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BJJ in Defiance, MO. Do you want to become stronger, practice mindfulness, and start your jiu jitsu journey? Enroll our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, classes in Defiance, MO. BJJ teaches values such as strength, honor, and teamwork, and is available to students of all ages.
If you are interested in becoming the best version of yourself, both on and off the mats, join our Defiance BJJ gym today and begin your jiu jitsu journey. For more information, call our gym at 636-544-3655 or get in touch with us today.
BJJ, an acronym for “Brazilian jiu jitsu”, originated in the early 1900s, when Japanese judo teachers toured the world to show off this new martial art. One of these judo players was named Mitsyuo Maeda, who eventually performed judo at a circus in the Brazilian city of Belem ran by a man named Gastao Gracie. Gracie was so struck by the art of judo that he had Maeda personally instruct his sons in judo. Several of these sons, most notably Helio and Carlos Gracie Sr., modified these judo techniques so that they would have more real-life relevance. Thus, Brazlian jiu jitsu was born, and through the Gracie family’s “challenges” (where they would take on specialists in other martial arts, such as judo, wrestling, or capoeira, and regularly defeat them), the new martial art spread throughout Brazil.
It was not until the 1980s, though, and the start of technologies like video and cable TV, that BJJ really spread all over the world. Younger members of the Gracie family, including Carlos Gracie, Jr. (founder of Gracie Barra) continued to make “challenges”, but now they were taped and sold as part of a video series entitled “Gracies In Action”. As these tapes were sold in multiple countries, it was only natural for people outside of Brazil to become interested in this unique new martial art called “BJJ”. More growth came after the first Ultimate Fighting Championships events, where a Gracie family member twice beat multiple practitioners from other fighting styles using BJJ tactics. Mixed martial arts, as this new sport become known, soon boomed in popularity, and it quickly became obvious that having an experienced BJJ skillset was the cornerstone to success in this sport.
Gracie Barra began in the 1980s as one gym established in Barra da Tijuca, a neighborhood of Rio de Janiero. Many in the BJJ community believed that this new gym would be a failure, as at that time Barra da Tijuca was a quiet, outer suburb of Rio. However, Carlos Gracie Jr.’s skill as an instructor, in addition to his philosophy that “Jiu Jitsu Is For Everyone”, allowed the school to succeed and grow. Over the years, Gracie Barra students opened up affiliate schools all over the world to teach BJJ to anyone who wanted to learn it.
Jiu jitsu is great for athletes of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. Our BJJ classes in Defiance are designed around having fun and learning jiu jitsu at a speed that works best for each student, but also, will push you to your limits to become the best fighter you can be. Our available jiu jitsu classes include:
Are you ready to get fit and have fun doing it? Call our Defiance BJJ gym at 636-544-3655 to request a tour or to join one of our programs today.
Whether you want to lose weight, need an after-school activity for your kids, or you are just looking to learn a new skill, our BJJ classes in Defiance have something for everyone.
Our experienced instructors are prepared to help you define and accomplish fitness goals and continually reestablish your journey towards self-improvement. If you’re ready to explore the art of jiu jitsu and have your limits tested like never before, join our BJJ school in Defiance today to start your martial arts journey. Afterall, jiu jitsu isn’t only a sport; it’s a lifestyle. For more information on our programs or instructors, call 636-544-3655 or contact Gracie Barra O’Fallon today.
6278 Ronald Reagan Dr,
Lake St Louis, MO 63367
Monday: 6-7:30am, 11am-9pm
Tuesday: 6-7:30am, 11am-9pm
Wednesday: 6-7:30am, 11am-9pm
Thursday: 6-7:30am, 11am-9pm
Friday: 6-7:30am, 11am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed