Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), also known as Gracie jiu-jitsu (GJJ), is one of the most effective fighting systems of modern times. Originally an off-shoot of judo, it has evolved into a distinct style with a diverse community. We train for both sport and self-defense applications as well as personal improvement. There are jiu-jitsu experts in many different parts of grappling. Practitioners are often known for their efficient and open-minded approach.
About Brazilian jiu-jitsu
A black belt and expert in judo, Mitsuyo Maeda was one of Kano's second generation of fighters. Maeda participated in many early judo, boxing, and wrestling bouts to promote Judo both in Japan and abroad. His nickname "Conde Koma" is Spanish for the Count of Combat. After immigrating to Brazil, Maeda introduced his style of combat to the sons of his friend Gastão Gracie around 1917 - notably Carlos and later Hélio (by watching his brothers train). The Gracies and their students continued to evolve jiu-jitsu in Brazil independently of Japanese judo. They became famous through many early mixed-martial arts (MMA) matches. After immigrating to America, jiu-jitsu spread quickly. They founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and most MMA competitors now include some form of Brazilian jiu-jitsu or related martial art in their training regimen.
Jiu-jitsu is a complete martial art with effective self-defense strategies. Its name is Japanese for "gentle art" acknowledging both its heritage and the philosophy of maximum effectiveness with minimum effort. Jiu-jitsu emphasizes staying safe, gaining control over an opponent, and finishing the fight with submission techniques like joint-locks or chokes. Wrestling and striking aspects are also included from other styles, but mostly jiu-jitsu is known for its excellent ground fighting details. Maeda taught that combat can be broken down into different phases such as striking, clinching, wrestling, or grappling. Jiu-jitsu fighters train to keep the fight in the phase best suited to their own strengths. Fighters don't conform to jiu-jitsu; jiu-jitsu conforms to the fighter.
About our BJJ program
The head BJJ instructor of Team Balance/Pittsburgh is Jimmy Cerra. Jimmy is a competitive athletes who enjoys teaching and competing as much as possible. As a Team Balance affiliate, we can trace our jiu-jitsu instruction lineage through Phil Migliarese to Relson Gracie, son of Hélio Gracie. We are committed to providing the best training environment for our students.
Team Balance is widely regarded as one of the elite martial arts schools in the world. Currently representing nearly 30 affiliates world-wide, the ever-growing network consists of 4,000 students, all of whom have been carefully selected through limited enrollment to represent the team. The exclusivity of membership fosters a familial environment that is unrivaled amongst competitors, and much sought out by those eager to learn from the best. Team Balance fighters run the gamut from average enthusiasts to world champion jiu jitsu competitors; some are professional fighters who have fought in esteemed mixed martial arts competitions like the UFC, while others have represented Team Balance at the prestigious ADCC championships.
What to expect at a typical class
Our general class structure begins with a brief warm-up consisting mostly of functional exercises. Then we proceed to practice 2-4 techniques in depth. We will often practice these skills slowly at first with progressively more active and realistic drills later. While repetition is important to develop proper technique, we provide variability over the week in order to prevent monotony. We may study a technique then later try it against a resisting partner during a positional drill.
We conclude every class with several rounds of live sparring called rolling. Trying out what you learn in class against resistive partners is an important part of jiu-jitsu. The intensity can vary from just 50% to 100%. We may start rolling from a neutral standing posture, from the ground, or from a certain position or situation. The key to rolling is to relax and having fun. Stiff or jerky movements can lead to injuries and bad technique. Flowing with your partner helps you to see open opportunities that you can exploit. Jiu jitsu is a chess match and should be trained with an attentive mind.
Some classes require a uniform called a gi. Other classes simply need comfortable clothing suitable for vigorous exercise. Jiu-jitsu is a great way to get or stay in shape and to release stress. Jiu-jitsu requires commitment and tenacity to reach the next level. It is up to you how far you really want to take your jiu-jitsu experience!
