In Jiu Jitsu, athletes utilize leverage and momentum over pure muscle and strength. For example- one of BJJ’s Founder Helio Gracie was only ~130 lbs so for him to bench pressing someone bigger and heavier is not going to win the fight. It is the power of leverage and momentum that gives jiu jitsu its efficiency. Gracie Barra strives to be at the cutting edge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts in general – so it is very important for those who train to understand these basic concepts that relate to leverage and momentum:
1. Fight for your technique – but never force something that’s not there: People are more likely to get injured when forcing a half technique, instead of fighting for the correct technique. Try to utilize your partner’s momentum or adjust your angle.
2. Don’t give up – If you are just starting, or perhaps a 4 stripe purple belt, don’t stop trying a move you know works. Sometimes a bigger opponent will smash your favorite sweep, but this should be motivation to train more and learn how to fix the mistakes.
3. Train with the right people – this might be one of the biggest tips: Jiu Jitsu is the biggest individual sports but it should also be seen as a team sport because with out good training partners, it is hard to improve.
4. Train the right techniques – Figure out what works for your body type, what works for your personality, and drill, drill, drill with a buddy until it’s muscle memory.
Make sure you come by our academy for a free week of unlimited classes – or if you are already training at a different school feel free to stop by on Friday’s at 12pm for our open mat. 