Throw down with the Brazilian Jujitsu Club

Service members and civilians came together for the Ramstein Jujitsu Club, by taking part in the martial arts combative sport at an Army combative gym on Rhine Ordnance Barracks.

Brazilian jujitsu focuses on grappling and ground fighting; a concept where a smaller, less powerful person will be able to defend themselves from a larger opponent, employing holds, throws and paralyzing blows to submit a foe.

Along with the physical training, students here go over different self-defense techniques. Many different people have attended the class all with different skill levels. Some people practice jujitsu for the technique, others for fitness or even just for self-defense.

“Jujitsu is known as the gentle or smooth martial art but it is also known for being technical in a very in-depth manner, which allows it to be played out like a chess match of the body that makes you sore like lifting weights while making you breathe like cardio,” said Staff. Sgt. Joshua Nicholson, 435th Construction and Training Squadron aircraft arresting system depot maintenance journeyman.

Royce Gracie, a mixed martial arts fighter, was one of the first people who brought Brazilian jujitsu to the U.S.  and over time the fighting style has blossomed into an entire sport, being widely used in many different grappling tournaments and mixed martial arts competitions.

Brazilian jujitsu is an easy going spin on the martial art lifestyle, and just like any martial art, it teaches discipline and self-defense techniques that Airmen could use to be combat ready.

“I recommend Brazilian jujitsu to everyone I meet,” Nicholson said. “You can see that Brazilian jujitsu is for anyone willing to learn.”

Classes are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Nearly all classes focus on proper form due to the nature of the sport.

When there are opportunities to participate in competitions the number of sessions may increase, and the focus of the classes can be tailored.

Whether someone would like to learn how to better defend themselves or just a love of the sport, the Ramstein Brazilian Jujitsu Club is open to anyone who is willing to learn.