Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that utilizes technique and leverage to impose strangle holds and joint locks while on the ground, allowing a person to defend him or herself effectively against a stronger and larger opponent. While many hand-to-hand martial arts rely on strikes using speed and power, Brazilian jiu-jitsu takes a different approach: speed and power are not a requirement and are oftentimes not necessary. Rather than relying on strikes, BJJ emphasizes closing the distance between you and your opponent and taking him or her to the ground where technique and leverage can be used to apply submissions or strike more efficiently.
