Jiu Jitsu

[the_Journeyman]

So, my county & school system do this "Healthy Haywood" thing every year.  For $10 you get access to several local gyms & fitness venues for about 10 weeks.  I've been wishing a martial arts studio would open locally, and one has.  It's a Jiu Jitsu studio, but it looks like it's the Gracie style. 

I've had some training in Shotokan karate and also some in Shigodach (sp?) karate.  I really enjoyed both of those, one was more aggressive while the other was more defensive.   I would love to resume some type of martial arts.  In reading up on the Gracie style, it seems to be and adaptation of the original style more suited to MMA or UFC type stuff. 

Anyone with some FHE in this that could feed my brain so I can decide if I want to go talk to the studio?  I'd of the mind I would prefer the original style, but don't know enough about the differences it to make an educated decision on my own.

Thanks!

JM

[Sinister]

Gracie BJJ is what put the UFC on the map.  I would want to know who would be teaching, and who he trained under (as in, who gave him his black belt).

[the_Journeyman]

That would be easy enough to find out I'd imagine.  How does it compare with traditional Jiu Jitsu?

JM

[OverCaffeinated]

Traditional BJJ will be mostly on the ground dealing with submissions. While a MMA style BJJ might include more wrestling striking, and even some stand up. As Sinister said it all depends on who is teaching.

[duccarlos]

The Gacies still teach with the gee (sp?). The more MMA BJJ would be trained without it. That will give youy a good indication if they are more traditional. Either way, with your martial arts background, you would do go with learning some grappling art.

[iDuc]

Like all martial arts training, the teacher is everything. Definitely find out their background if you're going to spend any time there. If it's traditional Japanese style, there may be documents on the wall, but you may not be able to read them! And, they can be faked. My background is in the Japanese styles, and I like learning about the culture and traditions. Others find that very boring and are more of the "let's knock 'em on the ground and get on with the beatin' " philosophy. Your own motivations will help you decide.

[the_Journeyman]

Interetesting information.  I didn't realized Jiu Jistsu was floor oriented.  I enjoyed the other types because of their hand to hand nature and it was primarily handled standing.  Sounds like I need to just go visit the dojo and see what type and style they teach.  Thanks for the input.  I may jump in anyway, it's only $10 if I don't like it ~

JM

[z0mb1e_DUC]

BJJ is highly floor oriented.  More traditional Japanese Jui Jitsu, such as Hakoru, has alot of stand up as well.  It's still mostly grappling, but some striking as well.  Just not like you've previously studied.  That's why you need to find out this guys lineage.  Ultimately, it's the teacher that's important.  If he/she has been doing it a while, that's a good thing.  But for $10, I'd say go for it.  You may like it.  You can't go wrong.

[Sinister]

You can't go wrong.

Watch 'Foot Fist Way', and then re-evaluate your statement.   

[z0mb1e_DUC]

I remember that.  Never saw it. 

Known a couple of instructors that could have passed for the him, though....

[the_Journeyman]

Just looking around at local papers I found a bit of info.  They (people in the studio I mentioned) brought home seven trophies from a recent tournament.  All but one of the trophies were in "No Gi" categories.  Does that tell you folks in the know anything?  Locally there is also a club that does Shotokan and one is listed as Kim Soo which appears to be a branch of Chayon-Ryu which I also know little about.

JM

[Sinister]

To your question, I would say that they may have more students who focus on MMA-oriented BJJ or grappling.  Although, it may not say much depending on how many students entered, etc.

I, personally, would be wary of these guys:

[cyrus buelton]

I'm pretty good with a Bo-Staff

[Jarvicious]

I say don't even worry about which style they're teaching and just go for it.  I took Tae Kwon Do for years when I was young, got my green belt (whooptee doo, I know but I still remember a lot from that instructor), and moved on to Jiu Jitsu and it's a WORLD of difference.  I know TKD is a bit different from Karate in the use of tools vs. hands only, but I think you'll get a kick (ZING!) out of a new style regardless of your background.  Dude, it's ten bucks.  I spend more on gas in a weekend in the Duc

[the_Journeyman]

Ok, ya'll convinced me.  I'm going to check into the hours instruction is offered and see if it's compatible with my schedule.  If it is, I'll go for it, and at the very least, 8 weeks & $10 later at the very least I'll be in better shape ~

JM