Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - usually shortened to BJJ - is a grappling-based martial art and combat sport built around control, problem-solving and live resistance.
Rather than using punches or kicks, practitioners learn to use takedowns, positional control, escapes, joint locks and chokes.
The aim is to control an opponent and create a submission, while also learning how to escape and defend when placed in a difficult position.
Although strength and athleticism can help, BJJ teaches you to make effective use of timing, leverage and efficient movement. This allows people of different ages, sizes and physical abilities to train and develop together.
BJJ can be practised recreationally, competitively or as part of mixed martial arts.
Some people begin because they want to learn a martial art, while others are looking for a new physical challenge, improved fitness or a more engaging way to train.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu developed from the Japanese grappling traditions of jujutsu and Kodokan judo.
In the early twentieth century, Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda travelled internationally, demonstrating and teaching his martial art before arriving in Brazil. There, he shared his knowledge with Carlos Gracie and other students.
Carlos, Hélio and members of the wider Gracie family subsequently developed their own approach to the art. Their system placed particular emphasis on ground fighting, positional control and submissions, including ways for a smaller person to manage a larger opponent.
The art initially grew through academies and challenge matches in Brazil. It gained worldwide attention during the 1990s when Royce Gracie used Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to defeat larger opponents in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship events.
Today, BJJ is an international sport with established gi and no-gi competition formats, a global tournament circuit and a major influence on modern mixed martial arts.
At its heart, however, BJJ remains a practical and endlessly adaptable form of grappling: learning how to solve physical problems against a resisting partner.
A BJJ match or sparring round usually begins with both people standing. From there, each person can use takedowns or other methods to bring the action to the ground.
Once on the ground, practitioners work to improve their position, control their opponent and create opportunities to submit them. At the same time, the other person is trying to escape, reverse the position or attack themselves.
Common aspects of BJJ include:
Takedowns and standing grappling
Controlling an opponent from dominant positions
Escaping from underneath an opponent
Passing the guard
Sweeps and reversals
Joint locks
Chokes
Defending submissions
Linking movements and positions together
This continuous exchange makes BJJ as much a problem-solving activity as a physical one. Your partner is always moving, reacting and presenting you with new information.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is commonly practised in two formats.
Gi BJJ
Gi BJJ is practised in a traditional training uniform consisting of a heavy jacket, trousers and belt. Practitioners can use the material of the gi to grip, control and submit their opponent.
No-Gi BJJ
No-gi training is normally practised in a rash guard and shorts. Clothing cannot be gripped, so controlling the body directly becomes more important. No-gi often has a faster pace and shares many elements with wrestling and submission grappling.
The same central principles apply to both formats. Training in each develops slightly different skills, and many people enjoy practising both.
The exact structure will vary, but a class will usually include a combination of:
Movement preparation and warm-up activities
Coach-led instruction
Partner practice
Positional games or sparring
Live rolling
During positional training, you may begin in a particular situation with each partner given a specific objective. For example, one person might try to escape while the other attempts to maintain control.
Rolling is the BJJ term for live sparring. Both partners try to apply what they have learned against genuine resistance while working within the agreed rules.
Beginners are introduced to this process progressively. You are not expected to arrive already fit, understand the terminology or know how to grapple.
A submission is completed when one person “taps”.
Tapping is a clear signal that tells your partner to release the submission immediately. This can be done by tapping your partner or the mat several times, or by verbally saying “tap”.
Tapping is a normal and essential part of learning BJJ. It allows people to practise submission techniques safely and is never considered a failure. Everyone taps during training—from complete beginners to experienced black belts.
No. You do not need to be fit before beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Training will help you gradually develop your fitness, strength, coordination and mobility. You can work at your own pace, take breaks when needed and build up the intensity as your confidence and conditioning improve.
BJJ welcomes people with different ages, body types and levels of experience.
You do not need to “get fit first”—starting training is how you begin.
For adults, the main BJJ belt progression is:
White belt
Blue belt
Purple belt
Brown belt
Black belt
Belts represent long-term development rather than short-term attendance. Progress considers factors such as technical understanding, practical application, consistency and experience.
There is no need to worry about how quickly you move through the grades. Your first priority is simply to train consistently, remain curious and enjoy learning.
Children follow a separate belt system designed for younger practitioners.
The exact structure will vary, but a class will usually include a combination of:
Movement preparation and warm-up activities
Coach-led instruction
Partner practice
Positional games or sparring
Live rolling
During positional training, you may begin in a particular situation with each partner given a specific objective. For example, one person might try to escape while the other attempts to maintain control.
Rolling is the BJJ term for live sparring. Both partners try to apply what they have learned against genuine resistance while working within the agreed rules.
Beginners are introduced to this process progressively. You are not expected to arrive already fit, understand the terminology or know how to grapple.
No. Competition is entirely optional.
Some people enjoy testing themselves in tournaments, while many others train purely for recreation, fitness, personal development or the social side of the club.
You can become a skilled and valued member of the BJJ community without ever entering a competition.
People train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for many different reasons. Regular practice can help develop:
Whole-body strength and fitness
Balance, coordination and body awareness
Confidence in physical situations
Practical grappling skills
Decision-making under pressure
Patience and resilience
The ability to remain calm in difficult positions
Friendships and a sense of community
BJJ gives you a difficult but manageable problem to solve every time you train.
There is always another position to explore, another response to understand and another way to improve.
If you do not own a gi, contact us before your first session and we will let you know what to bring.
For no-gi training, close-fitting sports clothing is usually best.
A rash guard or fitted sports top can be worn with shorts or leggings. Clothing should not have zips, pockets or anything that could catch on your training partner.
You should also:
Keep your fingernails and toenails short
Remove jewellery, watches and piercings where possible
Bring water
Wear clean training clothing
Bring sandals or flip-flops to wear away from the mat
Avoid training if you have a contagious illness or skin condition
Footwear is never worn on the training mats.
It is completely normal to feel nervous before walking into a BJJ club for the first time.
You will be introduced to the training space, meet the coaches and be guided through the session. Nobody expects you to know the terminology, remember every movement or keep pace with experienced members.
Your first class is simply an opportunity to experience BJJ, learn some of the basics and see whether you enjoy it.
The hardest part is often stepping through the door. Once you are on the mat, we will help you from there.
Yes. Every experienced practitioner began as a white belt with no previous knowledge.
BJJ has a considerable learning curve, but you are not expected to understand everything immediately. Early training is about becoming comfortable on the mat, learning how to move safely and recognising the main positions.
Progress comes through regular practice rather than trying to master everything at once. You are also free to ask questions, take a break or sit out of an activity if you need to.
A good training environment should allow you to learn at an appropriate pace.
Start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Base Grapple Club
Whether you want to learn a martial art, improve your fitness, compete or find an enjoyable new challenge, you are welcome at Base Grapple Club.
Our coaches will help you begin at the right level and develop your skills progressively in a friendly, supportive training environment.
Ready to try BJJ? Get in touch or book your first session.