Jiu-Jitsu, “the gentle art” can be traced back to India, where it was practiced by Buddhist Monks. Jiu-Jitsu spread across the Far East, finally arriving in Japan where it developed and gained further popularity.

Esai Maeda Koma, also known as “Conde Koma,” was a Jiu-Jitsu master who emigrated to Brazil. There he found Carlos Gracie, a frail fifteen year old. After 10 years of training, Carlos Gracie opened the first school, known as the “Academia Gracie de Jiu Jitsu." in 1925, Carlos shared his knowledge with his brothers, adapting and refining the techniques to the naturally weaker characteristics of his family. With a goal of proving Jiu-Jitsu’s superiority as well as to build a family tradition, Carlos challenged the greatest fighters of his time, as well as managing the fighting careers of his brothers. Fighting opponents fifty or sixty pounds heavier, the Gracies quickly gained recognition and prestige.

Through the work of the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlos Gracie Jr. contributed to the growth of the sport by holding some of the first organized competitions.

The ECU BJJ instructors' Jiu-Jitsu lineage can be traced back to Carlos Gracie. Like our masters before us, it is our goal to spread the Art of BJJ and we do this best by instilling our students with the hard work, technique and principals of our masters. BJJ is always evolving and judo, wrestling and other martial arts techniques are often merged into our art for maximum grappling effectiveness and competition success.

Kickboxing is a combat sport where two opponents fight with their fists and feet. Kickboxing is a potent martial art and a great way to get a workout! Here at ECU BJJ, Kickboxing is taught in the form of a fast-paced, serious cardio work-out with elements of Muay-Thai utilized to involve the entire body into the workouts.

Mixed martial arts (MMA), popularly known as cage fighting or ultimate fighting is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills, from a mixture of other combat sports, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of both striking as well as grappling techniques, both while standing and while on the ground. Such competitions allow fighters of different backgrounds to compete.

Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. It is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.

Yoga is considered a mind-body intervention that is used to reduce the health effects of generalized stress and is classified as a form of alternative medicine.

Strength, speed and aggressiveness will always be overcome by superior technique, control and form. These leading components in martial arts can be learned by men, women and children starting at the age of 5.

For the student or visitor who wishes to supplement their team training, a one-on-one session with a Black Belt or a Certified Personal Trainer can be booked on a single session basis, or, as a package with discount. These sessions can jumpstart your game or get you into shape quickly! Contact Us for more information