Class details

The concept of techniques based on leverage and angles, not physical attribute, became the core principle of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ. To prove how effective their art was, the Gracie family issued an open challenge to anyone who doubted the applicability of BJJ in a real fight. These challenges, known as “Vale Tudo” (Portuguese for “anything goes”) matches, would become the precursors of today’s MMA competitions.

The Gracie family fame quickly rapidly as their art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu performed admirably in these challenge matches. In 1993, Helio’s eldest son, Rorion engineered the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the United States. This was seen as a means to exhibit the effectiveness of the art, and not the practitioner. As such, one of the smallest of the Gracie clan, Royce, was chosen to represent the entire family. To the surprise of many viewers, Royce won three of the first four UFCs, and in the process defeated opponents up to 80 pounds heavier than he was. This success, and effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, caused many martial artists to think about the ground fight in a new light as well as how it applies to a realistic combat situation.

The growth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the first UFC has been unrivaled in the history of martial arts. BJJ remains a staple of MMA training, competitions in BJJ have reached professional levels, and practitioners interested in self-defense have embraced it as a valid, effective methodology. Here at Alpha BJJ, we are proud to be a part of such an amazing history and tradition.