Martial arts such as Jiu jitsu, judo, or taekwondo are all ways to stay in shape as well as an opportunity to learn a means of protecting oneself. 

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ as it is often referred, is a martial arts style of grappling. 

This means taking an opponent to the ground and trying to secure dominant positions of power or submissions using choke holds or flexion of the extremities. 

Some of the more popularly known techniques include the arm bar or the rear naked choke. 

BJJ is a highly effective art. In fact, Royce Gracie used BJJ exclusively to win the first, second, and fourth UFC tournaments. 

The entire concept of the art being to use your opponent’s strength to one’s own advantage. 

BJJ is also in many cases taught to law enforcement officers as a way to escape a physical confrontation or to subdue an aggressor. 

BJJ is an art one can practice for life. One of the contrasts of BJJ to other martial arts is that striking is not allowed. 

At no point should a training partner hit or kick an opponent as that is against the rules. This means the risk of serious injury to vital organs such as the brain are drastically diminished. Many BJJ practitioners have been known to train well into their old age. 

Make no mistake however, if vigorous exercise is the main goal look no further. Jiu Jitsu is still a fighting style and there are those out there who like to train intensely. One of the nice things about BJJ is that partners will match their partners intensity. Most generally if one partner is looking for a more relaxed roll or sparring session their partner will accommodate. 

Many celebrities have found a love of BJJ. Public figures like Joe Rogan, Russel Brand, Chuck Norris, Demi Lovato, Scarlett Johansson, and many more have all discovered and practice the art. 

There are several different gyms around Joplin that offer BJJ instruction. Each gym has its own flavor and style of teaching. 

The best thing to do if interested is to google BJJ gyms near me and then make plans to try them out. 

Most gyms offer a free trial period without commitment to make sure the sport is for them. Taking friends can also make the process less daunting. 

BJJ is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of martial arts, and its practitioners continue to find more and more benefits through each practice.