Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club
The USF Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club is a recreational club on campus. USF focuses on Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, an efficient and practical self-defense system and martial art that incorporates the use of joint manipulation, chokes, and other various submissions. The techniques and skills can be used effectively against adversaries of any size as students learn to use leverage and technique to overcome larger and stronger opponents.
USF's BJJ Club has grown to over 40 members and they compete in local tournaments every semester. They practice 3 times a week and welcome students of any skill and ability! They pride themselves as a beginner friendly Club, and most members do have previous experience. If students would like to, they are encouraged to try competing! If not, they also have open mat meet ups with local colleges and other outside opportunities to train. They teach a primarily sport jiu jitsu curriculum under the fantastic Coach Seiji, with wrestling, judo, and MMA also taught. They encourage anyone regardless of experience to try out the Club and see if jiu jitsu is right for you!
In 1914, Japanese Jiu Jitsu Champion Esai Maeda migrated to Brazil where he was instrumental in establishing a Japanese immigrant community. There he taught Jiu Jitsu to Carlos Gracie and his four brothers, and in 1925, they opened the first Jiu Jitsu academy in Brazil. One of the brothers, Helio Gracie paid special attention to leverage within the art, making it possible for a smaller opponents like himself (135 lbs) to defeat a larger one. He and his brothers began modifying and enhancing the basic techniques to make them effective for a person regardless of his/her stature. Thus began the development of a new and more effective art – Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
To connect with the Club Jiu-Jitsu Officers please email clubsports@usfca.edu.
Coach: Seiji Sano-Yee
Assistant Coach: Hiroshi "Yoshi" Yamaguchi and Nicko Requesto
