Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. Due to the fact that control is generally easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the technique of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless.
To control and overcome greater size, strength and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of the art. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip and position upon your opponent. Students of the art gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.
This knowledge can be used to subdue and control an opponent with whatever level of severity the student chooses. The path to this knowledge is physically and mentally demanding. Students benefit from greatly increased physical fitness, problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their body and mind and the many social benefits of working within a large group of like-minded fellow students as you learn and have fun together.
Many students first learn about Jiu-jitsu through the great popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, where Brazilian Jiu-jitsu technique is very prominent. Indeed, the beginnings of the contemporary MMA competition were largely tied up with proving the combat-efficiency of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. The practice of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as a martial art, however, is strongly separated from the sport of MMA. Daily classes do not feature kicking or punching. The focus is on safe grappling technique that can be done on a daily basis with no more fear of injury than any other contact sport. While we do have professional and amateur MMA fighters at the Fargo BJJ Academy, the great majority of students study only the grappling sport and find that this is the most enjoyable and satisfying route to take.
Fargo BJJ students winning at the Pan American Championships in Long Beach, CA.
The Fargo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy is owned and operated by black-belt husband and wife team of Professors George and Sarah Andersch. George and Sarah are two of the original group of Black Belt Instructors to be produced by the world-renown Amal Easton Academy in Denver, Colorado. Prof. Amal Easton is an original Renzo Gracie Black-belt, Gracie Jiu-jitsu Team member and is a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in the America. His Denver-based powerhouse Team has grown to become one the best in the world producing over 100 Black-belts and thousands of students, houses the elite MMA ‘Elevation Fight Team’ and continues to spawn affiliate Team Academies around the world including our own right here in Fargo, North Dakota!
Amal Easton and FargoBJJ are proud representatives of Renzo Gracie Jiu-jitsu. Master Renzo Gracie is a legendary practitioner and teacher of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and MMA. He is a senior member of the famous Gracie family of Jiu-jitsu fighters who did so much to change the shape of the current state of martial arts instruction in America and the world.
The Fargo BJJ Academy is open 7 days a week and holds various classes and training sessions throughout the day for men, women and children of all ages and ability levels. They feature strength and endurance building warm-ups, followed by demonstration and practice of techniques after which students engage in various forms of live training and drills with other students of their own level.
It is a truly demanding workout with a strongly cerebral aspect and a sense of purpose and skill that will truly capture your imagination. Come down to the academy… Come take a look at a class or better yet, take one of the introduction classes.
If you try we are confident that Jiu-jitsu will become one of the most cherished and enjoyable aspects of your life. It will give you a confidence, knowledge, body-dexterity and fitness that few people will ever know.
Hope to see you on the Mat,
Prof. George
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Master Renzo Gracie in his famous NYC Academy