Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles PTCBJJ

Food Health Los Angeles

2012-10-08T19:28:00.001-07:00

You Are What You Eat

Top 10: Foods That Improve Your Appearance

“You are what you eat,” or so the saying goes. While it’s a bit of a stretch to directly relate a man’s appearance to his diet, food does have some aesthetic impact on the human body and, more specifically, your skin, teeth, hair, nails, and muscle mass. So the next time you’re cruisin’ down the aisles at your local grocery store, why not take a look in the mirror and stock up on foods that’ll help your body both inside and out? Here are the top 10 foods that improve your appearance.

No.10 Oregano

At first glance, it’s tough to see how oregano could help your appearance. Despite being high in vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that helps reduce bruising (but only when applied as a cream), oregano will really only help your looks when used as a salt substitute. Too much sodium in the diet can make the body retain more water, and, unfortunately, we often retain that water in areas we’d rather not -- like under the eyes. Just reach for the oregano the next time you look to add some extra flavor to your food.

No.9 Onions

Boasting a range of healthy flavonoids, antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds, the onion -- like garlic, which will help you live longer -- is a member of the Allium family, which lays claim to many nutritional superstars. What makes halitosis-inducing onions unique, at least in terms of appearance-improving traits, is their anti-bacterial properties, ironically, in regard to the mouth and gums. Led by quercetin, a flavonoid, onions have been found to lead the charge against a whole host of oral bacteria and should therefore help to keep your gums healthy and your bad breath in check (at least bad breath that’s due to bacteria).

No.8 Grapefruit

As a citrus fruit, grapefruits are loaded with vitamin C, an essential vitamin that the male body simply shouldn’t ignore. Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, a protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels -- you name it. Vitamin C is also essential for healing wounds and repairing and maintaining bones and teeth. As an antioxidant, this powerhouse vitamin also helps counter the aging effects of the sun on our skin. Since one grapefruit contains our daily recommended intake of vitamin C, you’d be wise to include it in your breakfast menu.

No.7 Blackberries

By now, every man, woman and child knows the health benefits of blueberries, but there’s another berry that’s gaining recognition in health circles -- the blackberry. Blackberries consistently rank tops among fruits with the highest concentration of antioxidants per serving size. Add in the fact that blackberries are an excellent source of folic acid (vitamin B9), and it's clear that these berries are vital to maintaining healthy skin. Did we mention that they’re also delicious?

No.6 Brazil nuts

Like most nuts, Brazil nuts are chock full of vitamins and minerals, many of which can improve your appearance. Aside from zinc and copper, Brazil nuts are high in magnesium. Magnesium is needed by nearly every organ in the body and also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Brazil nuts are also a rich source of thiamine (vitamin B1), which, along with other B complex vitamins, helps to maintain the appearance of your skin, hair, and eyes. But be careful before you overindulge. Brazil nuts are actually so high in selenium that eating too many too often could, in fact, be detrimental to your health!

No.5 Shiitake mushrooms

Long a symbol of health and longevity in Asia, shiitake mushrooms have recently forayed into North American food culture -- and we couldn’t be happier. Not only do these 'shrooms have a rich and smoky flavor, but they’re also full of minerals (specifically, zinc and copper) that will keep your looks sharp. Zinc deficiencies have a profound effect on the appearance, causing potential weight loss, skin problems like acne or psoriasis, hair loss, and fingernail discoloration. Copper, on the other hand, plays a role in the production of melanin, the pigment that colors hair and darkens our skin when we tan.

No.4 Swiss chard

Belonging to the goosefoot family of vegetables that includes spinach and beets, Swiss chard is a veritable valedictorian when it comes to nutritious vegetables. It’s teeming with various vitamin and mineral antioxidants as well as phytonutrient ones, many of which also serve an anti-inflammatory function. As an excellent source of vitamin K and calcium, Swiss chard also helps to maintain healthy-looking bones and teeth. This bitter leafy veggie is also rich in vitamin A, known as retinol, which often forms a key ingredient in oral treatments for acne and psoriasis.

No.3 Avocados

Sometimes referred to as an alligator pear, the stocky avocado stems from a tall evergreen tree that can grow up to 66 feet in height. With its spectacular array of B vitamins, the avocado is great at maintaining healthy skin and hair. The rich monounsaturated fats in avocados have also been found to help maintain skin pH, while the omega-3 fatty acids further prevent your skin from drying up. From now on, when you think healthy skin, think avocados (and not scaly alligators, which aren’t all that conducive to good health in general).

No.2 Eggs

When it comes to boosting appearance, eggs attack your looks from all angles. Firstly, egg protein is considered to be the most readily utilizable protein with the highest biological value of any whole food, meaning it’s key to building lean, strong muscles. Secondly, being rich in vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B9, and B12, eggs will help you maintain glowing skin. Lastly, as a source of biotin, a B vitamin (B7) that’s actually prescribed alongside medical treatment for hair loss, eggs might even help slow baldness.

No.1 Oysters

Like eggs, oysters have your looks at heart. Of course, unlike eggs, they may also help out with matters of the heart, but that’s a different story altogether. Offering one of the most complete array of B vitamins, most notably B12, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, oysters are to healthy skin what Jean-Claude Van Damme was to action movies once upon a time. Speaking of Van Damme, oysters are also high in protein but low in fat, which may very well interest bodybuilders (and over-the-hill action-movie stars). Lastly, oysters are an excellent source of iron. Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition that can lead to visible changes in the hair, skin and nails. Put it all together and you have yourself one admittedly ugly food that leads to good looks.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Los Angeles

2012-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Professional Training Center Brazilian Jiu Jitsu PTCBJJ

Professional Training Center Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (PTCBJJ) is a martial arts school specialized in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The school was created in Los Angeles, California, with the idea to develop professionals in the field of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and the Martial Arts Industry. The idea is to spread Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs for the parks and recreation as well as the universities in Los Angeles, California, United States. Professor Japa Neves led a number of UCLA students and interested parties to create the Professional Training Center Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (PTCBJJ) in June of 2004.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emphasizes getting an opponent to the ground in order to utilize ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground. A more precise way of describing this would be to say that on the ground, physical strength can be offset or enhanced by an experienced grappler who knows how to maximize force using mechanical strength instead of pure physical strength.

At Professional Training Center Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (PTCBJJ) we take our training seriously while always having a lot of fun. Our students come from various cultural and geographical backgrounds and we treat each other with great respect and friendship. We emphasize a balance between body, mind and spirit. We will help you find the Samurai within you and to open your eyes to the many benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our instructors are extremely passionate about this gentle art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and love to share that passion with others. You will escape the stress of everyday life on mat at the Professional Training Center Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (PTCBJJ), and become physically, mentally, and spiritually stronger.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Los Angeles

2012-10-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Los Angeles General Etiquette

2012-10-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

General Etiquette

Always come to class with a clean GI (or rash guard) - don't spread disease
Come clean - shower, brush teeth, before class if you are dirty
Avoid foul language
Respect everyone - leave your ego at the door - cockiness is frowned upon
Slap or shake hands before sparring
No Shoes or outdoor footwear on the mats
Avoid talking, horseplay and interrupting while your instructor is teaching.
Keep nails trimmed short - you can cut your training partners
Don't challenge the instructor - don't worry - he will kick your ass all over the place eventually
Don't down talk/trash talk anyone else, especially if they go to your school.
Help your partner back to his/her feet and compliment him/her on their abilities regardless if they win or lose.
Respect your fellow BJJ practitioners, regardless of their size, abilities, and or beliefs.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Los Angeles Rolling Etiquette

2012-10-02T19:58:00.001-07:00

Rolling Etiquette

Tap once a submission has been applied correctly and you are unable to escape
Do not do anything unnecessary to injure your partner, ex: head grinding, RNC-ing the face instead of the neck
Slamming is illegal
Avoid excessive use of strength when rolling with a weaker and/or lighter opponent. The aim of rolling is to learn and practice technique, not to try and submit your partner.
Avoid painful or "dirty" techniques such as attacking pressure points with the knuckles or covering your partner's mouth with your hand. Your rolling partners should be your friends, not your enemies. If you do that kind of stuff, they will dislike you and not want to roll with you.
If multiple pairs are rolling on one mat, give way to any pair with a higher ranking belt than your pair. For example, if two blue belts are rolling, and a purple and a white belt collide with them, the blue belts should shift their position away from the other pair.
Know your schools rules. Typically, no leg locks or neck cranks are allowed at white belt level for GI jiu jitsu. Submission by small joint manipulation (wrists, fingers, toes) is almost always disallowed.
Don't crank submissions as if it were a life or death situation, you will injure you partners. Subs must be applied with control and VERY SLOWLY
Apologize for any accidental injuries, and don't blame them on anyone else - they will happen

FREE 30 DAYS BJJ Los Angeles

2012-09-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles Ginastica Natural

2012-09-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles Force It

2012-08-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Why You Shouldn’t “Force It” In BJJ Training?

All too often we hear stories and questions about BJJ practitioner forcing it when they train or roll. This invariably leads to unintended and not so great outcomes under most circumstances. After all, the goal of BJJ as it was designed is to develop great technique and be smooth using efficiency in leverage and minimize the need for huge power and effort. In other words, let your technique work for you and flow.

So when you get stuck on a technique, the first thing to think about is not to just power out of it (even when you can) and not to force it. But instead become a better practitioner by finding the path of least resistance.

Bruce Lee himself said: “Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it.”
There are a variety of practical reasons for not trying to force your way through BJJ techniques. Here are 6 examples from my own experience:

1. It can lead to your partner’s injury. Sometimes a joint lock isn’t working because you don’t have the right position. If you use force to “make it work” and then suddenly you slip into the correct position, then all that force goes into the joint before your unfortunate partner has time to tap out of it.

2. It can lead to your own injury. Sometimes a particular technique may not be appropriate for you. It’s due to your physical conditioning or maybe your size relative to your training partner. If you can’t do a particular kick due to lack of flexibility, for example, and you use force to try and “get it” you could strain your muscles. A better approach is to get your instructor to help you with it. They will likely give you a modified version of the kick to work on while you continue to work on your flexibility. Or say you’re doing a ground sweep or a throw that isn’t working for you because the person is so much bigger. If you try to force it, you could strain a joint or muscle. Ask for instructor feedback. They may be able to help you improve your technique to make it work more effortlessly, or they might give you a different technique that’s more practical for your particular situation.

3. You’ll conserve more energy. When you’re doing a belt test or a competition, energy is at a premium. If you’re use to using power to make things work, you may find yourself running out of steam, unable to give an ideal performance. If you rid yourself of the habit of using force to make things work, you’ll find yourself able to hold up over longer periods of time.
4. You’ll improve your martial arts skills. There are so many wonderful details expressed in BJJ that make it seem magical. Balance breaking, body mechanics, distance, timing, targeting, re-direction of energy, etc, all contribute to your effective technique. But when you use force to try and make something work when you’re having trouble, all you do is train muscle strength. You don’t tap into all the subtleties that make the martial arts great.

5. You’ll improve your body awareness. Training in BJJ isn’t just about getting a good workout. When we train, the use of body mechanics is emphasized, which over the long term, gives us a better understanding of how the body moves. The efficiency that we learn through training often transfers over into other realms of life, whether it’s tennis, snowboarding, hockey, or even just random chores around the house. When you use focus more on force than on technique, you are missing out on what makes this martial art so great.

6. You’ll maintain your sanity. There are few things that make you feel more helpless than “giving it your all” with a burst of power on a technique then have it not work. Some students become demoralized and give into self-doubt, thinking “Maybe this BJJ stuff just isn’t for me.” Don’t set yourself up for this fall by using an all-out strength approach to get things to work. Learn the technique that is required to do it properly. This principle is true in personal relationships too. Some things can’t be forced and you just have to find a better way to make things work.

Of course, there is a time and a place for using power and strength. Especially when it comes to situations of self defense or competition when you need that quick burst of power and force to capitalize on an opportunity quickly. But when it comes to training, you need to think of technique and learning first.

WWW.BJJLOSANGELES.COM

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles GI Tips

2012-08-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

When buying a BJJ Gi, a grappler will want cloth that is flexible, but durable and suitable for the style of BJJ training they are participating in.

Investment in equipment is a must for anyone looking to start training in BJJ. Thankfully, there are only a few things one will need to get started in their training. The most important of these is the BJJ, Jiu Jitsu or Judo Gi. Many styles of martial art require a uniform when training. Usually, this is to denote rank and aid the teacher in maintaining discipline or managing the class. Many schools of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have a relaxed attitude toward Gi, so it may not be necessary to purchase one. However, the presence of a uniform helps the participant to feel and act the part.

Get a Durable Gi for BJJ

The Martial Art of BJJ involves a great deal of grappling. This will involve the participants fighting for grips, using take-downs, quick movements and hitting the ground a great deal. Because of the focus on grappling or fighting on the ground, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu puts a hefty toll on the clothes of those training. This is perhaps the greatest reason for purchasing a Gi.

A durable Gi will not rip and will hold itself together through repeated cleaning and training. In this matter, a person will get what they pay for. A Gi that is priced a little lower (perhaps $30-$40) will not hold up very well against the dynamic friction that occurs in BJJ. This is especially true of Gi pants, which have a terrible tendency to rip often.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles Training Tips

2012-08-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tips for training :

How to get good isn’t a big secret. Get on the mats, get good instruction and do conditioning, drilling or sparring. Gameplans, flow charts, notebooks, journals and instructionals are gravy. Training is the meat and potatoes.
Spar with everyone you can. Force yourself to go with guys who intimidate you. Experience is what counts, not mental tallies of who tapped who. And always finish the round, no matter how tired you are.
Escaping submissions and bad positions isn’t easy. And it’s not supposed to be. That’s kinda the point. But that’s also what makes it good when you’re on the winning side.
The best answer to a problem is usually “don’t let it happen in the first place.” That’s always disappointing to hear but it’s unfortunately true. Of course learn the escapes and counters but also become aware of what mistakes got you there in the first place. Boxers don’t ask “How do I get unpunched?”
The difference between gi and no-gi is only as big as you make it. Do whichever you enjoy. Try both. And do whichever is appropriate to prepare for competition. Just don’t be that guy who wastes time arguing one over the other.
Feeling stupid or uncoordinated when trying a new move is a good thing. It means you’ve got something to learn and your body gets to gain a new skill.
Being technical doesn’t mean being lazy. Being aggressive doesn’t mean being a meathead. But it will take a lot of training and mat time to balance the two.
You’ll think you’re “getting it” at about 6 months. Then at 12 months you’ll realize how wrong you were before and how now you’re really getting it. Then 6 months later you’ll actually start getting it.
Getting your blue belt is good but don’t blow it up too big in your mind or you risk losing motivation when you get promoted. Don’t be one of those guys who races to his blue belt then disappears forever.
When you do get your blue, don’t worry too much if you feel like you don’t deserve it yet. That’s normal. Just do what it takes to grow into it.

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Brazilian Jiu JItsu Los Angeles Tournament

2012-07-16T20:47:00.001-07:00

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Check out the this upcoming competition held by the NABJJF, come support the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles.

BJJ Los Angeles Acai

2012-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Oru's Favorite Fruit, Açai

Oru, Professional Training Center Mascot is dedicated to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle: staying healthy in mind, body and spirit. He is a strong athlete who loves eating the Brazilian Amazon fruit, Açai, because it gives him the necessary energy for training and competitions. He pushes his body training, lifting weights, and swimming from Monday through Saturday to maintain a high level of Jiu-Jitsu endurance.

Açai is absolutely packed with antioxidants, minerals & vitamins because the Amazon sun bears down on them throughout the long 12 hour days and in order to survive they have to carry a massive amount of nutrients other plants can simply get away without!

Açai is loaded with antioxidants to slow down oxidative damage to our bodies, amino acids which are building blocks of proteins, and essential fatty acids which keep skin healthy, prevent aging, increases heart health and promotes healthy and fast weight loss.

Açai even contains 3 ½ times the concentration of anthocyanins as red wine. Anthocyanins offer protective benefits to the cardiovascular system, digestive organs, brain, blood cells, tissue and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

The Acai Berry features a full arsenal of natural vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and dietary fibers and heavy concentrations of B1, B2 , B3, C and E (promoting the physical condition of the nervous system, skin, hair, and liver as well as the production of red blood cells).

The fruit also includes potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus which are all important for general health and well being.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Benefits

2012-07-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Benefits:
- Improved Cardio Pulmonary conditioning, memory and coordination
- Increased flexibility, muscular elasticity, weight control
- Reduced levels of stress, anxiety, depression and nervousness
- Improved self-esteem, discipline, sense of well-being
- Gives confidence to shy people and help balance aggressive behavior
- Improves healthy habits
- Learn to control the mind and the body
- Become skilled in Self-defense for a variety of situations

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles

2012-07-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

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Professional Training Center Lounge

2012-07-12T18:18:00.001-07:00

Professional Training Center Lounge

Jiu Jitsu Joke by BJJ Los Angeles

2012-07-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Jiu Jitsu Sweep by BJJ Los Angeles

2012-06-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

Jiu Jitsu Technique by BJJ Los Angeles

2012-06-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

Children Jiu Jitsu by BJJ LOS ANGELES

2012-06-29T21:50:00.004-07:00

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Children Los Angeles
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an art developed by age old monks. It focuses on self defense and building a martial art that aims at enhancing psychosomatic harmony of the practitioner. These techniques can be of special help to children. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children could help them overcome their shortcomings and evolve into better individuals.

Many children face the problem of being bullied and are vulnerable to various anti-social elements. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help a child tackle this problem. It equips the child to protect himself. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu aims at fighting with a stronger and larger opponent using grappling and ground-fighting techniques. It uses techniques like joint locks, compression locks and chokeholds to make the opponent give in. This can also develop a child’s confidence and increase his self-worth.

Interested to start training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) go to WWW.BJJLOSANGELES.COM and book a free intro class in the convenience of your time.

Oru Professional Training Center Mascot Biography

2012-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Oru is the official mascot of the Professional Training Center. Oru represents the best in human nature, defending just causes simply because his heart is pure. He is friendly, honest, and most importantly shows his master respect and loyalty.

Oru is dedicated to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle: staying healthy in mind, body and spirit. He is a strong athlete who loves eating the Brazilian Amazon fruit, Açai, because it gives him the necessary energy for training and competitions. He pushes his body training, lifting weights, and swimming from Monday through Saturday to maintain a high level of Jiu-Jitsu endurance.

Oru’s sense of discipline and determination in training Jiu-Jitsu stems from the serious responsibility of maintaining his position as a champion. He makes a conscious effort to train hard leading him to great victories on and off the mats. However, Oru also trains hard to combat the greed, sadness, and corruption that exist in the world. His main fight is against selfishness because it prevents individuals from being compassionate with one another.

Oru’s compassion for people is derived from his spiritual beliefs. He respects Mother Nature and is able to connect and learn from enlightened spirits. When he finds himself in natural settings: near the ocean, the forest, or the mountains, he is able to transcend into a state of solitary reflectiveness. In this state, he is able to draw energy from the Earth and understand his mission in life.

The intense spirituality is a gift that he shares with many individuals because this ability allows him to help people make positive changes in their lives. By striving to bring happiness to everyone around him, Oru makes an influential impact on societal injustices. Oru helps maintain balance in the world by aligning himself with good energy found in the world.

Oru travels to third world countries to assist the youths in academic subjects such as Biology and English while also teaching them self-defense techniques in Jiu-Jitsu. Oru fights for injustices because his spirit cannot rest as long as social and racial problems continue to exist in the world. The energy and peace he feels through nature and training is what he wants to teach people around the world.

Oru’s philosophy about life does not include the use of drugs; he is a positive and energetic person who believes in the power of good health. He listens to music to raise his spirit and clear his mind. Although he is busy, he always finds time to talk to the people around him. He is always up for a good conversation because he truly wants to effect change around the world.

Oru’s soul is committed to the hard training that leads to victory. He is the force that unites his team, using his exemplary skills on the mat to skillfully defeat his opponents. The training he endures on the sacred mats symbolizes all his preparation to achieve greatness in life. His energy, faith, courage and loyalty make him the spirit of Team P.T.C.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Overview and Style

2012-04-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. It is a derivative of early 20th century Kodokan Judo, which was itself then a recently-developed system (founded in 1882), based on multiple schools of Japanese jujutsu. Like judo, it promotes the principle that smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique; applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat them. BJJ can be trained for self defense, sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. 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.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds also found in numerous other arts with or without ground fighting emphasis. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground.

BJJ permits a wide variety of techniques to take the fight to the ground after taking a grip. 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 bottom, and passing the guard to dominate from top position with side control, mount, and back mount positions. This system of maneuvering and manipulation can be likened to a form of kinetic chess when utilized by two experienced practitioners. A submission hold is the equivalent of checkmate in the sport. However, it is possible for a combat situation to continue even after a proper submission is performed.

The Origin of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

2012-01-19T13:21:00.000-08:00

The art began with, an expert Japanese judoka and member of the Kodokan. Maeda was one of five of the Kodokan's top groundwork experts that Judo's founder Kano Jigoro sent overseas to spread his art to the world. Maeda left Japan in 1904 and visited a number of countries giving "jiu-do" demonstrations and accepting challenges from wrestlers, boxers, savate fighters and various other martial artists before eventually arriving in Brazil on November 14, 1914.

Since its inception, judo was separated from jujutsu in its goals, philosophy, and training regime. Although there was great rivalry among jujutsu teachers, this was more than just Kano's ambition to clearly individualize his art. To Kano, judo wasn't solely a martial art: it was also a sport, a method for promoting physical fitness and building character in young people, and, ultimately, a way (Do) of life. To a very large extent, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has also encompassed these philosophies.

It is often claimed that BJJ is a development of traditional Japanese jujutsu, and that Maeda was a jujutsuka. However, Maeda never trained in jujutsu. He first trained in sumo as a teenager, and after the interest generated by stories about the success of judo at contests between judo and jujutsu that were occurring at the time, he changed from sumo to judo, becoming a student of Kano's Kodokan judo. He was promoted to 7th dan in Kodokan judo the day before he died in 1941.

When Maeda left Japan, Judo was still often referred to as "Kano Jiu-Jitsu", or, even more generically, simply as "Jiu-Jitsu". Thus, when Maeda and Satake arrived in Brazil in 1914, every newspaper announced "jiu-jitsu" despite both men being Kodokan Judoka. The Japanese government itself did not officially mandate until 1925 that the correct name for the martial art taught in the Japanese public schools should be "judo" rather than "jujutsu". In Brazil, the art is still called "Jiu-Jitsu". When the Gracies went to the United States to spread their art, the system became known as "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" and "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu." "Jiu-jitsu" is an older Romanization that was the original spelling of the art in the West, and it is still in common use, whereas the modern Hepburn Romanization is "jūjutsu." Other common spellings are jujitsu and ju-jitsu.