Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Principals

From ASMA's perspective, most people get only a watered down version of the sport aspect. What we strive to teach every student is that the jiu-jitsu doesn't stop outside the competitive sphere. Its purpose is not to create better fighters but to develop better human beings. A complete martial artist must have discipline and commitment to persevere.

There is little evidence of self defense jiu-jitsu in the United States, not even stand up sparring. Students get on their knees and start to roll and that's it. Instructors talk about points for getting the back and mounting, but who cares? That's just one little aspect. What if a student doesn't like to compete? The only thing he'll get out of class is the workout. When a guy grabs him in a head lock on the street, he won't know how to escape. It doesn't matter if he has a purple belt or a black belt. We don't want that to happen, which is why we stress how different our approach is from the generic BJJ that is being offered out there.

Four branches of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu:
Philosophical- Gracie Diet, belt hierarchy, history.
Educational- discipline, personal comportment.
Theraputic-as a treatment for phobias, to change bad habits, to sharpen the mind
Sport-which is mostly taught. This is where you are matched up according to weight and experience, striking isn't allowed, and you win by submission or points, like a wrestling tournament.

Four components as a fighting art:
Self defense-which is often neglected but very important. This is how to defend yourself using Gracie jiu-jitsu against someone who has no training.
Submissions-making the person give up via armbar, choke, shoulder crank, etc.
Throws-getting the fight to the ground.
Ground fighting-the aspect of what to do when you are on the ground. Transitioning from position to position until dominance is achieved.