Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a ground fighting martial art. Practitioners use technique and leverage to subdue larger, stronger opponents; mostly by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat them. BJJ can be used to train for self defense, sport grappling tournaments (with and without a gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. Sparring and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition.
Once the opponent is on the ground, a number of maneuvers and counter-maneuvers are available to manipulate the opponent into a suitable position for the application of a submission technique. Achieving a dominant position on the ground is one of the hallmarks of the BJJ style, and includes effective use of the guard position to defend oneself from the bottom, and passing the guard to dominate from the top position with side-control, mount and back-mount positions.
