Self DefenseWelcome

Welcome to a lesson on the "Trap & Roll" technique for self-defense. This technique shows you how to get out from underneath an attacker who is pinning you to the ground.

What is Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (abbreviated BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art and combat sport that emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds. Jiu-Jitsu originated in Japan and was developed further in Brazil, hence the modern name, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.” BJJ is known for its emphasis on leverage, technique, and positional strategy, allowing a smaller or weaker person to defend themselves against a larger and stronger opponent.

Grappling-based Martial Arts

As a grappling-based art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is essentially a form of wrestling. Grappling arts like BJJ emphasize controlling, pinning, and submitting opponents through various holds, locks, throws, chokes (restricting blood to the brain), and strangles (restricting air to the lungs). In grappling arts, an opponent is typically taken to the ground where the grappler can then establish dominance and control.

Striking-based Martial Arts

Contrary to grappling arts, “striking-based” martial arts like karate, tae kwon do, boxing, and Muay Thai, emphasize using various parts of the body to strike (punch, kick, knee, elbow, headbutt, etc.) an opponent.