Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be classified alongside the sports of Judo and Taekwondo, being a martial art and combat sport. As well as being used for the art of self defense, it is great in character building in the young person, giving them a focus and aim in life.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is said to have come about due to a large immigrant population of Japanese in Brazil, its' invention being a relatively new one, in the twentieth century. It is derived form the Japanese martial art of Judo, and although is very similar in many aspects, ranking being gained by dans and belts, it sets itself aside from Judo by being a sport that is more focused on ground fighting.

The main focus of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the capability to grapple your opponent to the ground, locking them into a position from which they are unable to move, regardless of the weight of the opponents.

The Jiu Jitsu Gi is the formal uniform used when training and fighting Jiu Jitsu. Again, it is very similar to that of Judo, but the legs and arms are slightly less loose. Traditionally the Jiu Jitsu Gi must be warn for all training sessions, and although no Gi is allowed by some, when fighting in tournaments, it is compulsory.

Ranking in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, again follows a similar pattern to those of both Judo and Taekwondo, the black belt being the highest and much respected ranking. Depending on commitment levels, it can take up to or more than ten years to obtain the black belt. Bjj Belts are categorized into junior and senior, seniors starting at the age of 16.

Like its' counterparts, Judo and Taekwondo, it is encouraged from a very early age, being both a healthy practice, as well as a method of learning both self defense and self discipline. From its' development in the early twentieth century, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become a very popular and well practiced sport, holding many competitions worldwide, as well as at local levels.

The main techniques for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, that stand it apart from its' ancestor Judo, are the techniques of joint locks, choke holds, and submission holds. These techniques show the individual that they do not need to be scared of an enemy or opponent who is bigger, or stronger than themselves, in one clean move, they can have their opponent immobilized on the ground.

It is important that all youngsters learn self defense in todays society, but also it is of explicit importance that their knowledge is not abused. In learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the individual also builds character and self control, making them a well rounded person, able to use their knowledge in the correct situations. It is often argued if the Brazilian art of Jiu Jitsu came from the Japanese art of judo, or that of Japanese Jiu Jitsu, but from either or both of the above, has developed a worldwide recognized martial art and combat sport.