Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a multi-dimensional approach to martial arts cross training by offering instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No Gi Submission Grappling, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. With the various arts taught, all aspects of self-defense are covered to include striking, clinching, throws and proper application of submission holds. This type of training environment will give students the necessary tools to truly protect themselves in virtually any situation. It provides a common-sense approach to self-defense, while remaining fun and providing an invigorating workout.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the fighting art developed from traditional Jiu-Jitsu by the Gracie family of Brazil. Even though BJJ contains standup techniques for winning a fight, it is famous for its devastating ground fighting techniques. BJJ was specifically developed to allow a smaller person to defeat a larger person by sophisticated application of leverage and technique. Gaining a superior position on your opponent and applying a myriad of chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations is the foundation of this martial art. BJJ is normally practiced in a gi, which serves as a tool to give the student a greater element of control.

Submission Grappling is basically BJJ without a gi. Submission Grappling focuses on the gripping, handling, and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking. The aim is to obtain a submission, much like BJJ.

MMA is a sport in which two competitors attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a wide variety of permitted martial arts techniques, including striking and grappling. Well-known MMA organizations include the UFC and WEC. MMA is also sometimes referred to as “No Holds Barred” (“NHB”) or “Vale Tudo” (Portuguese for anything goes).

Our MMA classes cover 3 main ranges or “games” of combat:

Standup: Derived from elements of Western Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing.

Clinch: Derived from takedown and control elements of Judo, Greco-Roman Wrestling & Muay Thai.

Ground: Derived primarily from BJJ, but also includes grappling elements of Judo, Russian Sambo, and Greco-Roman Wrestling. Ground fighting is trained with strikes.