Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Photo of Coach James Clingerman demonstrating a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu armbar

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art with an emphasis on ground fighting. It is the most effective self-defense system and is now a popular international competitive sport. Sometimes referred to as “the gentle art”, BJJ uses technique and leverage to take the fight to the ground, dominate the position, and end an altercation by applying joint-locks and chokes to defeat potentially bigger and stronger opponents.


Self-Defense

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be the most effective singular martial art for self-defense. Royce Gracie demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ at the first UFC event in 1993. He proved that a smaller, weaker fighter can consistently defeat a larger and stronger opponent using efficient grappling, positioning, leverage, skill, and technique. To this day, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to be the most realistic and sought-after self-defense system in the world.

Exercise

There is no need to get in better shape before trying our programs. Training BJJ is an excellent aerobic and anaerobic exercise that improves cardio, strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility. Jiu-Jitsu is great for reducing body fat and increasing muscle tone, and it’s a fun way to get into shape or improve athletic conditioning.

Character Building

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds confidence, self-control, and discipline. It also encourages a healthy lifestyle by motivating students to make healthier decisions. Many of the lessons learned through Jiu-Jitsu are applicable in our everyday lives.

Photo of James Clingerman and Master Anibal Braga

Our BJJ Program

Headed by Coach James Clingerman (4th-Degree Black Belt under Master Anibal Braga, 8th-Degree Red/White Coral Belt), the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at IBJJA strongly emphasizes BJJ fundamentals, and includes elements of Wrestling, Judo, Sambo, and Submission Grappling.

IBJJA has a complete and comprehensive curriculum of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals, where students learn the basics of takedowns, escapes, sweeps, dominant positioning, and submissions such as arm-locks, leg-locks, and chokes. This world-class curriculum is designed to develop a strong foundation of Jiu-Jitsu techniques, which are essential for self-defense and sport competition. We also teach advanced techniques, concepts, and systems which are not taught anywhere else in the world. This “Foundation” curriculum ensures that our students have a well-rounded understanding of grappling, with no “weak links”.

Kids' Programs

Photo of the kids who train at Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (6–12 year olds)

We teach our kids the same foundational curriculum we teach the adults in a way that’s encouraging, engaging, and fun! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent way for kids to get exercise and build confidence, strength, discipline, and endurance, all while learning vital self defense techniques.

Bullying is as prevalent as ever, and Brazliain Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective anti-bullying program. Learning self-defense at an early age builds confidence and and a sense of security, which makes children less likely a target for bullying. If they must defend themselves, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives them the tools to control the situation, as well as the wisdom to avoid violence when possible.

Many of our students compete regularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments.

Half-Pints Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (3–5 year olds)

Our Half-Pints Kids’ class builds discipline, strength, endurance, and skill by practicing fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu movements and drills. Our instructors mix Jiu-Jitsu concepts with games and play to keep the kids engaged and having fun! The program is great exercise for the little ones, promotes self-discipline, character building, and establishes a strong foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

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