About Us and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
"Alcateia" is Brazilian Portuguese for "Wolfpack". Wolves are known for their unique hunting strategies, which involve using teamwork and coordination within the pack. We place an emphasis on a supportive team environment where our members work together collaboratively to help one another continue to pursue their goals and push each other through plateaus. We also understand that not every member will be a competitor, but that everyone on the team can contribute to the success of all of our members in meaningful ways. We place a premium on camaraderie, loyalty, trust, and friendship.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that primarily focuses on grappling. Emphasis is placed on bringing an opponent to the ground utilizing various takedowns and throwing techniques, followed up by maneuvers to attain specified dominate positions while on the ground. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner will then use a variety of joint locks and choke-holds to force the opponent into submission or incapacitation.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's strategy and techniques are based on the premise that a smaller person can defeat a larger opponent maximizing the use of leverage, weight distribution, and energy efficiency. The closed distance and ground position during the encounter nullify an opponent's ability to use explosive power to dominate or inflict harm, compared to other situations, where a larger and stronger person will have a distinct advantage. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also an exciting combat sport, that does not involve striking, which allows practitioners and competitors to execute their techniques while using full speed and power safely, making it also a excellent way to enhance your physical fitness while developing practical skills.
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History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was originally derived from the same Japanese Jiu Jitsu system as Judo, and evolved into its own unique art in Brazil, beginning in the early 1900s.
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Mitsuyo Maeda, an original student of Judo founder, Kano Jigoro, was one of several representatives of the famous Kodokan who traveled the world to demonstrate the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu. Maeda was a prize fighter who had the nickname, "Conde Koma" (Count of Combat). As a gesture of thanks to Gastao Gracie for his assistance with helping him settle in Brazil, Maeda taught Jiu Jitsu to his son, Carlos Gracie.
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Carlos Gracie taught Jiu Jitsu to his brothers and the art was developed over the years, particularly by Carlos' younger brother, Helio Gracie, who was small, frail and had issues with vertigo. Despite this, he became a champion "Vale Tudo" (anything goes) fighter for most of his life.
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The Gracie family became famous for issuing challenge matches and taking on all comers, so that they could test their style of Jiu Jitsu and its effectiveness against other fighting styles.
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The Gracies gained particular notoriety after Royce Gracie's success in the early Ultimate Fighting Championships in the early 1990s.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to this day continues to evolve with new techniques and approaches. It also continues to be an essential element of Mixed Martial Arts training and defensive tactics programs for law enforcement and military forces.
