UMich BJJ ForumThe University of Michigan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Wrestling Club's goal is to branch out into each style of grappling, to search for new techniques and concepts. Our main concern is to share our knowledge, and to learn from those who join us. Each practice session details the result-producing tension between grappling skill and submission technique, with an emphasis on leverage over strength.

+ CONTACT INFORMATION
Brendon Anes (presidentbjj@umich.edu)

+ AFFILIATIONS
As a club sport at the University of Michigan, we cater primarily to the students of the university, and then to those individuals who live in or near the university area. Because we are not a profit-making organization we are unable to officially attach ourselves to any one school or instructor. However, we feel it's important to learn from the best.

Our current instruction comes from three different academies:

* Sean Bansfield, a winner of prestigious tournaments such as the Relson Gracie U.S. Nationals and Pan-American Championships, is a black belt under Saulo Ribiero and coaches our submission wrestling practice every Thursday.

* Marcio Corleta, 2001 Mundials Superheavyweight Black Belt World Champion, from the Winner Academy in Porto Alegre gives us seminars and evaluates our members once a year.

* Fabricio Werdum, a black belt and the Winner Academy representative in Spain, the 2003 CBJJ World Champion and silver medalist in the prestigious 2003 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships, also provides seminars and evaluations.

We feel that with as diverse a set of instruction we receive, our grappling and our relationship with the grappling community both here in Michigan and worldwide, our technique can only improve. We enjoy training with and learning from everyone and sharing what we know as well. It is this open exchange of ideas, this open door policy to whomever is interested, be it judo players, wrestlers, other martial artists, or those with no experience at all, that distinguishes our organization from others.

+ BRAZILLIAN JIU-JITSU FOR WOMEN
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Women is a program that will increase your awareness, help you avoid dangerous situations and empower you with simple escape techniques. The program is offered on Fridays, 8pm-9pm, with an optional open mat training time immediately after, 9-10pm. Please contact Jeff Zeng (presidentbjj@umich.edu) for more details.

Learn techniques designed to help any woman escape from her attacker, whether she is on her feet or on the ground. The techniques of brazilian jiu-jitsu are not based on strikes and kicks as are most other self-defense courses for women. Strikes and kicks offer very little chance for success against an assailant who is most likely going to be bigger, stronger and capable of hitting back. Furthermore, they are useless on the ground which is where the attacker will usually carry out his assault. The escape moves of brazilian jiu-jitsu are based on leverage and technique and do not require strength, speed or coordination. They can therefore be used effectively by anyone of any age, size, strength or level of physical fitness.

Program Objective:
The worst part of an attack situation is the feeling of total helplessness the victim experiences. Brazilian jiu-jitsu not only empowers a woman physically with simple, effective techniques for an escape, but also psychologically and emotionally by enabling her to maintain the presence of mind necessary to recognize or create an opportunity to get away.

Instructor:
Rodrigo Nunes is originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil. He holds a purple belt from Marcio Corleta of the Winner Academy.

Cost:
$20 per month or $40 per semester for this Friday class. However, the class is free for those women already enrolled in the regular practices.

+ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is arguably the most advanced form of ground fighting in the world as evidenced in mixed-martial arts competition. Learn the intricacies of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling and get a great workout in a casual environment.

1) When and where are practices?
Please see the schedule.

2) What should I wear?
Shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt. On Tuesdays, a gi is strongly suggested but not required.

3)Is there any experience required?
No, we have beginner classes always available.

4) Can I start later in the semester?
Yes.

5) Is there Spring/Summer instruction?
Yes, the schedule and location will be posted on the schedule page at the appropriate time.

6) Can non-students and faculty attend?
Yes, all are welcome to join us.

7) What will it cost me to train?
All memebrs will pay the $12.00 for RecSports dues in addition to the fees below:

* Beginner/Intermediate : $95 per semester or $35 per month.

* Advanced (Blue Belt or above): $12.00 insurance per semester.

+ CLOTHING / LOGO PATCHES
ClothingIn years past we've produced hooded sweatshirts, and had the official University of Michigan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club Logo on the back. Our last printing was a success and we'll be printing more club apparel soon: blue T-shirts, beanies, etc.

We will also be printing patches of the club logo in blue. In addition, we currently have stickers of the logo. we have three designs, on clear, white, or blue backgrounds. They can be viewed below:

2000 Logo [click here]
2003 Logo w/ Yellow M [click here]
2003 Logo w/ Blue M [click here]


apparel designs: Francis Garcia

+ LINKS

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling community is growing every day. Below are a few links separated by type:

Colleges and Universities with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and/or Submission Wrestling clubs:
* College of William and Mary - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Dublin City University, Ireland - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* George Mason University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Indiana University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Marshall University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Michigan Tech University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Oklahoma State University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Rutgers University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Southern Illinois University - brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling
* Stanford University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* University of Florida - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* University of Illinois - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* Kansas State University - brazilian jiu-jitsu
* University of West Virginia, Morgantown - Ground Zero Jiu-JItsu
* William and Mary - brazilian jiu-jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies:
* Focus Jiu-Jitsu (Team Saulo Ribiero) - Saulo Ribiero affiliate in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
* Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Rickson Gracie academy in California
* Warrior Way (Team Caique) - Caique affiliate in Walled Lake, Michigan
* Xande Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu - Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro academy in Toledo, Ohio

Submission Wrestling / Mixed Martial Arts:
* Metro Fight Club - judo, brazilian jiu-jitsu, submisssion wrestling, mixed-martial arts
* Tito Ortiz - UFC Light Heavyweight contender

Industry Links:
* Ouano - makers of quality gear for brazilian jiu-jitsu, submisssion wrestling, and mixed-martial arts
* GrappleArts - a site dedicated to the improvement of grappling and groundfighting skills

CLUB NEWS


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