JJiu-Jitsu traditionally competes in a full white Uniform called a Gi (pronounced "g-ee"), but there is also a version known as “No-gi”, where competitors compete in spandex shorts and tops. The lack of the thick and heavy Gi material in No-Gi often means the discipline has a faster and more dynamic feel to it. The lighter material means there is less to slow competitors down and discourages the grappling and gripping techniques used to hold one another down using a Gi.

MMA, BJJ & Jiu-Jitsu have often been closely linked since the Gracie family's instrumental role in organizing UFC 1, which went on to revolutionize the world of Martial Arts. The Gracie's became brilliant showcases of BJJ and Jiu-Jitsu with their wins in the early days of the UFC, showing how a smaller and weaker competitor can use the techniques to defeat larger and stronger opponents. Since BJJ & Jiu-Jitsu have been pivotal in the creation of Mixed Martial Arts, then it is no real surprise that a lot of the original techniques are still in use by the top fighters today.

At its core, Jiu-Jitsu is all about leveraging your opponent's weight against them. It utilizes your own strength and mind to maneuver yourself and your opponents into the perfect positions for grapples, locks, and chokes. It has always been a great way to build muscular strength and tone your body, as BJJ and Jiu-Jitsu require your whole body to be working! With the added strength you'll gain from it, you'll find your flexibility and coordination also improving drastically. Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent way to improve your overall physical fitness and we would love to help you find your nearest Jiu-Jitsu training with Alta!