Fundamentals: The Basis of Great Jiu Jitsu

With a strong focus on self-defence, the Alliance fundamental program incorporates the same jiu jitsu first taught at the original Gracie academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the 1960’s.

The class is designed to prepare students for both self-defence, and sport jiu jitsu while at the same time improving cardiovascular endurance, balance, and coordination. The fundamental program is designed for anyone, male or female, of any body type, or age (15 and over). Some of things you will learn;

How to apply the self-defence mindset
How to escape bad positions e.g. Headlock, mount, etc…
How to defend against punches and kicks
How to control your opponent through positional dominance
How to submit your opponent. (applying a submission hold i,e. choke, armlock)

The class quickly prepares students for Alliance’s intermediate class, and gives students a sturdy base of knowledge that they will put to practice throughout their jiu jitsu study.

Class format

Light warm-up,
3-4 techniques are shown,
and finally several drills are performed

The drills are Alliance’s secret to successful teaching, and are equivalent to sparing for beginners, but are done with little resistance to reinforce proper technique.

There is very little, to no full-contact sparring in the fundamental class. The Alliance association founders, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti and Fabio Gurgel believe this is key in the evolution of beginning jiu jitsu students. Students with no grappling experience are asked to attend 25-30 fundamental classes, or 2-3 months before attending advanced classes.