Session 4 2023 HS AM: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Session 4 AM: July 24-Aug 4
Age / grade level: HS
Teacher: Dr. Daniel Shankman
Description: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ) is a popular martial art and combat sport based on ground fighting and submission holds. In the early 1990s, BJJ came to international prominence in martial arts circles when Royce Gracie used it in the first Ultimate Fighter Championships (UFC) to dominate many larger and physically stronger opponents with backgrounds in boxing, karate, muay thai, and taekwondo. Since then, any serious mixed martial artist today, no matter what their background, will learn BJJ.
Safe, fun, and effective, BJJ is practiced not only by aspiring fighters and grapplers, but also by hobbyists who train for health, relaxation, and self-defense. A typical BJJ class involves drilling many techniques, and then live sparring (called "rolling") where the practitioners try to secure a dominant position on their opponent and then submit them with various techniques of compression locks, joint locks, or chokes. Once put in a submission hold, one has no choice but to "tap out," after which the participants reset and continue. Unlike other grappling sports such as wrestling, BJJ rolling is often characterized by less aggressive matches, with both participants trying to outwit the other in various body entanglements. In this sense, BJJ is often compared to chess, where experienced practitioners will try to think several steps ahead of one another.
In our two week summer exploration of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we will cover the very basics of common positions such as side control, mount, and half-guard as well as basic submissions and escapes. No previous grappling experience is assumed. Participants who are comfortable to live roll will have the opportunity to do so in controlled and carefully supervised settings. Finally, we will learn about the history of BJJ as well as watch technique drilling and competition footage. We will do no-gi BJJ, so the attire is just comfortable clothes (not too loose fitting). Bring water and a change of clothes.
Teacher Bio: Daniel Shankman is the math teacher for grades 6-12 at the Capitol School. He has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a little over 4 years and holds a blue belt.
Please fill out all information for each child's first registration. For additional registrations, you only have to complete the required information.
Note: This cost is for the registration fee only. You must pay the balance of the total camp cost by the first day of camp. Information will be provided in your receipt or you can pay here: SE2023 Summer Camp Balance. You should also receive an email a week prior to the start of camp with payment information. You may also pay in the office.