We live in an age in good health. For me, growing up in the suburbs of Surrey in the 1980s, the exercise was limited to a quick walk to the local pub followed by some bending the elbow at the bar and then a body dashboard lost at home to local curry.
Such a peaceful existence has no place these days, as more energetic generation is rushing to keep fit and healthy than their lifestyles allow. Once jogging was a phase; now it is a lifestyle choice for many and a gym membership replaced the privileged stool at the bar.
opportunities all this interest in keeping fit has seen for common sense to carve their own niche, and one of them is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Yes, the country that gave us Pele, samba and beaches for Barry Manilow to sing about also has its own martial art and it is a sport that is gaining popularity in Jakarta.
The daddy of them all, at least as regards Indonesia, Deddy is Wigraha.
"I am involved in BJJ watching UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in 1995, when Brazilian Royce Gracie won all his matches using groundfighting (technical BJJ) and forced its opponents into submission" Wigraha said. "I started my training BJJ at the academy Rickson Gracie in Los Angeles in 1996 and earned a blue belt in Gracie. Then I moved to San Francisco to form with Charles Gracie and got my purple belt from him. "
Wigraha certainly chosen a good model. Rickson Gracie won 11 consecutive fights by submission against larger opponents who were skilled in boxing, shoot-fighting, muay thai, karate, wrestling and TKD.
in boxing, the commentators are a big part of the respective combatants reach and weight on the assumption of the greatest boxers can enjoy their scope while keeping their opponent at arms. Jiu Jitsu seeking to level the playing field with the smaller fighter trying to seize its biggest opponent to the ground. This is in the sense of leveling the playing field and allows the smaller fighter to use his greater mobility for perceived try to win the submission of any importance.
returning to Indonesia in 1998, Wigraha looked to his passion for an income. He founded an Jui Jitsu and center also taught judo before asked the coach people interested in the Brazilian martial art.
In 2013 Wigraha became the first Indonesian to win a black belt, and while that may be a source of great pride, it is also delighted with the increase in popularity of this sport in the last years - although it deplores the fact that there aren 't enough instructors to go around!
for now, it is estimated that some 400 to 500 people are involved on a regular basis, with equal distribution between expatriates and Indonesians. Men tend to be executives or students while a number of women were also found to enter the ring. Basically, any person interested may involve.
Wigraha modestly puts down the growing popularity of the influence of Gracie but I think he is on his own efforts. People are rightly proud when one of their own made a success of himself / herself internationally and there is no doubt his black belt, and his regular television appearances, have made some impression on the local population.
Wigraha also points out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is known as the most effective martial art in the world.
"Women are starting to know this fight is good reason for them to rape prevention and parents begin to put their children through training for the prevention of bullying at school "says Wigraha, although quite what the classroom teacher would make little Johnny Jenkins struggling Gripper, the difficult class, the ground is unclear.
So, is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for you? Wigraha and his team of experienced trainers welcome all levels of fighters and offer a variety of classes ideal for novices to experienced.
The best class for beginners would Fundamentals, where beginners can learn a solid base of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including basic theory, self-defense techniques and principles.
For those who have 30 or 40 basic lessons under their belt the next step would be intermediate, which looks in more depth on the principles and techniques that define the Alliance of efficient and exciting style, the the largest association of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is known for.
There are other more specialized courses available, and of course the truly dedicated can opt to be thrown around the mat to their heart's content in a one-on-one with their own private teacher.
There are classes, even for children where the focus according Wigraha is "a hard work ethic, a positive attitude and a love for life style Jiu Jitsu."
And who knows, given the shortage of trainers, that the dedicated reach
Information:
Website - www.alliancebjjindo.com
- twitter.com/Wigrahawigraha
Instagram - instagram.com/Wigrahawigraha