At Texas Powerhouse MMA, we use a ranking system to designate skill level (in a Gi), using a color system of White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black Belts.  The average time training to reach Black Belt in BJJ is an average of 8 to 12 years.  In our Jiu-Jitsu system we use various techniques from Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Freestyle, and Greco Roman wrestling. This art is very practical; it is a way of life for many, great for self-defense and increasing flexibility, but is also great for getting in shape and staying fit.  One does not need to be an outstanding athlete to pursue this art, so that both young and old, men and women, fit and unfit, may all  benefit from training.

History

http://www.texaspowerhouse.com/site/images/front3.jpg Jujitsu is a centuries old Japanese-based fighting system developed by the Samurai that focuses on grappling, submission holds, and joint locks.  It was developed as a method for dispatching an armed and armored opponent in situations where the use of weapons was impractical or forbidden.

There were many forms of Jujitsu in Japan being taught in the mid nineteenth century; during this time period, a man named Jigoro Kano came along and melded the best of three different types of jujitsu. These styles were Kito-ryu, Tenjin-shinyo-ryu jujitsu and Fusen-ryu, and in 1882, Kano founded the Kodokan of Judo. Mitsuyo Maeda began training at the Kodokan of Judo in 1894. He became one of the best Judoka to ever live. Kano wanted Maeda to travel and spread Judo around the world; for this reason, Maeda would travel first to the United States and then to Europe, Cuba, Mexico and Central America.  Maeda ultimately decided to settle in Brazil.

Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese martial artist who was a master in Judo, spent much time traveling and taught his skills to individuals around the world.  When Mitsuyo traveled to Brazil, he met Gustao Gracie, who helped Mitsuyo establish himself in the country.  To repay Gustao for his help, Mitsuyo taught Gustao’s son, Carlos, the art of Judo.  Carlos then spread the knowledge to other members in the family, including Helio Gracie.  Carlos opened his first academy in Brazil in 1925.  At the time, Helio was too sick to participate in class.  Instead, he observed classes; then one day in 1928, Carlos was late for a class, so Helio volunteered to teach. Helio quickly realized he was not strong enough to successfully perform many of the moves against larger opponents. Helio started to rethink many techniques using more natural movement, leverage and timing.  Helio continued to refine his jujitsu techniques and teach his all of his sons what they began to call ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’. In 1978, Helio’s oldest son, Rorion, would move to Southern California and begin teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the United States.

Years later, Carlos Machado, nephew to Carlos Gracie, moved from Brazil to Los Angeles, and eventually settled in Dallas, Texas. In 1995 he opened up his first academy. Kenny McClure soon started training with Carlos Machado and was awarded his black belt in 2002. Kenny currently teaches out of Dallas, Texas.  In 2003, Jamie Miller attended a Jiu Jitsu seminar that Kenny taught in San Antonio; from that date on, Jamie has been training under Kenny McClure.

This style of Jiu Jitsu is based mainly on leverage so that a weaker and/or smaller individual, using proper technique, leverage, and timing can successfully defend himself against an opponent who may be stronger and/or bigger.  Jiu-Jitsu is very technical, and the mental aspect of the art is just as significant, or more, than the physical component.  In a way, its strategy is similar in nature to a game of chess.  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a crucial component of the grappling game in Mixed Martial Arts.