BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art self defense system that focuses on grappling; Especially ground fighting. BJJ emphasizes getting an opponent to the ground in order to use ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds. Fundamental to Jiu-Jitsu is that on the ground, physical strength can be offset or enhanced by an experienced grappler who knows how to maximize force using mechanical advantage instead of pure physical strength.


Rooted in traditional Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu developed in the 1920s in the favelas of Brazil through the famous Gracie family. Being proven in countless fights on the street and in the ring, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the most popular modern combat systems in the world and a fundamental practice of all mixed martial artists.

“We are a team”, is our fundamental approach to how we teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our students come to us for any number of reasons – self defense, fitness, competition – and we ensure that no matter their goals, we always train as a team. As a school, all egos are left off of the mat and we are all here to help each other grow in our own ways. No matter what brought you to start or continue your training, we are a team and pride ourselves on ensuring everyone is part of that team.

BJJ Instruction at Urbana Academy will always rely on the fundamentals. You will develop a firm base in those fundamentals and build on them throughout your training. As you take more classes, you will be given advanced instruction on techniques and tactics to obtain your best grappling game possible. Instructors evaluate students individually, fundamentally understand what each student’s strengths and weaknesses are and coach you specific to your needs.


We understand that training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a long-term committed effort and we are here to provide a highly motivating and fun atmosphere for all of our students. We love what we do and only hope that our passion is shared with you.