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"Why Should I Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
And What Can BJJ Training Do For Me?"
Dear Reader,
Here’s a proven FACT about fighting:
Most—almost ALL—fights end up on the ground (or in grappling range) at some point during the fight.
So that means...
If you can’t defend yourself on the ground, YOU CAN’T FIGHT!
Bottom line is, if you don’t know what to do in a fight on the ground, you’re putting yourself at risk, and even your loved ones! That sounds unpleasant, but it’s the truth.
The fact you’re on this page right now means you’re at least somewhat serious about learning more about how to defend yourself, and learning the tried-and-tested, proven successful techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Maybe you want to compete in the sport, or maybe you just want to get the benefits of training and learning this powerful martial art… either way, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s face it. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a “must-know” style for any professional mixed martial artists like the ones fighting in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
And these days, BJJ should most definitely be a “must-know” for pretty much ANYONE.
Here’s why:
The fight-controlling positions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, along with the fight-ending submissions, have been battle-tested in combat, in sport, in the cage (MMA), and on the street.
And probably the main reason that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is something EVERYONE should learn, is because it can be effective regardless of a person’s size or strength!
BJJ was developed so that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend himself or herself against a larger, stronger, heavier opponent.
That’s why ANYONE can do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and that’s why EVERYONE should learn this incredible martial art!
With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the smaller person really CAN beat the bigger person!
Here’s how a person who knows Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can defeat a bigger, stronger attacker:
It’s done by taking the fight to the ground and using proper technique and leverage, and then applying joint locks or chokeholds to defeat the resisting opponent, making them quit, and getting yourself out of harm’s way.
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a sport or activity where you learn to use your body as a tool to control and ultimately submit your opponent using techniques and leverage on the ground and sometimes standing as well.” — Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Matt Leighton, Citadel BJJ Head Coach
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ for short, is a grappling-based martial art and complete self defense system.
This system has been PROVEN time and time again, in REAL FIGHTS, for years now.
Although Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was designed for fighting and self defense, it has since evolved into a sport, with specific rules. Now, athletes of all types and all skill levels have the opportunity to compete against each other in structured events like local and national tournaments, and even the world championships. There are competitions with and without the uniform, which is called a gi, or kimono. Almost all BJJ tournaments do not allow striking, so the matches are often a combination of wrestling, Judo, and of course, Jiu Jitsu.
Here at Citadel BJJ in Iowa City, we have a team with a lot of competitors. However, lots of our students don’t compete—they are training “for life”!
So, if you don’t want to compete, we won’t force you to compete!
BJJ also includes striking techniques, takedowns, throws, and stand-up techniques and strategies that enable people to handle themselves in a real fight.
That being said, the daily classes at Citadel BJJ do not feature kicking or punching. The focus is on safe grappling technique that can be done on a daily basis with no more fear of injury than any other contact sport.
A small person who knows the proper techniques and positioning from BJJ can beat a bigger person who doesn’t know technique. Jiu Jitsu is one of the only martial arts where that’s REAL!
"The People were super welcoming & the new facility is incredible!"
I was visiting Iowa City and wanted to train some BJJ while I was in town. Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gave me a great place to train! The people were super welcoming and the new facility is incredible! Very clean and lots of space. I highly recommend you check them out.
Chris Barrett
"I cannot say enough good things about Citadel!"
Nathan Black
The gym, the culture, the instructors, the competition in the room - all top notch! Every single one of the instructors have absolutely unshakable integrity. What they’ve created in this gym is truly a gift to the Iowa City and BJJ community.
Danny Stafford
Here’s what makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu such an effective martial art:
- 1. Closing the distance
- 2. Taking the fight to the ground
- 3. Achieving a dominant position
- 4. Finishing the fight
At Citadel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you’ll become proficient in all four of these crucial stages of a fight.
Meet Your Team Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coaches:
Coach Matt Leighton
Rank: BJJ Black Belt
Matt Leighton is one of the most accomplished American grapplers to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is currently a professional BJJ Black Belt competitor and has been teaching here in Iowa City for the past couple years sharing his knowledge with his students. Coach Matt Leighton is the head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor at Citadel BJJ.
Coach James Kelly
Rank: BJJ Black Belt
From Head Coach Matt Leighton:
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Want PROOF Of What This Program Can Do For You?
Here's What Others Have To Say About Us...
University Of Iowa Medical Student Improved His Grades While Shedding 30 Pounds Of Fat Training At Citadel BJJ In Iowa City!
"I want to take a moment to tell you how Jiu Jitsu has changed my life for the better..."
"My name's Michael Lung, I'm a member here at Citadel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Iowa City, and I want to take a moment to tell you how Jiu Jitsu has changed my life for the better.
"So, first off I'm a medical student and I thought that meant that I had to dedicate everything to my studies, putting it before my health, my diet, my well-being, and that's what did.
"Pretty soon it started taking a toll on my body, you know, I just didn't have energy, I was always irritable and I started putting on weight like crazy. I actually put on, like 25 pounds over a four month period! So, you guys know how poorly I was taking care of myself.
"Then, I realized I needed to do something to change my life, and so I decided to come down here to Citadel BJJ, found my way onto the mats, started training. Next thing you know I have more focus, things are just getting easier and the weight just starts melting off, and in fact, I end up losing 30 pounds!
"So, I lost more weight than I actually had put on. But, most importantly to me as a medical student is that, since I've been training here at Citadel BJJ, I've done better academically than I've done in my entire life! And, I truly believe it's because I have more focus, discipline and just have more energy to really attack my goals.
"That's just kind of a testimony in to what Jiu Jitsu can do for your life, and it's not unique to my life. You ask anyone that trains down here, I guarantee you, they'll tell you a similar story of how Jiu Jitsu has made their life better.
"So, if you either lost a step, or, are just looking to take your life to the next level, I highly recommend coming down here, doing some training, not only are you gonna get in shape, but you're just gonna be on the path to becoming the best you. Hope to see you on the mats!"
- Michael Lung, BJJ blue belt, Citadel Brazilian Jitsu in Iowa City
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Plus, you'll get to train with some of the best grapplers in the midwest and the world!
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