Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) also known as (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Machado Jiu-Jitsu) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint-locks and choke holds to force an opponent to submit. It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant.

Since 1993 and the original UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it has proven itself to be the single most effective self defense in the world. Today even many traditional Martial Art practitioners have begun to incorporate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into their curriculum.

The North American Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu LLC. (NAFBJJ) was established for the purpose of organizing, legitimizing and creating a high standard of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors, programs and a standardized ranking system in Academies throughout the United States. With the rapidly growing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts around the world, many Martial Arts Academies are realizing the potential and need to have such a program in their school. The problem in the past has been the lack of qualified instructors who have the complete knowledge of the art as well as an ability to teach in a manner that is motivating, safe, fun and effective.

As an affiliate Academy you will receive several hours of one on one instruction with a black belt instructor. This is to ensure meticulous detail of technique is being understood and taught properly. As a NAFBJJ Coach or Full Instructor it is imperative that the level of instruction is top notch and NAFBJJ will do whatever is necessary to make their Coaches capable.

NAFBJJ bases rank of its members on two different criteria. These criteria are:

1) Proficiency in curriculum (technique)

2) Live grappling

Grading based on these two aspects puts each belt at the same level as opposed to huge discrepancies between students from one Academy to another and often even within a single Academy. By having a curriculum it also gives students goals and a blueprint of what they need to learn which in turn helps build a strong foundation in their skills right from the beginning.

NAFBJJ has established strict guidelines and for competency as a BJJ practitioner as well as for instructors and coaches. These standards establish credibility for its members and instructors as well as a team environment that will help continue the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.