OPENING this DECEMBER!
Roger Gracie Jiu Jitsu Bethlehem
Welcome to the Lehigh Valley’s premier Jiu Jitsu academy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Our Programs and Teaching Philosophy
At Roger Gracie Jiu Jitsu Bethlehem, we offer a variety of classes and private instruction. We welcome all students regardless of skill level and martial arts background.
Our programs follow Professor Gracie’s principles and practices of teaching Jiu Jitsu. All of our instructors adopt a curriculum that is provided by him.
Our teaching philosophy focuses on Professor Gracie’s emphasis on establishing an in-depth knowledge of foundational Jiu Jitsu. That is, understanding the detailed causal mechanisms leading from the control to the eventual submission of the opponent. The ultimate goal of Jiu Jitsu is to completely dominate the opponent.
What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is commonly referred to as the “Gentle Art.” Why? Because in contrast to other well known martial arts, such as karate and taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu does not entail any striking or punching. In essence, Jiu Jitsu can be best characterized as the art of complete body control and submission through a variety of chokes, joint locks, and body pressure on the ground.
Jiu Jitsu finds its origins in traditional Judo from Japan. Known as “Newaza,” or ground fighting, this aspect of Judo was forbidden by the Japanese Emperor during the early-19th century. (Believe it or not, Newaza is still practice today in Japanese universities and is called Kosen Judo.) Nevertheless, some Judokas in Japan still practiced Newaza and one of these individuals, Mitsuyo Maeda, began to teach it in other countries.
During the early-20th century, Maeda traveled to the state of Para, Brazil, to share the art. It was there that he met Gastão Gracie and taught Jiu Jitsu to his son, Carlos Gracie (Roger’s grandfather).
Thanks to the Gracie family, Jiu Jitsu quickly spread throughout the world. Today, it is the fastest growing martial art in the U.S. and globally.
Why Start Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu jitsu is for everyone. And it’s never too late to start. You may want to start Jiu Jitsu to get back into shape, learn self-defense, challenge yourself, or make new friends. Regardless of your intentions, the most important decision you’ll make is to start.
In an age of social media and cell phones, we are forgetting the importance of community and social interactions. As the author Jonathan Haidt explains in his book, The Anxious Generation, this is especially the case for kids. More than ever, kids need to get involved in community activities and sports, where they can learn the importance of copping with anxiety, loss and success, while learning how to interact with others.
At Roger Gracie Bethlehem, we are committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment, where you can make new friends, unwind and have fun. We look forward to seeing you on the mat!
