Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art whose origins lie in Japanese Judo. During the 1990s, the introduction of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu triggered a revolution in the martial arts world, as Jiu-Jitsu practitioners dominated all comers from boxers to karate black belts in the newly created sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Countless practitioners of traditional arts watching promotions like the UFC were forced to contend with the idea that learning to fight on the ground was a cornerstone of being a complete martial artist. The martial arts world was changed forever.
In the modern day, BJJ is not only a critical part of the training regime of modern MMA fighters, but has become its own dynamic and exciting sport, with a rising profile in pop culture and media. The fun and engaging experience of BJJ sparring (referred to as rolling) coupled with the highly cerebral and complex nature of the art, has made it the hobby of choice for countless people around the globe.
BJJ is built around the premise that learning how to fight on the ground can allow a smaller, less physically strong or athletic person to control and submit an opponent, through the use of strategic positioning, leverage, and close-quarters techniques like takedowns, joint locks like armbars, and chokes. The style emphasizes technique, timing, and intellect over strength, power, and intensity, and doesn’t require a high level of personal fitness to begin practicing.
In a typical jiu-jitsu class, students explore a set of techniques that further improve their understanding of the art (sometimes called “human chess” due to the level of strategy involved) The latter section of the class is spent rolling as students work to implement the techniques they’ve worked through on actively resisting opponents within a safe and controlled sparring setting. The result is both a comprehensive and challenging workout for the body, and a deeply engaging practice for the mind.
Fundamental to the culture and practice of BJJ is the idea of evolution. BJJ came out of Judo as Brazilian practitioners adapted the traditional Japanese art to suit their needs. The rise of MMA caused many to begin training without the traditional uniform (known as a gi) to closely simulate the ruleset of a cage fight. Now, the arrival of a new generation of no-gi grapplers have caused a revolution in how the sport is practiced, and how it is taught. At Queens Jiu Jitsu, we believe that our tradition is evolution.
Queens Jiu Jitsu was formed by black belt C. Ryan Quinn. Professor Quinn is a longtime practitioner of the art who received his black belt under Jiu-Jitsu pioneer and legend Renzo Gracie. As a founding member of the notorious Danaher Death Squad, he spent years training under John Danaher, considered by many to be the most influential BJJ coach of the modern era, and as a primary sparring partner for Gordon Ryan, often hailed as the greatest no gi grappler.
His time spent training under Danaher has given him a unique style and outlook, combining both traditional techniques in the gi with the most cutting-edge and innovative moves and training methodology. He places a strong emphasis on applying thoughtfulness and critical thinking to training, in order to achieve the best results.
At Queens Jiu Jitsu, we look to develop a warm, friendly environment where students can focus on improving themselves and their Jiu Jitsu skills in a safe and ego-free setting. A typical class at Queens Jiu Jitsu can see Amateur & Professional MMA Fighters, law enforcement and military personnel mingling with white collar workers, artists, students and people from all walks of life. The outcome is a tight-knit team with a focus on comradery and collaboration, with the ultimate goal of improving at this art we practice.
