FIRST,  A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:

At the turn of the 20th Century, the Gracie Family of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were introduced to Japanese Jiu Jitsu when Brazil and Japan were creating import/export relationships.  Helio Gracie, the youngest brother of the Gracie Clan, became the patriarch of the self defense system created by his family.  Gracie Jiu Jitsu as it became known, quickly became an extremely efficient method of self defense and fighting.  It was tested over and over by the Gracie Family in challenge matches, and in Vale Tudo (Portuguese for “anything goes’) fights in Brazil.

In the late 1970′s Rorian Gracie, Helio’s eldest son, moved to the United States and brought the family tradition with him.  He created the first Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy in Southern California and, in 1992,  went on to create The Ultimate Fighting Championship as the ultimate test of martial art styles.

As the UFC took hold in the martial arts community, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu exploded across the US to where it is now a highly competitive, international sport.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

• Anyone can participate:  Size, gender,  fitness level,  and types of experience make no difference to us.  We believe that anyone can learn and thrive in our sport.  But, our programs are designed for adults and we require that students are at least 18 years old to attend.  However, we have made exceptions and have accepted 16 and 17 year old’s.  Due to the nature of our training, we must meet and try out all prospective 16 and 17 year old students prior to accepting them to our team.
  
• Basic technique is paramount:  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has limitless technique.  The art is in a constant state of evolution as more and more practitioners learn and interpret the language of the art.  But, basic techniques will always win in competition.  As a result, we have a “NO B.S.”  policy when it comes to instruction.  We focus on the techniques and strategies that we have won with in competition.
• Efficiency over power:  Power grappling lasts only a short period of time.  Efficient grappling outlasts everything.
• Competition is the best benchmark of progress:  We pride ourselves on being competitors.  Competing in tournaments is the ultimate test of your physical skills, emotional fortitude, and mental preparation.  But while we know competition is good, we also understand that it is not for everyone.  We encourage it, but do not force it.
• Dedicated practice is the only chance for success: Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takes time, energy, and patience.  There are moments of extreme frustration and overwhelming exhilaration.  It is a commitment to deep disciplined practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that is the cornerstone of the lifestyle.
• You are ultimately responsible for your growth, but you are not alone.   You ultimately choose how you perform, in class, in competition, and in life.  But your team, the partners who have pushed you in practice,  will always be there to push you some more, celebrate with you in victory, or pick you up when you fall.

HOW WE DO IT

Our class structure follows a specific order to maximize our students learning curve of the art.  We begin the class with a warm up designed to improve joint mobility and movement that is necessary for practice.  A period of technical instruction and drilling follows.  This is where we build your tool box of technique and strategies.  Finally, we end the class with live sparring.  ALL BEGINNERS ARE SLOWLY INTEGRATED INTO THIS PORTION OF CLASS.  We cannot emphasize this enough.  Live sparring is the time for you to apply your technique and strategy when your opponent is not being cooperative.  It is under this pressure that you will learn the true value of the art.  Because of this pressure, beginning students are paired with advanced students in the beginning and coached through these sessions until we are comfortable that you can participate.

We are active and successful in local, regional, national and international competitions.   Our focus is competition organized by our governing body, The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.  Here are our success stories in the IBJJF.

We are also very active  in The Ohio Grappling Challenge, a locally run promotion that sponsors events through out the year.  This tournament is an excellent opportunity for beginners to start their competitive careers.

While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the primary focus, we train and fight competitively in MMA and also offer Capoeira classes.