The Gracie/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu System is based on precise timing, efficiency and an effective use of leverage. Jiu Jitsu is both a Martial Art and a way of life. The greatest Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the World consistently demonstrate patience, calmness and a smoothness that shows the art at its very best. Jiu Jitsu rarely requires strength; while too much emotion can adversely affect the goal of surviving and ultimately; victory. Even in the largest and most recent Jiu Jitsu Tournaments, the very basics and most simple moves of the system have proven to be superior.
Jiu Jitsu was originally learned by Carlos Gracie and then later developed and refined by Helio Gracie as a Self-Defense System, with the idea of a smaller & weaker person being able to defeat a larger & stronger opponent. Over the years, a strong focus has been made on "Sport" Jiu Jitsu for Tournaments. While this has caused an increase of new, technical moves and positions, some have ignored their actual applicability in a real fight situation. A student must know the difference between the two and must always be aware of an attackers ability to hit or punch. Additionally, a student must be well versed in both grappling with or without the Gi and my classes are a mixture of the two.
At the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA they have developed a foundation of 36 essential techniques known as the Gracie Combatives. The movements in these lessons have been proven to be the most commonly used techniques in a real fight. By practicing & mastering all 36 positions, a student will be much more effectively able to defend themselves against a larger & stronger opponent.
My Instructor for the last 15+ years; Fabio Santos, taught me Jiu Jitsu from the very beginning that included the Self Defense System developed by Grandmaster Helio Gracie. I believe that every new student should start their journey in Jiu Jitsu by learning and perfecting these 36 techniques, continually revisiting them to ensure they are always in their personal arsenal. Therefore, just like the Gracie Academy in Torrance and just like my Instructor taught me, I will be using these 36 techniques as the foundation for all of my students. After a student can clearly demonstrate proficiency in the execution of all 36 movements and its variations, a student will be considered for promotion to Blue Belt.
Since the most common question of new students is usually, "When or how do I get my Blue Belt?"; I will address that question below. The Gracie Academy believes that each of the 36 lessons needs to be repeated three times before a complete understanding of each technique and all of its details can be mastered. Therefore, 36 lessons X 3 times each = 108 Classes.......so the approximate timeframes for promotion to Blue Belt are as follows:
- Attending class three days per week: 9 months
- Attending class two days per week: 14 months
- Attending class one day per week: 27 months
Again, these are approximate timeframes and are used only as a guideline. Some people will progress faster, while others may need more time & practice. In my experience, I have found these estimates to be quite accurate. After a student receives the Blue Belt, then more technical movements and advanced positions will be taught that are applicable in Sport or Tournament Jiu Jitsu. However, I will always return to the basics & fundamentals from time to time throughout all Belt levels to review them and ensure they are never forgotten.
*It should be noted that I am not an Official Representative or Instructor of the Gracie Academy or the Gracie Combatives System. I am just a long time student of Jiu Jitsu, under a very well respected Instructor that believes the Founding Principles of Helio Gracie and his Martial Art should be practiced and carried on.
Thanks for reading,
John Acosta