Brazilian Jiu-jitsu: Traverse City Martial Artists Really Take To Fastest Growing Discipline
When thinking of martial arts, most people imagine board breaking, flying side kicks, nunchucks and crisp bows. But, in Traverse City at the Seung-ni Academy children, teens and adults are embracing a relatively new martial art that does not fit that stereotype. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (often nicknamed bjj) started to gain popularity in the United States about 20 years ago. When a young skinny Brazilian black belt named Royce Gracie went toe to toe with fighters almost twice his size and won in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship – the rise of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu had begun. In Traverse City, kids martial arts classes at Seung-ni have taken on a whole new look. The child bjj students are rolling around on the ground in their blue or white gi’s looking for submissions. The philosophy of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is simple and effective - try to close the distance with an aggressor take them to the ground, work to a dominant position and then seek a submission. BJJ does not involve any strikes or kicks, instead it relies on chokes and joint locks to subdue an aggressor. Kids love to wrestle already. And, in the class they play fun games that help them learn the important ground skills. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is great for any kids or teens that are having bullying issues. First, it builds their confidence. Second, it teaches them how to be strong. Third, it teaches them control of their emotions. Fourth, it shows them how to protect themselves against a larger, stronger opponent without injuring that person. Adults love the BJJ program at the Traverse City Seung-ni Academy as well. There is a lot of camaraderie amongst the students and the environment is very friendly. It is a great martial art for new beginners – the patient Seung-ni Instructors make sure all new members have fun, learn properly from the beginning and enjoy the non-militaristic environment. Brazilian jiu-jistu is also one of the key disciplines used in the Seung-ni Women’s Self Defense classes. Women’s power comes from their core and legs – and bjj relies upon those strengths to subdue an attacker. A women’s worst fear is being on her back with an attacker holding her down. Brazilian Jiu-jistu empowers women with the tools and confidence to get out of this position and to survive. Whether its kids bullying, women’s self defense, child confidence, adults looking for a great physical workout and to reduce stress – the Seung-ni Martial Arts Academy in Traverse City has the right Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class for you!
