Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Everyone
What we offer:
A program inclusive to everyone from the working professional who enjoys martial arts training, all the way to the hardcore Jiu Jitsu competitor. Women, Men, and advanced teens are in this class.
Children stand to gain the most benefit from Jiu Jitsu in our technological age. It is important that young people are presented with dynamic physical problems which will help them build strong bodies and sharp minds.
Our Mission:
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that embodies the ideal that through proper technique (positioning, leverage, timing, use of strong muscles vs. opponents weak muscles) a smaller/weaker person can successfully defend themselves and dominate a larger and stronger opponent. It is a grappling type martial art which means that we do not practice strikes. The basic frame of the goals are to:
- Bring your opponent to the ground
- Get past their legs, otherwise known as "passing guard"
- Pinning your opponent with dominant position
- Applying a submission (choke or joint lock)
The Benefits
Jiu Jitsu is as cerebral as it is physical and is often compared to chess. The benefits of any challenging discipline can be found through Jiu Jitsu including but not limited to:
- All the gains of exercise. - Increased strength, Endurance, Mobility, etc...
- Increased proprioception - (perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body). A useful skill on and off the mat for life's little emergencies i.e. slipping on an icy sidewalk or any other fast situation. Having better body awareness can keep you safe in instances like these.
- Confidence. - Sounds cliche, but it's true. The self-esteem born of Jiu Jitsu training builds a sturdy and assertive mindset. Time on the mat empowers children, women, and men to stand up for themselves in a confident and healthy manner which is hard to cultivate elsewhere.
- Community! - One of the main reasons BJJ practice is so rewarding is the friendships made on the mat. Jiu Jitsu attracts people from all walks of life and allows us to form the bonds of a team and family. As humans, we all have a need to belong, and at Living Art the aim is to create and maintain a healthy and inclusive environment for everyone in the Willowbrook community and beyond.
But I'm too (out of shape/inflexible/tired/old) to start Jiu Jitsu
Even if you are in “great shape”, Jiu Jitsu will likely make you feel like you are out of shape. If you feel like you’re in terrible shape, Jiu Jitsu training will help make that better. Your strength and mobility will make incremental improvements with the scaled challenges put forth by the coaches. The best age to start training is whatever age you currently are. Don’t have the energy? You’ll be surprised how invigorated you feel by adding this kind of exercise to your weekly routine.
But it's too far!
Technique Conquers All
What Students Say:
