Jiu Jitsu and me

I've decide to start writing about Jiu Jitsu because this martial art is very interesting with it's diversity in it's styles and techniques. It's not based only on striking and hitting with punches and kicks! Jiu Jitsu also has throws, ground-work, grappling including joint locks and handling a variety of weapons. It is in my opinion the most rounded martial art form, where the multiple techniques have been perfected to face different situations.

My first implication in martial arts has been with Judo. What I liked the best from Judo was it's ability to test myself physically against others without the use of striking.
I was about 11 years old when my mom enrolled me in that sport. I loved it, but none of my school friends were there and other things interested me more than Judo so I only did a little bit over a year of training.

Martial arts got more popular
In 1993 I saw on video the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship. An event where only 2 rules existed: No eye gouging and no biting. No weight limit no time limit and the winner in this mix martial art: Royce Gracie. I admit, at first I found this to be a bit raw bit after seeing Royce Gracy give a pat on the back of Ken Shamrock after the fight I could feel the respect. And it is that respect that made me fall in love with Jiu Jitsu.

Ultimate fighting championship (now known as UFC) is what got me interested in mix martial arts. And Royce Gracy, because of UFCm became my idol. It took 14 years for me to decide to start training in Jiu Jitsu.

Why Jiu Jitsu? Yes! Royce Gracy and his modified Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but mostly