Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Description

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is historically linked to Kodokan judo which has roots in Japanese jujutsu dating back to the 19th century. Japanese jujutsu was based on the premise of “defeating strength through flexibility” and as it evolved into Kodokan judo it was adapted to allow for the “maximum efficient use of physical and mental energy.” In the early 1900’s, Mitsuyo Maeda, a well known Japanese judoka and member of Kodokan, began travelling all over the world performing demonstrations. Eventually he ended up in Brazil where he met an influential business man named Gastão Gracie. With Gracie’s help Maeda was able to establish himself in the community and he began to teach Gracie’s son Carlos. Carlos and his younger brother, Hélio, are acknowledged as being the founders of what became Gracie Jiu-Jitsu or modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu. However, Hélio is credited with having adapted the techniques that were taught to Carlos from their dependence on strength to using more leverage to suit his small frame. From this point, these teachings were passed on to many Gracie family members who went on to become and are still well known practitioners.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a ground martial art with a focus is on getting your opponent to the ground, controlling them and then executing a submission. It is widely known to provide ample advantage to a smaller person when defending themselves against a bigger opponent. The reason is because it concentrates on using an opponent’s leverage and strength against them while you are executing a proper joint lock or choke. There is no striking or kicking employed when subduing an opponent. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is taught as a martial art, self defense, and for sport competition.

The Style We Practice

History of Best Way

Master Andre “Dedeco” Almeida established Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Best Way) in Brazil in 1996. Master Dedeco is a highly respected instructor and competitor winning titles such as Pan American Champion, 5-time Brazilian State Champion and 2-time Brazilian Champion, just to name a few. His primary goal with creating his own style was to dedicate himself to passing on his technical expertise to generations and generations to come. In order to ensure that success, he gave Best Way the motto “Skill Above Everything Else”. He has been studying jiu-jitsu for over 20 years and has trained under such instructors as Master Carlson Gracie, Master Murillo Bustamante, Master Ricardo Liborio and Master Ricardo de la Riva.

In 2003, Master Dedeco asked one of his most accomplished students, Master Luigi Mondelli to take Best Way to the United States. At the same time Master Ricardo Liborio was leaving Brazil to establish American Top Team in Florida. Due to the strong relationship between all of them, Master Luigi was also asked to represent American Top Team. Master Luigi ended up settling in Connecticut and has been the head instructor and owner of Best Way / American Top Team Connecticut since then. Master Dedeco currently resides in Massachusetts and is the head instructor and owner of Best Way / American Top Team Massachusetts. In 2010, Master Dedeco was awarded his 4th degree black belt under Master Ricardo Liborio.

Instructors

Master Luigi Mondelli
Head instructor and owner of American Top Team CT and Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu CT
3rd degree BJJ black belt under Master Dedeco, founder of Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Assistant Instructor Denise Discepolo: kids, women and beginners
Co-owner of The Center Martial Arts
Best Way Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt under Master Luigi Mondelli

Curriculum

The Center Martial arts offers gi instruction for kids and adults and no-gi instruction for adults only. We follow the rules set forth by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Students can expect to be taught the following Brazilian jiu-jitsu fundamentals and much more.

• History, theory, principles
• Guard positions
• Guard passes
• Offensive and defensive attacks
• Sweeps
• Chokes
• Escapes
• Take downs
• Joint locks
• Self defense tactics

Gear Required*

- School gi and no-gi uniforms
- Mouth guard recommended

*All gear sold in our pro shop.

Resources