Styles We Teach
Judo
Judo is a modern martial art originating in Japan. It was established by Jigoro Kano as a physical, mental and moral pedagogy in 1882. Originally, the pedagogy was taught at Kano's school and dojo in the Buddhist temple of Eisho-ji. Two years later, the temple was named Kōdōkan, which is now known to be the headquarters of the worldwide Judo community.
In the years following its founding, the philosophy and pedagogy of Judo gained momentum and evolved into a significant combat sport. The first Judo Olympics for men could be witnessed at the 1964 Games in Tokyo, and Judo became an official medal event for women in 1992.
A Martial Art with a Competitive Element
What defines Judo most is its competitive element. During a Judo competition, an opponent can be taken down by being thrown, pinned or forced to the ground or by being otherwise subdued or immobilised. As a Judo competition mainly consists of grappling manoeuvres and Judo throws, the suits - consisting of trousers, a jacket and a belt - need to be loose-fitting and made of hard-wearing materials.
Weapons, strikes and thrusts are not allowed in a Judo competition - these are only allowed in "kata", a carefully choreographed movement practice.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Take the fight to the ground with the grappling moves of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This unique martial art and combat sport proves you don’t need to be bigger or stronger than your opponent to take them down effectively – with the right technique, leverage, joint locks and chokeholds, you’ll be able to defend yourself against giants.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu History
Even in the martial arts community, there tends to be confusion about BJJ and how it’s different from the ground fighting moves of Judo.
Indeed, Brazilian jiu-jitsu was built on the ground fighting fundamentals of Kodokan Judo. In 1909, the Japanese-born martial artist Geo Omori opened the first Judo/jiu-jitsu school in Brazil, teaching and mentoring individuals including Luiz França, who would start a prominent lineage of BJJ spearheaded by Oswaldo Fadda. This BJJ lineage is typified by the clever and effective use of foot locks and still survives today through academies such as Nova União and the Grappling Fight Team.
Another lineage of Brazilian jiu-jitsu started with Judo demonstrations by Mitsuyo (Otávio) Maeda, which inspired the brothers Carlos and Hélio Gracie to learn Judo and develop it into a softer and more pragmatic martial art that focuses on ground fighting. The result was the most commonly known form of Brazilian jiu-jitsu with which we’re familiar today.
