Jiu: Gentle | Jitsu: Art
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan and was later developed in Brazil. The term “jiu-jitsu” means “gentle art” or “gentle technique” in Japanese. It is known for its emphasis on ground fighting and submission techniques, making it effective for both self-defense and sport.
The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu
There are several branches of Jiu-Jitsu, including traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, but the most widely recognized and practiced form is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). BJJ was developed in Brazil by adapting and modifying the techniques of traditional Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. By intelligently applying leverage, technique and strategy, smaller individuals to can learn to defend themselves effectively against larger opponents. The art continues to grow and evolve today, from the ground up, within jiu-jitsu training academies across the world.
A win for all levels, on multiple levels
In jiu-jitsu, practitioners spar or “roll” with live resistance. In addition to being a ton of fun, rolling helps to develop practical skills for self-defense and sport competition while simultaneously imparting a host of physical and mental benefits. Furthermore, anyone can excel at jiu-jitsu: male, female, brain-y, brawn-y, young and old. This diversity creates a vibrant community and sense of camaraderie within the training academy. Thus, it is no wonder why jiu-jitsu has gained global popularity. Today it is the fastest growing martial art in the world…but enough talk. Let’s Roll.
Gi vs No-Gi
The traditional practice attire is called a Gi, a two-piece garment consisting of loose fitting pants and a heavy weight cotton jacket, tied with a cloth belt. No-Gi attire usually consists of shorts and/or tights (a.k.a spats) and a close fitting shirt (a.k.a. rash guard). There are benefits to training in both Gi and No Gi, so we practice with each, alternating days.
- Gi: Provides more grips
- Gi: Increases friction; slows down the game
- Gi: Applicable in some self defense situations
- No-Gi: Emphasizes athleticism
- No-Gi: Promotes easy comfortable movement
- No-Gi: Less friction speeds up the game
Living the Life
Thoroughly impressed!!! If you’re looking for a clean, professional, non-judgmental environment to learn and grow your jiu-jitsu fitness goals, this is your place. My husband has always spoke so highly of the owners and their extensive knowledge. Recently, our teenage daughter started taking jiu-jitsu lessons so I popped by to see her progress. Wow!! Not…
State of the art facility. Talented and diverse coaching staff. Talented and diverse student body. I’ve been in combat sports for thirty years and this school and it’s all inclusive approach is one of the best I’ve been a part of. You’ll get your fill if it’s your first day or your 10,950th. ~George Birk,…
The best grappling and instruction in the area. Head coach Michael Seals combines professionalism with decades of martial arts experience to provide an optimal environment for all levels of grappling from seasoned black belts to those just looking to gain entry to the sport of jiu jitsu. Combined with a brand new facility makes for…
I tried a class here 8 months ago as a total beginner and have been hooked ever since. It is an incredibly welcoming environment with very clean facilities. The community that Professor Michael Seals and Polly Seals have created is special and Lexington is lucky to have a place like this. ~Jonathan Fanin, Google Review
Came to Lexington on a business trip and did a drop in. The facility was extremely clean and the people were very welcoming.Having trained BJJ in numerous cities because of work, I would rate Lexington Jiu Jitsu as one of the better places I’ve visited. Highly recommended if you live in the area or are…
PROS- Gymnastics spring floor under the sparing mats. –Extremely clean facility and kept that way. –Respectfulness, integrity, and safety mindedness of the staff. –Owners are SALT of the earth and very professional. CONS- Only one location. ~H, Google Review
Resources
Mat time is second to none, but engraving skills into your brain with the aid of video is very effective. Click the link below to visit our YouTube channel. Here you will find “practice snacks: short, sweet snippets to help keep your juices flowing and your brain growing in between classes. As you watch these videos, imagine the FEELING of performing the skill. Recommended practice time: 5 minutes per day.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships
At Lexington Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness, we aim to promote cooperation between other academies and to raise the level of skill across all jiu-jitsu practitioners. Whether you are a member here or at another school, we invite you to train with us. We offer a free Community Roll, Sundays from noon to 1pm, and a free Ladies Only class on Saturdays from 11am to noon. Click the button below to read our house rules and fill out our waiver. Please feel free to call or email us if you have any questions. See you on the mats!
