As one of the fastest growing martial arts in America, many people are discovering that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a fun and effective form of self-defense. Since Royce Gracie (A BJJ master) introduced the art to America via the Ultimate Fighting Championship, BJJ has quickly gained acceptance as one of the most fundamental arts required of Mixed martial artists today. However BJJ is not only beneficial for the Mixed martial artist, everyone can experience the many benefits that BJJ has to offer.

Non-athletes that are BJJ practitioners enjoy the art for several reasons. First, BJJ is a form of kinetic body art or expression. One of the fundamental aspects of BJJ is the transitioning between ground positions that, when seen in real-time, looks like a dance. Arguably the most skillful practitioner of BJJ, Rickson Gracie, described these transitions to be a state of 'limbo' where one allows him or herself to 'go with the flow'. Second, BJJ allows the practitioner to compete with his or her peers. There are many year-round local, national, and international competitions allowing the practitioner to show their skills and win awards. Students in BJJ schools travel together participating in national competitions and gaining awards on behalf of their school. Often times, a school's success is measured by the number of awards its students receive at national competitions. Third, BJJ allows practitioners to teach techniques to their peers. Although classes are largely facilitated by one instructor, the majority of the learning in class takes place between the students.

Athletes enjoy BJJ because it is a great workout combining strength and cardiovascular training in one exercise. BJJ mostly implements the use of core muscles fundamental for maintaining good posture, a tight stomach, and preventing injury. Cardio training is enhanced in BJJ classes through sparring sessions lasting 2-5 minutes each. Sparring sessions enhance cardiovascular fitness because throughout the 5 minute matches one is constantly pushing or pulling against their opponent. As BJJ employs both strength and cardiovascular training in one exercise, athletes find that it is a great way to build their physique.

BJJ is also for the person who is interested in practicing some form of self-defense, but wants to avoid needless injury. Unlike most martial arts, BJJ does not involve punching or kicking. Therefore in competition or during sparring, BJJ practitioners will never receive or give

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