What is BJJ? Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — ESL Reading Worksheet (Level D)

Level D — Intermediate · Reading + Comprehension · Printable A4 · 3 pages · Free to use in your classroom

Reading Passage

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Art of the Ground Game

If you have ever watched a combat sports event or visited a martial arts gym, you may have heard the term BJJ. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — commonly shortened to BJJ — is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world. But what exactly is it, and why has it become so popular?

Where Did BJJ Come From?

BJJ has its roots in Japan. In the early 20th century, a Japanese martial art called Judo was brought to Brazil by a fighter named Mitsuyo Maeda. A Brazilian family — the Gracies — learned the techniques and developed them into a new style focused on ground fighting and submission holds. They called it Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Over the following decades, the Gracie family spread BJJ around the world, particularly after their fighters demonstrated its effectiveness in early mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions in the 1990s. MMA has since grown into a global sport — fans looking for fight results, rankings, and MMA news can follow sites like TKOTycoon.com.

What Makes BJJ Different?

Unlike many martial arts that focus on striking — punching and kicking — BJJ is primarily a grappling art. Practitioners learn to take an opponent to the ground and use technique rather than strength to control them. The goal is to apply a submission — a hold such as a choke or a joint lock — that forces the opponent to tap out, signalling that they give up.

One of BJJ’s most famous principles is that a smaller, weaker person can defeat a larger opponent using proper technique and leverage. This makes it particularly appealing to people who want a practical self-defence skill regardless of their size or physical strength.

Training and Equipment

BJJ is practised in two main formats. Gi training uses a traditional uniform — a heavy cotton jacket and trousers — and practitioners grip each other’s clothing as part of the technique. No-gi training removes the uniform and practitioners wear tight-fitting athletic clothing called a rashguard and grappling shorts instead. Both styles are practised in gyms around the world.

For those new to no-gi training, finding the right gear matters. Sites like RashguardGuy.com review and recommend rashguards and grappling gear specifically for BJJ practitioners, making it easier to find equipment that suits your training style and budget.

The Global BJJ Community

BJJ has grown into a global community with competitions, academies, and online content across every continent. Asia has seen particularly strong growth, with active BJJ scenes developing in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In Taiwan’s capital, for example, TaipeiBJJ.com covers the local BJJ scene, offering training resources and content for practitioners in the Taipei area.

Whether you are interested in self-defence, fitness, competition, or simply a new challenge, BJJ offers something for everyone. Its emphasis on problem-solving, continuous learning, and respect for training partners has built a reputation as one of the most welcoming martial arts communities in the world.

Comprehension Questions

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does “BJJ” stand for?
   a) British Judo and Jujutsu   b) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu   c) Basic Judo and Jab   d) Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu
2. Where did the martial art that became BJJ originally come from?
   a) Brazil   b) China   c) Japan   d) Korea
3. What family is most responsible for developing and spreading BJJ?
   a) The Maeda family   b) The Gracie family   c) The Silva family   d) The Santos family
4. What is “grappling”?
   a) A type of kick   b) Ground fighting using holds and grips   c) A striking technique   d) A type of uniform
5. What is a “submission” in BJJ?
   a) A type of uniform   b) A kick that ends the match   c) A hold that forces the opponent to give up   d) A points system
6. True or False: BJJ practitioners must be physically large and strong to be successful.
7. True or False: “No-gi” BJJ uses a traditional jacket-and-trousers uniform.
8. What is a rashguard?
   a) A type of submission hold   b) Tight athletic clothing worn in no-gi BJJ   c) A scoring system   d) A type of choke
9. According to the article, what principle is BJJ famous for?
   a) Speed is more important than strength   b) A smaller person can defeat a larger one using technique   c) Only larger fighters can win competitions   d) Striking is more effective than grappling
10. Which city is specifically mentioned as having an active BJJ scene in Asia?
    a) Tokyo   b) Seoul   c) Taipei   d) Singapore

Vocabulary

1. martial art — a system of combat techniques practised as sport, self-defence, or exercise
2. grappling — a style of fighting that involves gripping and controlling an opponent on the ground
3. submission — a hold or technique that forces an opponent to surrender
4. leverage — using position and force efficiently to move or control something heavier
5. practitioner — a person who regularly practises a skill or art
6. gi — the traditional uniform worn in some martial arts, made of heavy cotton
7. rashguard — tight athletic clothing worn during no-gi grappling training
8. tap out — to signal surrender in a grappling match by tapping the opponent or the mat

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever tried a martial art? If yes, which one? If no, which martial art would you most like to try and why?
2. BJJ is based on the idea that technique can overcome size and strength. Do you think this principle applies in other areas of life? Give an example.
3. Would you prefer to train in gi or no-gi BJJ? Why?
4. Why do you think combat sports like BJJ and MMA have become so popular globally in recent years?

Printable A4 · 3 pages · Free to use in your classroom

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