A typical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class begins with a light warm up followed by stretching. The students are then paired up and given the opportunity to practice the techniques and positions while the instructor supervises. Toward the end of the class, the students will "spar" or wrestle with each other to utilize the techniques learned.
Class format may be modified depending on upcoming events such as tournaments or promotion tests. In such cases, more emphasis will be placed on specific areas of training such as takedowns, escaping positions, submissions, etc.
Interested in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Everyone is welcome to come watch a class, or better yet try one. Your first lesson is free!
Please call (508)553-2888 to schedule a FREE TRIAL LESSON. See full class schedule here.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Carlos Terrinha, head instructor of Terrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Mr. Terrinha began his Jiu-Jitsu training 15 years ago receiving his black belt from the internationally recognized Vinicius 'Draculino' Magalhaes from Gracie Barra.
Mr. Terrinha is very experienced in BJJ competitions and Submission Wrestling, and is an active athlete in the sport today. He is a three time Brazilian Champion [Braz. League], BJJ World Champion [2000] and Brazilian Team Competition Champion. He also holds titles such as Pan American Champion & 2nd Place Absolute Division [Orlando, 2001], Rio VS. Minas Challenge Champion, three time Pit-Bull Tournament Champion [Rio de Janeiro] and is a repeated state champion is his home state of Minas Gerais.
Today, more than ever, he continues contributing to the growth of the sport by teaching the techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the United States. Franklin, Massachusetts is the home of Terrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the fast growing Terrinha Draculino Competition Team.
HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Approximately 4,000 years ago, a fighting style emerged which did not involve violence or the use of weapons. This style, known as Jiu-Jitsu, is considered to be the oldest martial art and the most perfect form of self-defense. The origin of Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back to India and the Buddhist Monks. It's development was of a scientific nature, in which an individual relied on balance, pressure points, leverage and the center of gravity to execute specific movements in order to defend themselves with minimal effort. During the forthcoming years, Jiu-Jitsu spread throughout Asia and eventually into Japan where it continued to be nurtured. It is from Jiu-Jitsu that many modern martial arts have been born, including what we know today as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In 1914, Esai Maeda, a Japanese politician, arrived in Brazil to establish a Japanese immigration colony. Esai Maeda, known as Count Koma, was a world renowned Jiu-Jitsu Master. In order to accomplish his mission, Count Koma befriended, Gastao Gracie, a successful businessman who had strong political ties. Gastao assisted Count Koma in obtaining his objectives, and in return of this kindness, Count Koma taught Jiu-Jitsu to Carlos, Gastao's oldest son. Carlos studied Jiu-Jitsu for several years and eventually taught the art to his younger brothers, Oswaldo, Gastao, and George.
At 18 years old, Gastao began teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro with his brothers. Helio Gracie, Carlos younger brother, was limited in his ability to participate because of health conditions which weakened his already frail body. However, Helio observed classes and began to adapt techniques of his own which involved minimal strength. Over time Helio was able to improve on traditional jiu-jitsu applications to accommodate individuals of a smaller, weaker stature. By focusing on superior technique, he was able to reduce a fighters reliance on strength. This began the tradition of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu which has evolved continuously throughout the years. In the early 1990's, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was first introduced to the American public through the Ultimate Fighting Championships where Royce Gracie, Helio Gracie's son, defeated numerous opponents with his superb application of the Gracie style.
