Actually, there is an art that is distinctly different from other arts (including traditional Japanese jiu jitsu, capoeira, judo, etc...) called Brazilian (or Gracie) Jiu Jitsu. BJJ was started by the Gracie family in Brazil about 80 years ago. You can read more about the history at www.gracieacademy.com .
I have trained in BJJ for the past 3 years. I am still a beginner (it takes most people 10-15 years to get a black belt and most earn a new belt after 2-3 years of solid work), but have grown to love the art. It is the foundation of the new Mixed Martial Arts phenomenon that is sweeping europe and the USA.
The UAE has become a hotbed for BJJ since one of the sheiks trained in the art while studying in the US. The Abu Dhabi Combat Club was founded to offer BJJ and other combat sports to the public in that region and also is the sponsor of the most elite grappling contast on the planet, the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Tournament. Bahrain has also begun a BJJ team and is doing quite well in international competitions. I have been surprised that so few in Qatar have heard of this art.
Anyway, thanks for the reply. If anyone owns a martial arts school and would like for me to teach some beginner classes, I would be happy to volunteer.
Actually, there is an art that is distinctly different from other arts (including traditional Japanese jiu jitsu, capoeira, judo, etc...) called Brazilian (or Gracie) Jiu Jitsu. BJJ was started by the Gracie family in Brazil about 80 years ago. You can read more about the history at www.gracieacademy.com .
I have trained in BJJ for the past 3 years. I am still a beginner (it takes most people 10-15 years to get a black belt and most earn a new belt after 2-3 years of solid work), but have grown to love the art. It is the foundation of the new Mixed Martial Arts phenomenon that is sweeping europe and the USA.
The UAE has become a hotbed for BJJ since one of the sheiks trained in the art while studying in the US. The Abu Dhabi Combat Club was founded to offer BJJ and other combat sports to the public in that region and also is the sponsor of the most elite grappling contast on the planet, the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Tournament. Bahrain has also begun a BJJ team and is doing quite well in international competitions. I have been surprised that so few in Qatar have heard of this art.
Anyway, thanks for the reply. If anyone owns a martial arts school and would like for me to teach some beginner classes, I would be happy to volunteer.