Bussemakers Jiu-Jitsu

Our hybrid Jiu-Jitsu system combines the ground control and submission techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with the diverse self-defence methods and standing grappling of Jujutsu (JJJ). It integrates live rolling from BJJ with the structured forms and self-defence drills of JJJ. This system utilizes BJJ's ground techniques alongside JJJ's throws, strikes, and weapon defences. It embraces the adaptability and leverage principles of BJJ while also incorporating the comprehensive self-defence strategies of JJJ.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Focus: Primarily on ground fighting and submissions.

Techniques: Includes chokes, joint locks, and positional control.

Training: Emphasizes live sparring (rolling) to practice techniques against resisting opponents.

Philosophy: Uses leverage and technique to overcome larger, more vigorous opponents.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ)

Focus: More on self-defence, including both standing and ground techniques.

Techniques: Incorporates throws, joint manipulations, strikes, and some weapon defences.

Training: Often includes kata (pre-arranged forms) and self-defence scenarios.

Philosophy: This philosophy emphasizes using an opponent's energy against them and includes a broader range of techniques for various combat situations.

If you want to learn jiu-jitsu, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the origins of this martial art first. Many people mistakenly believe that jiu-jitsu originated in Brazil, but it has ancient roots in Japan's feudal period. The term "jiu-jitsu" is derived from the Japanese word "jujutsu," which means the art of suppleness or flexibility—qualities essential for mastering its techniques. The fundamental principle of jiu-jitsu revolves around maximizing the human body's potential in unarmed combat.

The style of jiu-jitsu that was first practiced in Japan is known as Nihon Koryu jiu-jitsu. It was developed during the Muromachi period, which lasted from 1333 to 1573. This style focused on teaching warriors how to fight against heavily armed opponents when they were unarmed successfully.

Jiu-jitsu training encompasses a wide range of skills, and it is up to the practitioner to choose the most appropriate technique for each situation. These skills include grappling, restraining, throwing, and the use of weapons.

The term "jiu-jitsu" gained widespread usage in the seventeenth century and can be translated as "the way of yielding." This sport takes advantage of an attacker's aggression by using it against them.

Over the years, jiu-jitsu has evolved into a more modern version, sometimes referred to as Edo jiu-jitsu, which gained popularity during the Edo period. While it may not be as effective for combat against someone in armour as the older styles, this is not a significant concern in today's context.

In jiu-jitsu, the attacker's strength is used against them, redirecting their force in a manner that is unfavourable to them. Although weapon use is taught, jiu-jitsu is particularly known for its effectiveness in defending against armed attackers.

Ultimately, the goal of anyone practicing jiu-jitsu is the same: to utilize an opponent's aggression to disarm them and neutralize the threat they pose.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Brazil. It focuses on grappling techniques and ground fighting, emphasizing submissions and positional control. Developed from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and adapted by the Gracie family, BJJ has gained popularity for its effectiveness in real-life self-defence situations and its successful application in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions.

Unlike other martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places significant emphasis on ground fighting techniques. Practitioners aim to take their opponents to the ground and then use leverage, joint locks, chokes, and various other methods to gain a dominant position and force their opponents to submit. BJJ relies on technique, leverage, and timing rather than pure strength, making it an effective form of self-defence for people of all ages and sizes.

In addition to self-defence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers various physical and mental benefits. It provides a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Training also promotes discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills.

In BJJ, practitioners earn belts to signify their progress and skill level. The ranking system starts with the white belt (beginner) and progresses to blue, purple, brown, and finally black belt. Advancement is achieved through consistent training, demonstrating proficiency in techniques, and competing in tournaments.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become increasingly popular worldwide, with numerous academies and competitions available for practitioners of all levels. Both recreational enthusiasts and professional fighters commonly practice it.

Jiu-Jitsu Training

Even if you never envision yourself competing, you can still benefit from jiu-jitsu training due to its numerous health advantages. Jiu-jitsu is an intense workout that involves movements typically performed at high speeds. If you’re seeking a more exciting and challenging alternative to using machines at the gym, jiu-jitsu is worth considering.

It's also beneficial to include individual jiu-jitsu training to supplement your sessions with other cardio activities. A great way to prepare for jiu-jitsu is to start a daily running routine to improve your cardiovascular endurance. To add variety to your cardio regimen, you can incorporate swimming, biking, and sprinting.

Jiu-jitsu techniques utilize various muscles and joints, particularly the elbows, wrists, and shoulders, which are essential for executing locking techniques. Through jiu-jitsu training, you can strengthen numerous muscles and joints throughout your body. Jiu-jitsu practitioners are often known for their powerful forearm muscles and biceps.

While strength is undoubtedly an important aspect of jiu-jitsu, flexibility is even more critical. After just a few sessions, you may notice an increase in flexibility in your hamstrings, calves, and upper back muscles, as these are the areas where most jiu-jitsu techniques originate. Additionally, if you’re engaged in a fight, these are the body parts of your opponent that you should target. If you want to enhance your flexibility, consider enrolling in jiu-jitsu classes.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

White Belt

The white belt is the second jujutsu rank earned after the red belt. It refers to the 7th kyu rank (7級 / 七級) in the Japanese jiu-jitsu ranking system.

A jujutsu white belt practitioner focuses on learning basic Japanese jiu-jitsu stance and coordination.

Yellow Belt

The yellow belt is the third jujutsu rank after the white belt. It refers to the 6th kyu rank (6級 / 六級) in the Japanese jiu-jitsu ranking system.

At the yellow belt rank, a jujutsu practitioner learns various techniques and moves, including blocks, locks, and throws.

Orange Belt

The orange belt is the 4th Japanese jiu-jitsu rank after the yellow belt. It refers to the 5th kyu rank (5級 / 五級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

At the orange belt rank, a jujutsu student understands and masters more technical moves.

Green Belt

The green belt is the 5th jujutsu rank after the orange belt. It refers to the 4th kyu rank (4級 / 四級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

At the green belt rank, a Japanese ju-jitsu practitioner moves to application. Using his past learning, He begins creating an effective game with effective blocks, throws and finishes techniques.

Blue belt

The blue belt is the 6th jujutsu rank after the green belt. It refers to the 3rd kyu rank (3級 / 三級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

At the blue belt level, a Japanese jiu-jitsu student understands the numerous techniques learned in the past. As a result, he can execute the techniques (blocks, throws, etc.) correctly.

Purple Belt

The purple belt is the 7th jujutsu rank after the blue belt. It refers to the 2nd kyu rank (2級 / 二級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

A Japanese jiu-jitsu student with a purple belt rating has achieved high precision. Consequently, he can execute the various techniques (blocks, kicks, advanced throws, etc.) with crispness, cleanliness, and accuracy.

Brown Belt

The brown belt is the 8th jujutsu rank after the purple belt. It refers to the 1st kyu rank (1級 / 一級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

A Japanese jiu-jitsu student has achieved effectiveness at the brown belt rank. Consequently, he knows all tactics and can execute them correctly, displaying the capacity to apply the techniques successfully in a street self-defence scenario.

Black Belt (1st Dan)

The 1st dan black belt is the next belt rank after the brown belt. It refers to the shodan rank (初段) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.

Achieving the 1st dan black belt requires years of dedication to the Japanese jujutsu martial art. Yet, it is the lowest black belt degree since this rank contains ten degrees.

Reference: https://jiujitsu-news.com/does-japanese-jiu-jitsu-have-belts/

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Senior Ranks (BJJ)

White Belt

Brazilian jiu-jitsu's entry-level belt is white to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental offensive maneuvers like submissions and guard passes.

Blue Belt

In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a blue belt is the second belt for adults. Students who obtain their blue belt spend thousands of hours on the mat, perfecting their technique and learning how to use it effectively. At the blue belt level, the learner often learns various moves. To enter the adult belt system at the IBJJF's blue belt level, a practitioner must be at least 16 years old.

Purple Belt

Practitioners must maintain their purple belt status with the IBJJF for a minimum of 1.5 years. In the adult ranks of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the purple belt represents the intermediate level. Practitioners of the purple belt level have amassed a wealth of information and are often promoted to teaching roles with pupils of lower belt colors. The IBJJF recommends that a student spend at least two years as a blue belt before being eligible for a purple belt, and it requires students to be at least 16 years old to graduate directly from the juvenile belt.

Brown Belt

Exceptional belts at the highest levels of Brazilian jiu-jitsu notwithstanding, the brown belt is the highest-ranked color belt in the art. The standard training time for a brown belt is five years. This period is typically associated with the improvement of methods. To be eligible for a brown belt, trainees must have been training for at least 18 months as a purple belt, and the IBJJF demands that they be at least 18 years old.

Black belt

Three years of continuous training is required to maintain one's black belt status with the IBJJF. The rank of black belt is the pinnacle of achievement in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as it is in many other martial arts. Black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are typically referred to as "Professor" within the discipline, however, other schools and organizations reserve that title for higher-ranking practitioners. To be eligible for a black belt from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), a student must be at least 19 years old and should have spent at least one year in the brown belt rank.

Black/Red belt (Coral belt) Belt

For at least seven years, a practitioner must maintain their black and red belt status with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). In a nod to the alternating red and black belt obtained by Judoka at the sixth degree, Brazilian jiu-seventh-degree jitsu's black belts are also given out. The coral belt is a common name for this particular band of the ocean. Those with the rank of "coral belt" have attained a high level of expertise in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and are commonly referred to by the term "master" among the community of practitioners.

White/Red belt

If you want to keep your white and red belt with the IBJJF, you'll need to train for at least ten more years. The criteria for promotion from seventh to eighth-degree black belt have been updated as of late by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. If you look at page 6 of the IBJJF General System of Grading, you'll see a comment about the change in Section 1.3.4. A practitioner who has earned the 8th degree of black belt will typically be recognized by the use of a red and white belt.

Red Belt

There is no living Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who has earned a higher rank than a 9th-degree red belt. Red belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are awarded to "those whose influence and fame brings them to the top of the art," as Renzo and Royler Gracie stated. This certificate replaces the ninth and tenth levels of the black belt.

Reference: https://thesporting.blog/blog/jiu-jitsu-belt-ranking-system-and-belt-order.

Junior Ranks (BJJ)

(For ages 5 to 15 years)

White Belt

Grey Belt

Yellow Belt

Orange Belt

Green Belt