Jiu Jitsu, Martial Arts, and Self-Defense Training in Wake Forest
Jiu-jitsu, also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It is known for its emphasis on technique over brute strength, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels and sizes. However, jiu-jitsu is more than just a physical practice; it is also a journey of self-improvement that can have positive effects on the person as a whole.
Professor Jeremy Laviano, 1st-degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu and founder of Heritage Jiu Jitsu, has announced the grand opening of his new jiu-jitsu and martial arts training facility, in Wake Forest, NC, located inside the Red Dog Crossfit training center. The address of Heritage Jiu Jitsu is now 744 Merritt Capital Dr #108, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that originated in Japan and focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It is also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) due to its development in Brazil. Jiu Jitsu or BJJ has become very popular in the United States since BJJ fighters started having huge success in the sport of MMA or mixed martial arts. The sport of Jiu-Jitsu is known for its emphasis on technique over brute strength, and for its effectiveness in self-defense situations.
Learning jiu-jitsu is a process that requires patience, perseverance, and an open mind. As a beginner, you will learn the fundamentals of the sport and be able to progress at your own pace. You will also learn to be comfortable with discomfort, as jiu-jitsu can be physically and mentally challenging. The practice will help you to develop discipline and focus, as well as increase your physical fitness, flexibility, and coordination.
In jiu-jitsu, the person is not only learning physical skills, but also mental, emotional, and social skills. The practice is known for its culture of respect, humility, and community. Training with different partners of different ages, sizes, and skill levels can help to develop empathy and understanding. Furthermore, jiu-jitsu teaches self-confidence, as practitioners learn to defend themselves and become more aware of their body and their abilities.
As a martial art, jiu-jitsu can also be a powerful tool for self-defense. It is designed to help smaller, weaker people defend themselves against larger, stronger attackers. Additionally, the sport is competitive, providing a way to test oneself against others and to become more resilient through facing challenges and setbacks.
What does Jiu Jitsu mean literally?
The concept of gentleness or yielding in jiu-jitsu refers to the fact that practitioners use leverage and technique rather than brute force to subdue their opponents. The idea is to use an opponent's energy and momentum against them, rather than trying to overpower them directly.
It is important to note that the name "jiu-jitsu" is also sometimes referred to as "jujutsu" in English representation, which is a different romanization of the same Japanese word, and it means the same thing.
"At Heritage Jiu Jitsu, Professor Laviano takes time to teach students the history and background to the art of jiu jitsu, not just teaching moves and techniques alone. He also takes time to answer questions and breaks down the basic and foundational aspects of the art in a way that helps students absorb and learn quickly," remarked Lane Houk, a new student and recent beginner to the discipline.
Is Jiu-Jitsu good for beginners or for people over 40?
Jiu-jitsu can be a great option for both beginners and people over 40. The sport is known for its emphasis on technique over brute strength, which makes it accessible to people of all fitness levels and sizes. As a beginner, you'll learn the fundamentals of the sport and be able to progress at your own pace.
For people over 40, jiu-jitsu can be a great way to stay in shape, improve flexibility and balance, and learn self-defense. The low-impact nature of the sport makes it easy on the joints, and the focus on technique can help prevent injuries. Additionally, practicing jiu-jitsu can help to increase bone density, which can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
It's worth noting that as with any form of physical activity, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
Many jiu-jitsu gyms like Heritage Jiu Jitsu offer special classes or programs for beginners, such as an intro to jiu-jitsu classes, that can help you get started and feel comfortable on the mat. The jiu-jitsu community is also known for its supportive and welcoming nature, which can make it easier for beginners and people over 40 to feel comfortable learning and practicing.
Heritage Jiu Jitsu offers beginners the JJ101 class taught by Professor Jeremy Laviano personally along with some of his more advanced students who come to JJ101 classes as "Uke's" or training partners to help beginners learn the proper moves and techniques taught and demonstrated by Prof. Laviano.
Is Jiu Jitsu good for kids and teenagers to learn?
Jiu-jitsu can be a great option for kids and teenagers to learn. The sport can help to improve physical fitness, self-confidence, and self-discipline.
Physical benefits include developing strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. It's also a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness, as jiu-jitsu classes typically involve a lot of movement and can be quite intense.
Jiu-jitsu can also have positive mental benefits for children and teenagers. It can help to improve focus and concentration, and can also teach discipline, respect, and humility. Through the process of learning new techniques, practicing with partners, and competing in competitions, children and teenagers may be able to learn social skills such as teamwork and communication.
Furthermore, jiu-jitsu can be a great form of self-defense. It is designed to help smaller, weaker people defend themselves against larger, stronger attackers, which can be especially valuable for children and teenagers who may find themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
It is important to note, that it is crucial for the parents to do research for a suitable gym for the child, as not all gyms follow the same instruction method and rules for children, and make sure that the coaches are experienced, qualified, and have a background check.
Professor Laviano has extensive experience with teaching young kids and developed a kids program in both Georgia and North Carolina for other martial arts studios before opening Heritage Jiu Jitsu in Wake Forest.
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that is more than just learning physical techniques, it's a practice that allows one to improve as a person, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's a journey that requires patience and perseverance, but the rewards are well worth it. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense, or simply become a better person, jiu-jitsu may be the perfect practice for you.
About Heritage Jiu Jitsu and Jeremy Laviano
Professor Jeremy Laviano is a black belt Jiu Jitsu Instructor living in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is an instructor/coach of Jiu Jitsu, Strength Training, and Self Defense.
According to Laviano, as the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions continues to grow through television and competition exposure, so too has that of jiu-jitsu, or “gentle way” — a martial art and self-defense system that focuses on grappling and ground fighting.
“You go to a local sports pub on a Saturday night for an MMA fight night and it fills up,” said Laviano. “People are screaming for their favorite fighters. They love it. Jiu-jistu (in particular) is booming in popularity. It’s become so popular there are schools all over the country now.”
The curriculum at Heritage Jiu Jitsu is a complete system of practical martial arts techniques. Using his college degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Kennesaw State University, Professor Laviano teaches the application of biomechanics which creates a clear and systematic approach to learning jiu-jitsu. This approach to teaching and training martial arts prioritizes proper body mechanics and the development of correct movement patterns. Professor Laviano's system of techniques serves as the foundation of all expressions of jiu-jitsu, self-defense, tactical, sporting, or recreational.
To contact Heritage Jiu Jitsu, please visit them online or by calling (919) 800-2021.
