In today’s unpredictable world, learning how to protect yourself is one of the most empowering choices you can make — and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) stands out as one of the most practical and effective self-defense systems available. Unlike many martial arts that rely heavily on striking, Jiu Jitsu focuses on leverage, technique, and ground control, making it possible for a smaller, weaker person to defend against a larger attacker.

Self-defense Jiu Jitsu lessons teach real-life skills that work under pressure. Students learn how to escape dangerous holds, control an aggressor without causing unnecessary harm, and gain the confidence to stay calm in high-stress situations. This isn’t just about fighting — it’s about learning to avoid fights whenever possible and knowing you have the tools to protect yourself if needed.

Beyond the physical techniques, training in Jiu Jitsu builds mental resilience, discipline, and situational awareness. It creates a strong sense of community where people encourage each other to grow stronger and more capable. For adults and children alike, BJJ is more than just a martial art — it’s a pathway to greater self-confidence, fitness, and peace of mind. If you want to feel safer, stronger, and more prepared for whatever life throws at you, stepping onto the mat might just be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Jiu-Jitsu offers children a unique combination of physical and mental benefits, making it an excellent martial art for young learners. First and foremost, it promotes physical fitness by improving strength, flexibility, and coordination. Jiu-Jitsu classes often involve exercises that challenge both the body and mind, helping kids develop endurance and agility while also instilling a healthy respect for their own bodies. Furthermore, children acquire essential self-defense skills through Jiu-Jitsu training. They learn techniques to protect themselves effectively and safely, which boosts their confidence in handling potentially dangerous situations. These physical benefits lay the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and health, making it an ideal activity for growing children.

Beyond the physical benefits, Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool for teaching essential life skills. It fosters discipline, focus, and perseverance, all of which are crucial for success in any area of life. Children learn how to set goals, work through challenges, and manage frustration when faced with difficult situations—skills that will serve them well both on and off the mat. Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the importance of respect and humility, as kids interact with training partners, listen to instructors, and adhere to the principles of the sport.

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for kids to learn Jiu-Jitsu is the boost in self-confidence i... Read More

With the growing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu more people are giving it a try. But how does one decide which academy is right for you? Wherever you train you need to plan on going to class at least 2 times per week. Going to a jiu-jitsu academy is not like belonging to a health club, where you show up, use the equipment and leave. It’s an educational and learning environment. So, first and foremost you need to look into the quality of instruction. You should look into the background of the head instructor. You can do some of that homework online. You should meet with the owner or head instructor and ask about how they do things and get to know them a little bit. You should also sit in on a class to see how a class is organized. Is it a structured class? Does the instructor communicate in an understanding and logical way? Do they have a beginners curriculum?  Does the school focus more on Self Defense (street) or competition jiu-jitsu? Also, ask students in the class about their experiences there. Some academies may have a trial period which is a great way for you get a better feel for the quality of the instruction.

Another big thing to consider is what the atmosphere is like. Is everyone friendly to one another? How are people treating each other? Are the students helpful to you and to others. Do the other students seem to be happy there? Is it a place where you seem to belong? You will be spending a lot of time there each week so you want to m... Read More

Prof Greg Eldred received his 5th degree Black Belt from Master Caique at our Dec 7th Seminar. Master Caique is an 8th degree Coral Belt. Prof Eldred received his Black Belt (with red bar) from Caique in November 2005. Once receiving a Black Belt with a "red bar" all future promotions followed a fixed timeline. After receiving his Black Belt and a minumum of 3 years Professor Eldred received his 1st degree in 2008. After 3 more years in 2011 he received his 2nd degree. Then an additional 3 years in 2014 he received his 3rd degree. Then after 5 years in 2019 he received his 4th degree. And then in an additional 5 years he received his 5th degree here in December 2024. So what's next? In 5 more years 6th degree, then 7 additional years to reach Master Coral Belt. The Coral Belt is for the 7th and 8th degrees, then after that eventually the Red Belt is for 9th and 10th degrees. So the minimum timeline from Black Belt to Coral Belt is 31 years. You'll notice 2 additional stripes on the outer edges of the red bar. Those don't count as degrees, but rather they are called Professor Stripes. They show that the practioner has had the training and is qualified to teach Jit-Jitsu and be called Professor rather than an Instructor.

Let’s be real, the world we live in is not a safe place. There are bad people out there looking for victims to prey on. Therefore, you need to know how to protect yourself in case someone targets you for reasons of harassment, theft, rape, or to cause bodily harm. Not being prepared can result in serious consequences such as unwanted sexual proposals and action, serious injury or even death. You cannot control the desires and behavior of such bad people, but you can certainly take actions to minimize and prevent yourself from being the one chosen for the attack. And if you are attacked the use of self defense techniques and strategies can save your life.

Whether the attack is physical or sexual, the experience can leave both emotional and physical scars that can last a lifetime. You will never be the same. You will always replay the attack over in your mind wondering what you could have done differently to avoid or escape from the situation. You will question yourself as to why you never took a women’s self defense class.

There are three steps you must do to better protect yourself from would be attackers. 1.) You must have a greater awareness. You need to pay better attention to your surroundings, as this is your first line of defense. Attackers are looking for easy victims who are not aware, as they are easy targets, because they have the element of surprise at their advantage. 2.) You must take measures to reduce your risks. This can be from ... Read More