Would you like to get in great shape while learning REAL self-defense skills? Would you like to find a sport for your kids where courtesy and sportsmanship is more important than winning? Do you want a fantastic workout for you or your kids that is never boring and that will continue to challenge you for years to come? My name is Joao Crus, and I’m the owner and head instructor here at Joao Crus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Austin and Dripping Springs, TX. Here at Joao Crus BJJ Academy, for more than a decade we’ve been teaching kids and adults the “gentle art” of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-jitsu literally means “the gentle art” in Japanese. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (“BJJ” for short) is a martial art that developed in Brazil during the 20th century, but it has its roots in Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo. When Japanese immigrants brought judo to Brazil, they initially taught a version of judo that was closer to the old-style of jiu-jitsu, one that focused on subduing a bigger, stronger attacker with throws, locks, chokes, pins, and holds. The Brazilians who learned this art were quick to adapt it and then test it out in rough and tumble challenge matches that welcomed all comers. Over the years they proved Brazilian jiu-jitsu to be a highly effective martial art in challenge matches against wrestlers, boxers, karate men, and street fighters. This practice eventually led to the creation of MMA, where BJJ is still a dominant fighting art that is practiced by most of the top competitors in professional competition.