What Is BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art that teaches you how to control and submit an opponent using leverage and technique instead of strength. It focuses on real-world positions like mount, guard, and back control, and is practiced through drills and safe sparring, making it ideal for beginners and self defence.
If you’ve ever typed “what is BJJ?” into Google, you’re not alone.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world, and it’s not because people suddenly love getting choked out (even though… some of us do).
It’s growing because BJJ is practical, addictive, and honestly one of the most confidence building skills you can learn, whether you’re:
- a total beginner who’s never done martial arts
- a parent looking for something positive for your child
- someone wanting self defence that actually works
- someone sick of boring gym workouts
- someone who wants to test themselves mentally and physically
And the best part is you don’t need to be big, strong, or athletic to start. You just need to learn to trust the techniques.
In this guide, We break down exactly what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is, how it works, what you’ll learn first, what your first class looks like, and why it’s become the go to martial art for everyday people and professional fighters alike.
If you’re in Western Sydney and want to try it in person, you can check out our beginner classes here:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/beginner-bjj-classes/
What It Is
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on controlling and submitting an opponent using leverage, technique, and body mechanics rather than brute strength.
Most BJJ happens on the ground, but it also includes standing grappling, takedowns, and clinch control.
The goal in BJJ is usually one of two things:
- Control someone so they can’t hurt you
- Submit them using a choke or joint lock
That’s why BJJ is famous for being a “smaller person’s martial art”. It’s designed so a smaller, less athletic person can defend themselves against someone bigger and stronger, using technique and positioning.
If you’ve ever seen UFC fighters on the ground and wondered how one person seems “stuck” while the other stays calm, that’s BJJ in action.
BJJ is also a sport, which means you can train it for fitness and fun without ever caring about fighting. Plenty of people train purely for:
- stress relief
- confidence
- weight loss
- self defence
- social connection
- learning a new skill
And yes, you will get fit. Fast.
How It Works
BJJ works because it teaches you how to win the battle for position first.
Instead of just swinging punches and hoping for the best, BJJ is built around a simple idea:
Position before submission.
That means you learn how to control someone safely, then finish when the time is right.
Here are a few core concepts you’ll learn early:
Leverage beats strength
In BJJ, angles and body positioning matter more than power. A well-timed hip movement, grip, or frame can shut down someone twice your size.
Balance beats speed
You don’t need to be fast. You need to be stable. BJJ teaches you to move with control, not panic.
Calm wins
BJJ rewards the person who can breathe, stay patient, and make good decisions under pressure. That skill alone carries over into real life.
Why It Works
So why is BJJ so effective compared to a lot of other martial arts?
Because it’s pressure-tested every single class.
In most gyms, BJJ includes controlled sparring (called “rolling”), which means you get to practice techniques against resisting partners safely.
You’re not just learning a move and pretending it works. You’re learning a move, then applying it on real people who are trying to stop you.
That’s why BJJ builds real confidence.
Not “I watched a YouTube video” confidence.
Real confidence.
You also learn something important:
You can stay safe and in control even when things get uncomfortable.
That’s a superpower.
What You’ll Learn
In your first few weeks of BJJ, you’ll start learning the fundamentals that make everything else easier.
Here are the main areas you’ll work on:
Escapes
This is huge for beginners. You’ll learn how to get out of bad positions like:
- someone holding you down
- someone on top of you
- someone controlling your head and arms
Guard
Guard is one of the most unique things about BJJ.
In most fighting styles, being on your back is bad.
In BJJ, being on your back can be a weapon.
You’ll learn how to use your legs and hips to control someone, sweep them, or submit them.
Sweeps
A sweep is when you reverse someone and end up on top. This is one of the most satisfying things in BJJ because it feels like a “checkmate” moment.
Submissions
Submissions are the finishing moves. The main types are:
- Chokes (stopping blood flow or air flow safely)
- Joint locks (controlling a limb until someone taps)
Tapping is how we keep training safe. You tap, your partner stops instantly. No ego.
Control positions
You’ll learn the core positions that show up in every roll:
- mount
- side control
- back control
- closed guard
- half guard
Don’t stress if these sound confusing now. Everyone starts there.
Your First Class
This is what a typical beginner BJJ class looks like at a good gym:
1) Warm up
Nothing crazy. You’ll do basic movements that teach you how to move your body on the mat. Things like:
- shrimping (hip escape)
- bridging
- rolling movements
- light mobility
You don’t need to be fit to start. The warm up helps you build fitness over time.
2) Technique
This is the teaching portion. Your coach will show a technique step-by-step, then you drill it with a partner.
This is where you learn the details that make BJJ work.
3) Drilling
You repeat the technique and build muscle memory. This is where beginners improve the fastest.
4) Rolling (sparring)
Some classes include rolling, some don’t, and beginners can usually choose to sit out if they want.
Rolling is not a fight. It’s controlled practice.
You’ll learn quickly that BJJ people are generally super respectful and helpful, especially to new students.
If you want to try a class at Apex BJJ, start here:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/beginner-bjj-classes/
Gi or No-Gi
One of the first questions people ask is:
“What’s the difference between Gi and No-Gi?”
Gi BJJ
Gi training uses the traditional uniform (the “gi”). It’s like a thick jacket and pants with a belt.
In the gi, you can grip the sleeves, collar, and pants. That slows things down and makes it very technical.
Gi is great for:
- learning fundamentals
- control and precision
- strong defence
- building discipline
No-Gi BJJ
No-gi is usually trained in shorts and a rash guard.
There are no collar grips, so the game becomes faster and more movement-based. You’ll use:
- underhooks
- body locks
- head control
- leg attacks (depending on rules and experience level)
No-gi is great for:
- athletic movement
- MMA crossover
- fast-paced scrambles
- sweaty chaos (in a good way)
If you’re a beginner, both are amazing. If you’re not sure, start with whichever fits your schedule and comfort level.
Safety + Injuries
Let’s be real. This is a combat sport. So yes, people worry about getting injured.
But here’s the truth:
BJJ is one of the safest martial arts you can train if you train smart.
Because the goal is control, not damage.
Here’s how you stay safe:
Tap early
If you feel pressure on a joint or a choke coming on, tap. No one cares. Tapping is normal.
Train with good people
A good gym culture matters. You want teammates who look after each other, not people trying to “win training.”
Focus on technique, not ego
Most injuries happen when someone panics, explodes, or refuses to tap.
Communicate
If you’ve got a sore neck, a bad knee, or you’re new, tell your partner. Good training partners adjust instantly.
If you want a gym that prioritises safety and beginners, check out our classes here:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/bjj-kids/ (kids program)
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/beginner-bjj-classes/ (beginners)
Kids + Beginners
BJJ is incredible for kids, and not just because it “tires them out” (although it definitely helps).
Kids BJJ teaches:
- confidence without arrogance
- discipline and respect
- focus and listening skills
- anti-bullying confidence
- fitness and coordination
- social skills and teamwork
It’s also one of the few activities where kids learn how to stay calm under pressure and solve problems in real time.
And for parents, it’s a win because the skills translate to real life.
If you’re looking for kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Western Sydney, here’s our kids program page:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/bjj-kids/
Self Defence
Now the big one:
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu good for self defence?
Yes. It’s one of the best self defence martial arts on the planet, especially because it teaches you how to handle close-range situations where most people panic.
BJJ helps you:
- escape from holds and grabs
- control someone without striking
- survive on the ground if you fall or get taken down
- stay calm under pressure
- protect yourself if someone is bigger and stronger
That said, a good coach will also be honest:
BJJ isn’t magic.
Real self defence includes awareness, avoiding danger, and sometimes running away. But if things go physical and you can’t escape, BJJ gives you a real skill set that works under pressure.
If you want more detail on the self defence side, you can also check out this resource from a trusted authority:
👉 https://www.gracieuniversity.com/ (great for beginner-friendly self defence concepts)
And for the sport side of BJJ rules and competition structure, the IBJJF is the main global organisation:
👉 https://ibjjf.com/
Common Questions
Here are the most common beginner questions I get all the time:
“Do I need to be fit before I start?”
No. Training gets you fit.
If you wait until you’re fit, you’ll never start.
“Am I too old for BJJ?”
No. We have people starting in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
The key is training smart and staying consistent.
“Will I get smashed?”
At the start, yes. A bit.
But not in a bullying way. More like a learning curve.
Everyone goes through it. And then one day you realise you’re surviving longer… then escaping… then sweeping… then winning positions.
That’s the addictive part.
“Do I have to spar?”
No one should force you. But eventually you’ll probably want to, because that’s where the magic happens.
“Is BJJ good for weight loss?”
Yes, but the bigger win is that BJJ is something people stick to.
It’s not like doing the same treadmill session for the 200th time. BJJ stays interesting because every roll is different.
Why People Get Hooked
BJJ has a weird effect on people.
At first you think:
“I’m just going to try it once.”
Then you blink and suddenly you’ve got:
- a gi hanging in your laundry
- sore fingers
- bruises you can’t explain
- new friends
- better confidence
- and you’re watching grappling videos at midnight
The reason people stick to BJJ is because it gives you something rare:
Progress you can feel.
Every week you improve, even if it’s small.
And the community side is huge too. You’re not just training рядом strangers. You’re building a team.
Try It
If you’ve been thinking about starting BJJ, here’s the simplest advice I can give you:
Don’t overthink it. Just try one class.
You don’t need to be fit. Also you don’t need experience. You don’t need to “get in shape first.”
You just need to show up and be willing to learn.
If you’re in Parramatta, Merrylands, or surrounding Western Sydney suburbs, you can start here:
✅ Beginner classes:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/beginner-bjj-classes/
✅ Kids program:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au/bjj-kids/
And if you want to see what our training culture is like, jump onto the main site here:
👉 https://www.apexbjj.com.au
Final Word
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just a martial art.
It’s a skill, a sport, a workout, a stress release, and a confidence builder all in one.
You’ll learn how to stay calm under pressure, how to control situations that most people panic in, and how to keep improving one class at a time.
If you’re curious, come try it. Your future self will thank you.
FAQ
Q: What does BJJ stand for?
A: BJJ stands for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a grappling martial art focused on control, positioning, and submissions like chokes and joint locks.
Q: Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu good for beginners?
A: Yes. BJJ is beginner-friendly because you can train at your own pace, learn step-by-step fundamentals, and build fitness while learning real skills.
Q: Do I need to be fit before starting BJJ?
A: No. You don’t need to be fit to start. Training BJJ improves your fitness naturally over time.
Q: Is BJJ safe?
A: BJJ is very safe when you train smart. Tap early, communicate with training partners, and focus on technique instead of ego.
Q: What happens in your first BJJ class?
A: Most first classes include a warm up, technique instruction, drilling with a partner, and optional light sparring (rolling) depending on the class.
Q: What’s the difference between Gi and No Gi BJJ?
A: Gi BJJ uses a uniform and includes grips on the sleeves and collar. No-Gi is trained in shorts and a rash guard, with faster movement and different gripping styles.
Q: Is BJJ good for self defence?
A: Yes. BJJ teaches you how to stay calm, escape bad positions, control someone safely, and protect yourself in close-range situations.
Q: How often should I train BJJ?
A: Training 2 times per week is enough to improve consistently. Training 3 to 4 times per week speeds up progress even more. Read our blog about this topic: Is training BJJ 3 times a week enough? What beginners need to know.
Q: Can kids do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
A: Absolutely. Kids BJJ helps build confidence, discipline, fitness, coordination, and anti-bullying skills in a safe and structured environment. The kids BJJ program is built for results
Q: How long does it take to get good at BJJ?
A: Most beginners feel noticeable improvement within the first month. Real confidence builds over 3–6 months with consistent training. Check out our blog on how can I get better at Jiu Jitsu faster to learn more about some helpful BJJ tips and tricks.
