A beginner's guide to jiu jitsu: What it is, Benefits and Moves

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Everything you need to know about jiu jitsu (Image via Unsplash/Joshua Jamias)

Jiu jitsu is a martial art that has been around for centuries. It's a form of self-defense and combat sport that encompasses a range of different techniques and strategies for controlling an opponent.

Jiu-jitsu is a form of grappling that involves taking an opponent to the ground and applying a variety of joint locks and chokeholds to gain submission. In recent years, jiu-jitsu has been gaining popularity as an effective form of self-defense and a great way to stay fit.

This beginner's guide to jiu-jitsu will cover what it is, its benefits, common moves, tips for beginners, training equipment, and the challenges of learning the martial art.


Introduction to Jiu Jitsu

Jiu jitsu is a martial art that originated in Japan. It's a form of grappling that involves taking an opponent to the ground and applying a variety of joint locks and chokeholds to gain submission. The goal of jiu-jitsu is to control and eventually submit an opponent through the use of leverage and technique. It's a form of self-defense as well as a combat sport.

It's a martial art based on the concept of using an opponent’s strength and momentum against them. The techniques of jiu-jitsu involve the use of joint locks, chokeholds, throws, sweeps, and other techniques to gain an advantage over an opponent. Jiu-jitsu can be practiced in both gi and no-gi, and the techniques of jiu-jitsu can be used in many types of martial arts, including MMA and judo.

The history of jiu-jitsu goes back hundreds of years. It was developed by the samurai of Japan as a form of unarmed combat. Over the centuries, jiu-jitsu has evolved and has become a popular sport and self-defense system. Today, jiu-jitsu is practiced all over the world and is a popular martial art.


Benefits of Jiu Jitsu

Jiu jitsu is one of the most popular martial arts on the planet. (Image via Pexels/Cottonbro studio)
Jiu jitsu is one of the most popular martial arts on the planet. (Image via Pexels/Cottonbro studio)

Jiu jitsu is a great way to stay fit and healthy. It is a full body workout that helps improve strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. It's also a great way to develop self-discipline and confidence. Practicing jiu-jitsu can help improve focus, coordination, and overall physical and mental health.

Jiu-jitsu is also a great way to learn self-defense. It's a form of martial art that focuses on using an opponent’s momentum and strength against them. Jiu-Jitsu techniques can help protect you in dangerous situations and can be used to defend yourself against attackers.

It's also great for developing problem-solving skills. Learning jiu-jitsu requires you to think on your feet and come up with strategies for overcoming an opponent. It can help improve your problem-solving skills and make you a better thinker.

Finally, jiu jitsu is a great way to socialize and make new friends. There is a great community of people who practice jiu-jitsu, and it's a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends.


Common Jiu Jitsu Moves and Techniques

Jiu jitsu has some tremendous benefits. (Image via Pexels/cottonbro studio)
Jiu jitsu has some tremendous benefits. (Image via Pexels/cottonbro studio)

Here are some of the most common jiu jitsu moves and techniques:

  1. The Guard: The guard is a defensive position in which the practitioner is on their back and uses their legs to control and protect their torso. From the guard, the practitioner can use various sweeps and submissions to gain an advantage over their opponent.
  2. The Mount: The mount is a dominant position in which the practitioner is on top of their opponent and is able to control them with their body weight. From the mount, the practitioner can use various strikes, joint locks, and chokeholds to gain a submission.
  3. The Rear Naked Choke: The rear naked choke is a chokehold that's used when the practitioner is behind their opponent. It's a very effective submission and can be used to quickly and efficiently gain a submission.
  4. The Arm Bar: The armbar is a joint lock that's used to control and submit an opponent. It's a very versatile move that can be used from many different positions.
  5. The Triangle Choke: The triangle choke is a chokehold that's used when the practitioner has their opponent in the guard position. It's a very effective submission and can be used to quickly and efficiently gain a submission.

These are just a few of the many different jiu-jitsu moves and techniques that can be used to gain an advantage over an opponent.


Jiu jitsu is a great martial art that has many benefits. It's a form of self-defense and a great way to stay fit and healthy. It's also a great way to learn self-defense, develop problem-solving skills, and make new friends.

There are many moves and techniques in jiu-jitsu, and it's important to find a good instructor and learn the fundamentals. It's also important to have the right training equipment and to stay safe.

Finally, it's important to remember that learning jiu-jitsu can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding. So, if you're looking for a great way to stay fit, learn self-defense, and make new friends, jiu-jitsu may be the perfect martial art for you.

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