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BJJ Archives - Crawley Fitness

Congratulations to Everyone on Our First Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading

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We’re Crawley’s first and only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club and this week ran our first kids grading this week with 10 of our next generation of martial artists passing the test.

Our Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are led by Black Belt and two time European Champion, Keith McKenzie.

Nicknamed “the gentle art” – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a focus on skill and technique over brute force and strength. With an emphasis on grappling and ground fighting BJJ teaches students how to throw, control and submit your opponent without punching or kicking.

A new martial art, BJJ was founded in the early 2oth century and has grown exponentially largely thanks to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its practical nature. Like many martial arts it places an emphasis on discipline and respect while the sports element allows BJJ players to put their skill and physical fitness to the test in competition.

The grading is a first for Crawley and kids and teens were required to demonstrate techniques and their practical application during an hour of sparring with other classmates and adult assistants.

Using an internationally recognised grading system BJJ sets its standards high and only has give adult belts with the coveted Black Belt taking up to 10 years to earn and in May the team will travel to Birmingham to compete in the British Open.

The Kids Brazilian Jiu JItsu Team after Grading SuccessKids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading Success

Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley

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If you’re looking for Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley you might be surprised to know there’s a very diverse array of clubs around the area.

More than you see advertised and many more than you’ll find on a simple “Google” search.

From the Chinese Arts (Kung Fu Schools and Styles) like Wing Chun, Preying Mantis, Japanese Arts like Judo, Karate, Ju Jitsu and Ninjitsu through to the more modern combat sports and self-defence systems.

Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Western Boxing and Submission Wrestling.  Arts made popular by events like the UFC and through the Mixed Martial Art (MMA arena).  And there are plenty of others styles tucked away in Crawley’s school halls, at the K2 Leisure Centre and at Tilgate Huts where we were once based.

There are loads to choose from… so where do you start?

Picking the Right Martial Arts Club

First is it for you?  Or is it for your kids?

If it’s for you the biggest and most important question is why do you want to start training?  Is it for fitness, to learn self-defence or master a martial art?  Are you looking to complete, earn your Black Belt or — maybe — it’s just something you always wanted to do but never got ’round to?

If fitness is your primary concern then a sports based martial art should be a priority.  Ideally an art with a competitive element (even if you don’t intend to compete) simply because they will push members to train hard, work up a sweat and get in great shape.  Even if you don’t want to compete you’ll be training as hard as those who do and reap all the rewards without any of the pressure!

For self-defence, perhaps a traditional or simple style.   Wing Chun is a practical style of Kung Fu taught in Crawley or perhaps look into one of the styles tried and tested in the ring and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) arena.  Muay Thai for the punches, kicks, knees and elbows, Boxing for the hand-speed and physcial condition and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) for the grappling and ground side to things.  Many self-defence experts say 90% of fights go to the ground… so the ground game should be part of your arsenal.

And if you just want an interesting hobby with a philosophical edge then a more traditional route is likely to be your best bet.  Don’t necessarily count on the art  for self-defence or expect extreme physical fitness but the roots of many more traditional arts are deeply embedded in Eastern religious philosophies.  One of the exceptions being Muay Thai which has strong roots Buddhism with each and every fighter performing a ritual showing thanks and respect to their parents and teachers before fighting.

Choosing a Kids Martial Arts Class

The first question is and always will be your child’s safety.  The environment they’re in, the techniques they will be learning and — of course — the instructors teaching them.

So choosing a professionally run martial arts school with friendly gym or club that encourages parents to watch classes is paramount.