Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has evolved and grown in popularity around the world, thanks to its effectiveness in combat sports and self-defense. Over the years, BJJ has developed its own unique language and terminology, reflecting its evolution and innovation. This language is a blend of Japanese terminology and techniques, which were adapted and modified by the Gracie family in Brazil, as well as Portuguese words and phrases and unique terms and concepts specific to BJJ. In this post, we'll explore the evolution of BJJ language and terminology, from its Japanese roots to its contemporary use in the BJJ community. We'll also discuss the contributions of the Gracie family, including brothers Carlos and Helio, in shaping the language and terminology of BJJ, as well as the ongoing process of innovation and adaptation in the art.
| Portuguese Term | Japanese Term | English Translation | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gi/Kimono | Keikogi | Training uniform | The gi, or kimono, is a traditional training uniform used in many martial arts, including BJJ. The gi is typically made of cotton and consists of a jacket and pants. |
| OSS | OSS | Used to show respect or acknowledgement | OSS is a term commonly used in BJJ to show respect or acknowledgement. It is similar to saying "yes" or "I understand" and is often used before and after training sessions or competitions. |
| Professor(a) de Jiu-Jitsu | Jiu-Jitsu Sensei | BJJ instructor | A BJJ instructor is typically referred to as a professor or professora in Portuguese. In Japanese martial arts, such as Judo or Karate, the term sensei is used to refer to an instructor or teacher. |
| Pano | Keiko-fuku | Training clothes | Pano is Portuguese for "cloth" and is sometimes used interchangeably with gi or kimono in BJJ. In Japanese, the term keiko-fuku refers to training clothes or attire. |
| Guarda | Kamae | Fighting stance or guard | Guarda is Portuguese for "guard" and is often used to refer to the different types of guard positions in BJJ, such as closed guard, open guard, or half guard. In Japanese martial arts, the term kamae refers to a fighting stance or guard position. |
| Passar | Tsurikomi | To pull out or pass | Passar is Portuguese for "to pass" and is often used to refer to passing an opponent's guard. In Judo, the term tsurikomi refers to a pulling motion used to unbalance an opponent before throwing them. |
| Estrangulamento | Sankaku-jime | Triangle choke | Estrangulamento is Portuguese for "strangulation" and is often used to refer to submission holds that cut off an opponent's air or blood supply. In Judo and other Japanese martial arts, the term sankaku-jime refers to a triangle choke. |
| Chave de braço | Ude-garami | Arm lock | Chave de braço is Portuguese for "arm lock" and is used to refer to submission holds that hyperextend or manipulate an opponent's elbow joint. In Judo, the term ude-garami is used to refer to an arm lock. |
| Triângulo | Sankaku-gatame | Triangle hold | Triângulo is Portuguese for "triangle" and is used to refer to a submission hold in which the legs are used to cut off an opponent's blood supply. In Judo, the term sankaku-gatame is used to refer to a triangle hold. |
Note: The table above shows a comparison of Portuguese terms commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and their Japanese counterparts. It also provides their English translations and additional information about each term.
The language of BJJ is a unique blend of Japanese terminology and techniques, Portuguese words and phrases, and BJJ-specific terminology. This language reflects the art's evolution and innovation, as well as the contributions of the Gracie family, including brothers Carlos and Helio Gracie, in shaping the language and terminology of BJJ.
Understanding the language of BJJ is an essential part of learning the art, and knowing the Japanese roots of many BJJ terms can help practitioners appreciate the art's history and evolution. By studying the language of BJJ, students can better understand the techniques, positions, and concepts used in the art, and improve their communication with other practitioners around the world.
Portuguese, and BJJ-Specific Terminology
The development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) stems from a complex and multifaceted phenomenon rooted in the historical and cultural context of Brazil in the early 20th century. The Gracie family, including brothers Carlos and Helio, played a central role in shaping the art through their innovations and adaptations.
Carlos Gracie's initial impetus for the development of BJJ came from his exposure to Japanese martial arts, particularly Judo. Through his study and practice of Judo, Carlos gained familiarity with Japanese terminology and techniques, which he adapted and modified to suit the Brazilian context. This process laid the foundation for the development of BJJ as a distinct martial art.
Helio Gracie's contributions to the development of BJJ were equally significant, if not more so. Helio's innovations emphasized leverage and technique over strength and power, which were essential in evolving BJJ into the form known today. His modifications and adaptations of Judo techniques, as well as the development of new guard positions and techniques, revolutionized the art and made it accessible to practitioners of all sizes and strengths.
Portuguese, and BJJ-Specific Terminology
The evolution of BJJ terminology and language reflects the historical and cultural factors that contributed to its development. Carlos Gracie's adoption of Japanese terminology was crucial in establishing BJJ as a legitimate martial art and setting it apart from other Brazilian martial arts of the time. However, BJJ also developed its own unique language and terminology as it grew and evolved, incorporating Portuguese words and phrases and creating new terms and concepts to describe its techniques and positions.
Today, BJJ practitioners continue to experiment and innovate, causing the language and terminology to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and challenges of the art. This ongoing process of innovation and adaptation demonstrates the dynamism and vitality of BJJ as a martial art.
Portuguese, and BJJ-Specific Terminology
In conclusion, the development of BJJ is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by a range of historical and cultural factors, including the contributions of the Gracie family. The evolution of BJJ terminology and language reflects this complexity, incorporating Japanese, Portuguese, and unique terms and concepts developed over time. As BJJ continues to evolve and adapt, its language and terminology will continue to play a central role in shaping its future trajectory.