Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ, is a style
of fighting
that first became popular in the U.S. with the introduction
of The Ultimate Fighting
Championship. It combines ground
fighting and grappling moves such as chokeholds and
joint
locks to overpower an opponent. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be
used for self-defense,
as a sport, and in mixed martial arts
competition. It highlights the concept that a
student who is
both smaller and weaker can effectively defend themselves
against an
opponent who is bigger and stronger.
The Kid-Jitsu® Program
was developed directly from the instruction of Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu
to provide a safe, tested method of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaching for children.
Seeing
the need for a program designed specifically for kids, Larry Shealy and Charles
Dos Anjos
(founders of Kid-Jitsu®) created the Kid-Jitsu® Certification Program to teach
Instructors
methods of working with children in an effective manner using proper techniques and positioning.
The Wolfpack Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association
answers the need for an adult Jiu-Jitsu program.
It was first designed for the Kid-Jitsu Instructors who wished to not only continue their own
training but also to promote their adult students. Today it is a thriving adult program on its own,
emphasizing safety and self-defense from a ground position.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is open to all active ITA members (no age limit), although it is
recommended that each student be a Yellow Belt or above. Qualifications for an annual teaching
certificate are coordinated between ITA and Larry Shealy.