Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a cutting edge fighting system developed from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu by the Gracie family. In the turn of the last century a Brazilian politician Gastão Gracie helped a Japanese immigrant who was a Jiu-Jitsu and Judo master by the name of Mitsuo Maeda. In gratitude Maeda taught his arts to Gracie's son, Carlos. Carlos then taught it to his brothers. They later refined it in the streets of Brazil to what the world knows as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . They felt that the art still relied too much on force and strength, and could be refined to use more leverage. This was very important, especially for Carlos and his youngest brother Helio.Who weighed under 140 pounds and were usually outweighed and muscled by their opponents. To survive in the streets they continued to refine the art that was taught to them by Maeda.They challenged any and all comers regardless of fighting style or weight. They fought in hundreds of no rules matches (Vale Tudo.) They never lost a fight.

Part of the reason they were so effective was because they never stopped learning or trying to develop new ideas. Continually enhancing their techniques was the main theme in the development of the legendary fighting style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If they discovered a new position or way of holding a submission that was effective, it was incorporated into their art. If it worked they used it, if not they threw it out.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground-fighting art, even though it contains standup techniques for winning a fight. It is famous for its devastating ground fighting. It offers a physically weaker opponent who has superior technique and leverage skills to defeat the larger opponent despite the greater strength difference. BJJ is famous for the variety of techniques available such as chokes, joint locks, escapes, and reversals for this fun and exciting reality based martial art.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became popular in the US when the Gracie family brought the Ultimate Challenge Championships, the first mixed martial arts challenge to America. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners challenge and beat all contestants including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, Kick Boxers, Judo, Boxer's and even Sumo Wrestlers. This changed the martial arts for ever. Today to stay on top of the food chain you must be equally good standing and on the ground. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a proven and complete martial art for the street or the octagon (Ultimate Challenge Caged Ring.) No matter what your goals are whether it's just getting fit, learning to defend yourself or competing professionally in mixed martial arts this class is for you.

Anta's Fitness and Self Defense Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor Mr. Agnese has been practicing under the tutelage of Andre Pederneiras since he was 17 years old. Pederneiras' NOVA UNIAO TEAM is considered the best lightweight mixed martial arts and Jiu Jitsu team in Brazil. Agnese has had the opportunity to train with these national champions and now bring his experiences to Doral. In the United States he is part of the Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team. The Machado's are the Gracie's first cousins.

Mario Agnese has been studying BJJ since 1990 in Brazil. He arrived in the United States from Brazil in August 2003. Mario specializes in teaching beginners and helping them understand the fundamentals of BJJ in the safest possible way. Call today (305 599-3649), Or email us at FitDef@aol.com, and mention this website and receive a free introductory Jujutsu class.