Eduardo Arrivadene and Andre Lima

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

Since LIMA TKD ACADEMY first opened its doors twelve years ago, they’ve also offered the option of studying Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Classes are taught by some of the Machado Brothers instructors under the supervision of Rigan Machado which is one of the pioneers of this art in the US together with the Gracies.

Andre Lima has at thirteen years of experience in the sport, having trained under some of the best fighters and Brazilian masters, both here in the US and in Brazil.

BJJ is a very efficient self-defense and grappling system, developed in Brazil as a variation of Japanese Jiu-jitsu. Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie are primarily responsible for the development of Jiu-jitsu in Brazil in the beginning of the 20th century (circa 1915). The Gracie family, the “First Family” of BJJ, is also responsible for bringing the sport to the US, and for its growing reputation. The popularity of BJJ is particularly big these days because this style is the precursor of the most recent martial arts revolution called Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The MMA era started in 1993 when BJJ fighters created the first Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).

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The technique in BJJ is divided into several different categories, such as takedowns, arm locks, leg locks, and chokes. Falls, another important aspect of it, are almost a mandatory part of warm-ups. Classes normally last 1½ hours, and are physically intense. BJJ is not an easy sport to pick-up. Learning the basics will normally take a year of training, which is also the time necessary to earn a promotion from the white belt to the blue belt. Unlike Tae Kwon Do and Karate, which normally require about 3-4 years of study to earn a black belt, BJJ usually requires 7-10 years of study to earn a black belt. It is an intense sport that requires a good deal of commitment. But, ask anyone who has mastered the system and they’ll tell you its well worth the effort, and the wait!

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