BJJ

History of BJJ  
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a type of martial art that was formed in the early 20th century. The roots of BJJ originates from Jiu Jitsu and Judo. BJJ is practiced widely as a combat sport and a method of self defense that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. The main concept of BJJ is successfully using leverage by a smaller, weaker person against a bigger, stronger opponent; this is achieved by applying joint locks and chokes as submission methods against these opponents.

Mitsuyo Maeda - From Wikipedia

Mitsuyo Maeda - From Wikipedia

Master Mitsuyo Maeda taught Carlos Gracie the fundamentals of Kodokan Judo ground fighting (Ne Waza), and Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie transformed the Ne Waza techniques to a new form of ground fighitng method the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. BJJ can be used in Gi and no Gi BJJ tournaments,  in mixed martial arts (MMA) or in self defence. 

Helio Gracie

BJJ Red Belt Helio Gracie

Training Methods  
At Excel Combat Academy BJJ is learnt mainly as a Gi technique (with a Gi kimono) during the cooler months and as no-Gi during summer. This training method gives a year long learning of the fundamentals of BJJ (with a Gi) and a summer learning of more refined no-Gi technique.

Grading  
The club focuses on several aspects before a student is graded. Each level of training has a syllabus and a set of techniques to learn, and the student only progresses when this is achieved. The next aspect is perfection of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) techniques and  skills, and the use of them in grappling (rolling); this part is paramount in advancing to the next level of training. Another facet of grading is the time spent on the mat. The more time a student spend on mats learning the art, the better it gets and helps in attaining the next level of ranking. Participating in competitions although not mandatory is actively promoted by the club, so that the skills can be tested at "real time" competition levels; it also helps to improve confidence and learn from mistakes. 

Progress

White Belt	→	White Belt I	→	White Belt II	→	White Belt III
	6 months		6 months		6 months	↓
							6 months
Brown	←	Purple Belt	←	Blue Belt	←	White Belt IIII
↓	18 months		2 years		6 months
Black Belt
1 year as brown