Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu teaches its practitioners to use leverage to subdue an opponent, rather than muscular strength alone. It is practiced as a sport, a self-defense method, and an art, and is a major component in mixed martial arts competition (MMA).

Jiu-Jitsu is our passion here. Our programs are available to the entire community of Charlottesville. We have worked hard on developing our curriculum, training methods, instructors and staff to make it as accessible as possible to everyone willing to learn. We love to have visitors from other academies and encourage anyone to respectfully come roll with us.

Interested in Jiu-Jitsu classes for your child? Learn more about our programs for Kids (ages 5-8) and Juniors (ages 9-14).

Jiu-Jitsu focuses on techniques and tactics in close-quarters range, and has many practical applications for self-defense. With continued training, students learn how to control the space between themselves and an attacker. Fights often end up on the ground, whether from a simple tackle, getting hit with a big punch, or just tripping over an unexpected curb. Training Jiu-Jitsu gives you skills and techniques to maneuver on the ground, to get up and escape, or to control and restrain an aggressor.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, practitioners are awarded different colored belts to signify their increasing levels of technical knowledge, skill, and ability. For adults, the progression starts with a white belt, then blue, purple, brown, and black.
It takes longer to be promoted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu than in other belt-ranked systems. Each belt takes anywhere from 1 to 3 years of regular training to move up in rank, taking up to 10+ years of consistent training to achieve a black belt.

At our school, a student’s rank is based on his/her knowledge, physical skill, length of time training, attitude, and overall quality of movement and understanding. While earning any particular rank is an achievement, it is a mistake to place too much focus on this as an end in and of itself. Focus on training, develop the techniques, have a positive attitude, and everything else will follow naturally.

To this day, Jiu-Jitsu sport practitioners still wear the traditional uniform from Japan, called a “gi.” The Jiu-Jitsu gi is made of thick material and tailored differently than other martial arts uniforms. A colored belt tied around the waist indicates a student’s rank.

In our classes, students learn how to control their partner using a variety of grips on the gi.

Unless noted otherwise, the Level 1 classes on our schedule are gi classes. Members are required to purchase their own Jiu-Jitsu gi and belt. Both are available for sale in our pro shop for your convenience; we can advise you on the size you need. You can also find these items online. We also have gi’s and belts available for day rental, if you forget yours. We have regular no-gi classes on our schedule.