jitsu as a student 20 years ago. Really enjoyed it but when I graduated from uni just kind of forgot about it.
Then end of last year I realise there is a BJJ school literally on my doorstep, which is pretty amazing considering I live out in the countryside, so my new years resolution was to start classes.
Really enjoying it so far. I can remember a little bit from before, but it's more muscle memory than anything else. Hopefully I will pick it up again quite quickly though.
Will keep you posted with progress.
Just been reading this thread as just had my 3rd lesson with Gracie Barra BJJ.
I did a year of traditional Japanense Jiu Jitsu as a student 20 years ago. Really enjoyed it but when I graduated from uni just kind of forgot about it.
Then end of last year I realise there is a BJJ school literally on my doorstep, which is pretty amazing considering I live out in the countryside, so my new years resolution was to start classes.
Really enjoying it so far. I can remember a little bit from before, but it's more muscle memory than anything else. Hopefully I will pick it up again quite quickly though.
Will keep you posted with progress.
CaptainSensib1e said:
Hi all,
Just been reading this thread as just had my 3rd lesson with Gracie Barra BJJ.
I did a year of traditional Japanense Jiu Jitsu as a student 20 years ago. Really enjoyed it but when I graduated from uni just kind of forgot about it.
Then end of last year I realise there is a BJJ school literally on my doorstep, which is pretty amazing considering I live out in the countryside, so my new years resolution was to start classes.
Really enjoying it so far. I can remember a little bit from before, but it's more muscle memory than anything else. Hopefully I will pick it up again quite quickly though.
Will keep you posted with progress.
Good luck pal and welcome to your new, painful, pretty addictive hobby that will fill occupy your mind for most of the time you spend awake...... Just been reading this thread as just had my 3rd lesson with Gracie Barra BJJ.
I did a year of traditional Japanense Jiu Jitsu as a student 20 years ago. Really enjoyed it but when I graduated from uni just kind of forgot about it.
Then end of last year I realise there is a BJJ school literally on my doorstep, which is pretty amazing considering I live out in the countryside, so my new years resolution was to start classes.
Really enjoying it so far. I can remember a little bit from before, but it's more muscle memory than anything else. Hopefully I will pick it up again quite quickly though.
Will keep you posted with progress.
Excellent, another victim...I mean practitioner.
Seriously though, pleased you've (re)started again, keep us informed on how you're getting on.
Any news from anyone lately? Our head instructor took gold in his category at the Euros 2 weeks ago, modest sod won't even have his medal up!
Seriously though, pleased you've (re)started again, keep us informed on how you're getting on.
Any news from anyone lately? Our head instructor took gold in his category at the Euros 2 weeks ago, modest sod won't even have his medal up!
I'm still plugging away at my own level, some good weeks and some not so good. Every now and again just when I think I'm getting nowhere I roll with a relative newcomer and realize just how far I have come.
Concentrating more no gi at the moment, mainly due to the fact I can wear wrestling shoes to protect my formerly broken toes. Getting through a fair bit more wrestling and enjoying that.
My lad is also doing a bit of no gi and after being in a bit of a trough for a few months and not wanting to do any comps he seems to be back on an upward curve again.
Concentrating more no gi at the moment, mainly due to the fact I can wear wrestling shoes to protect my formerly broken toes. Getting through a fair bit more wrestling and enjoying that.
My lad is also doing a bit of no gi and after being in a bit of a trough for a few months and not wanting to do any comps he seems to be back on an upward curve again.
Went along to watch the guys and girls at a local interclub today. It was good fun even though I didn't have a clue what was going on! 
There were some big dudes in gis throwing each other about all over the place. Looks a lot more violent than the nogi stuff! I'm 95kg and the thought of mixing it with them didn't appeal in the slightest!
Three mats on the go in the usual sweaty/skanky, over the shop location, all various stages of blue and white belts. Gi first then moving onto nogi.
I went along to watch/support a young lad who I've been training with since he started MA generally at 14. He must be 21 or so now and one of only a handful of 10th Planet purple belts in the UK. He was up against the only other nogi purple belt at the event; an older dude at around 40.
I know our guy is young and super explosive but he was well matched by the guy he was with. 10 minute round started amongst the usual noise and excitement of a competition, but after 2 or 3 minutes it all went deathly silent as 60 or so guys just stood watching the two of them go at it. Our guy got the submission (I wish I knew what it was but I couldn't see it) with a couple of minutes to go, but in truth the older guy had the better of him up until then.
Great fun and proved the adage that despite the big guys smashing it in gis, it was the little unassuming guys that did the business. Would love to see some high level gi competition on the back of it. It also reinforced that I have no intention of ever having a go at it myself as I just don't bend like that!
How's everybody else's training going?
There were some big dudes in gis throwing each other about all over the place. Looks a lot more violent than the nogi stuff! I'm 95kg and the thought of mixing it with them didn't appeal in the slightest!
Three mats on the go in the usual sweaty/skanky, over the shop location, all various stages of blue and white belts. Gi first then moving onto nogi.
I went along to watch/support a young lad who I've been training with since he started MA generally at 14. He must be 21 or so now and one of only a handful of 10th Planet purple belts in the UK. He was up against the only other nogi purple belt at the event; an older dude at around 40.
I know our guy is young and super explosive but he was well matched by the guy he was with. 10 minute round started amongst the usual noise and excitement of a competition, but after 2 or 3 minutes it all went deathly silent as 60 or so guys just stood watching the two of them go at it. Our guy got the submission (I wish I knew what it was but I couldn't see it) with a couple of minutes to go, but in truth the older guy had the better of him up until then.
Great fun and proved the adage that despite the big guys smashing it in gis, it was the little unassuming guys that did the business. Would love to see some high level gi competition on the back of it. It also reinforced that I have no intention of ever having a go at it myself as I just don't bend like that!
How's everybody else's training going?
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