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Gracie Barra Taiwan |
In Spirit United, In Skill Opposed. |
F.A.Q.
Frequent Asked Questions |
FAQ 1. What is Jiu-Jitsu? |
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The word jiu-jitsu (ju jitsu) is literally translated to "the gentle art." It is a broad term used to represent a fighting system that originated from the samurai and was one of the key forms they practiced for hand-to-hand combat. From this art derives many of the modern styles, such as Judo and Aikido. The idea behind Jiu-Jitsu is to maintain efficient use of energy, minimal movements, and utilizing your opponent's momentum to your advantage. |
FAQ 2. What kind of Jiu-Jitsu do you do? |
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We do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - a style based on the principles of leverage and technique over strength, pioneered by the Gracie family of Rio, Brazil. See more on the Gracie Family. |
FAQ 3. How do you "win" during a Jiu-Jitsu match? |
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The main objective in a Jiu-Jitsu match is to make your opponent submit, or 'tap out'. This is mostly accomplished by means of joint locks, chokes and strangles. If the opponent doesn't submit once a submission move is applied properly, he/she will quickly become incapacitated, either due to loss of consciousness or because a limb or joint becomes damaged. When two practitioners of roughly equally skill are matched, very often there is no submission, in which case victory is based on points scored by positional dominance after a set time. |
FAQ 4. What kind of Jiu-Jitsu do you do? |
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When used as originally intended, many of the moves can cause permanent damage or even death. Fortunately, in the controlled conditions in which we practice there is very little danger, and you would be more likely to be injured playing soccer or rugby. We don't allow submission holds to be 'yanked' on - instead we rely on slow and controlled pressure. In this way pain and injuries are largely avoided, as the opponent has sufficient time in which to tap. |
FAQ 5. What's the difference between Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? |
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a refined version of the Japanese martial art of jiu-jitsu. A key difference between the arts is the detailed approach to groundfighting developed by the gracie family which has become a distinctive element to the art. So much so that it became known as Brazilian jujitsu (Brazil being where the Gracie Family has its roots). This system of good standup as well as groundfighting skills has been refined and enhanced through efficient training methods and tested in combat, both on the streets and in the ring. In 1993, Royce Gracie proved to the world its effectiveness by winning the first Ultimate Fighting Championship. A small man himself, Royce used the power of leverage and his jiu-jitsu technique to overcome much larger and stronger opponents. Since then, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has exploded in popularity and is now the fastest growing martial art in the world. Royce and other members of the Gracie family have gained worldwide fame for their expertise in the art, with film stars and celebrities such as Nicolas Cage, Tommy Lee and Mel Gibson among their clientele. In addition, the style has become doctrine in rape prevention programs and law enforcement services around the globe. |
FAQ 6. What can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu do for me? |
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Regular practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers many benefits, including:
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FAQ 7. What does a typical class consist of? |
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The first part of the class consists of some warm up exercises. These are then followed by some Jiu-Jitsu based movement exercises and drills. The second part of the class involves the demonstration of techniques. We usually cover 1 or 2 techniques per class, focusing on the most efficient and effective moves. After each technique is demonstrated each student practices it a several times with a partner. Often the instructor will have students switch partners several times so that the students become accustomed to performing the techniques on opponents of different shapes, sizes and strengths. After this we come to the most important part of the class, sparring, or 'rolling' as we call it. This gives the students the opportunity to test what they have just learned against a determined and resisting opponent. It is now that the student is forced to tailor the techniques to suit his individual style / abilities. Class ends with warm down exercises and or conditioning exercises for those students wishing to improve their endurance |
FAQ 8. Do I have to be big and strong to do it? |
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Jiu-Jitsu is an art famed for allowing a smaller person to defeat a larger/stronger opponent as proven many times over in Mixed Martial Arts events. It is an art based principles of leverage on and momentum. Although being big and strong certainly helps it comes down to this: Jujitsu will almost always allow the more skilled of two combatants the greater chance of victory |