Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art dedicated to becoming a master at grappling and wrestling. The aim of BJJ is to defend/escape bad positions and achieve good positions. BJJ also places a large emphasis on Joint lock and Choke techniques theses are also referred to as submissions.

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground, and then applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the other person. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self-defense. Sparring (commonly referred to as "rolling") and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition, in relation to progress and ascension through its ranking system.

Since its inception in 1882, its parent art of Judo was separated from older systems of Japanese ju-jitsu by an important difference that was passed on to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: it is not solely a martial art, it is also a sport; a method for promoting physical fitness and building character in young people; and, ultimately, a way of life.

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program run at Sydney West Martial Arts in Penrith, is of the Machado Lineage.

The "Machado Family"(also known as the Machado Brothers) are a family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artists, mixed martial artists and Grapplers. They are the founders of RCJ Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and are cousins to the Gracie family, the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Their familial ties to the Gracies are through their mother's sister, who was married to Carlos Gracie. As a family they entered tournaments and opened schools around the United States.

The Machados were taught mainly by Carlos Gracie Jr., Rolls Gracie and Carlos Gracie. The Machados also trained with Helio Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Crolin Gracie and Rilion Gracie. From there the Machados would develop a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that would be called RCJ Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos opened up schools in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Philadelphia, North Carolina, New York, Rhode Island, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, England, France, Australia, Mexico and Michigan. Jean Jacques Machado, Roger Machado, Rigan Machado, and John Machado currently run schools in California.

Sydney West Martial Arts teaches Adult BJJ classes 13 times a week, 7 being Gi and 6 No Gi.

Fundamental classes run Tuesday and Thursday at 5:15 pm - 6 pm. These are a fantastic starting point for beginers.

Intermediate classes run Monday to Thursday 6pm - 7pm and consist of technique from our blue to brown belt syllabus and include live rolling rounds.

Advanced classes run Monday to Thursday 6pm - 7pm and are aimed at students that have an understanding of the BJJ fundamentals and are able to receive information via a more direct teaching method. You must have at least 2 stripes on your white belt to attend these sessions. (Approximately 6-12 months training)

You will need the following equipment to attend these classes:

• Gi class requires BJJ Gi / Kimono
• Mouthguard (optional)
• No Gi class requires SWMA rash guard and shorts/leggings

All equipment is available from the SWMA reception merchandise store

If you are a new student just bring yourself, and ask your instructor about equipment

Please make sure you get to class at least 10 minutes early