Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Are you interested in getting in shape and at the same time learning a useful self defense skill? Blackline’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and no-gi grappling program could be just the thing you need!
Brazilian JJ is an extremely functional martial art that was brought to the U.S.A by the Gracie family and gained notoriety in the “no holds barred” event called UFC. The focus of BJJ is being able to fight effectively on the ground and apply various different chokes and joint locks to an opponent or attacker while maintaining good positional control. One of the great strengths of Bjj is its performance basis. After learning and drilling techniques in class a student has the option to roll live and try what they learned in a competitive environment. Here at Blackline instructors such as Black Belt Jeff Bolton will be watching, correcting, and coaching students as they roll- if not rolling with them as well. Mr. Bolton was trained to his Black belt by Master Joe Moriera (one of only a handful in the world at his rank) and continues to train regularly with Prof. Moriera to stay sharp and pass this knowledge on to the students.
Our no-gi (grappling) program uses a strong foundation of tools from BJJ while not wearing the gi (traditional karate/judo type uniform). Incorporated into this practice are various techniques from Russian Sambo ( largely foot locks and leg locks) and various techniques from wrestling. No-gi grappling is basically BJJ with hybridized techniques taken from other grappling forms. This is largely what you see when watching MMA fights in the ground aspect.
Brian Whiteaker teaches the grappling classes almost daily. Brian played soccer competitively up to the Olympic Development Program level and became tired of team sports.
He began looking for something new, came to try BJJ, and knew he found it. Grappling has been an extremely powerful thing for Brian. Over the last 14 or so years he has seen the profoundly positive effects it has on the people who “get the bug”. Sometimes it is troubled youth who find a positive outlet for aggression, paired with solid mentors around them who are used to achieving things in life. Other times it is someone who has let themselves slide out of shape and finds a passion for this sport- their passion translates into working out to perform better on the mat. Some people are challenge oriented and enjoy the chess game that grappling becomes when they engage a tough or wily opponent. For Brian it is the pursuit of technical skill- a smooth sweep, a slick submission, or a well timed escape is enjoying these special skills that is a grapplers craft.
The one thing expected at Blackline is that you have fun and give it your best. Whether you compete, fight, or just love to roll you should always have fun.
