Now available in Kowloon, Brazilian jiujitsu has gained an international reputation for being a code that is ruthlessly effective In a town where kung fu is the king of the mat, it is worth remembering that there are plenty of other martial arts out there. Ever since the diminutive South American, Royce Gracie, stunned the fighting world by cleaning up at the 1993 Ultimate Fighting Championship, Brazilian jiujitsu has gained an international reputation for being a code that is ruthlessly effective. The development of the martial art has been an international phenomenon. Gracie's family was taught a version of jiujitsu by a Japanese immigrant in the earlier years of the 20th century in Brazil who then set about honing and sharpening it. This new style of grappling combines wrestling, ancient Japanese jiujitsu and judo, and seeks to pin an opponent by a combination of holds, throws and even chokes. Almost a hundred years on, Hong Kong finally has its own club devoted to the art. 'Earlier this year, we managed to secure our own premises to practise, which is great for Hong Kong,' said Keisuke Takizawa, or Taki, an integral member of the Kowloon Brazilian Jiujitsu Club and the gym's only purple belt. 'We now have about 40 members who come in to train about two times a week. We are growing, but we know we're still small compared to some other Asian countries.' Visits from a Japanese black belt sensei and increasing participation in international Brazilian jiujitsu events help put Hong Kong on the map. And give its members better experience. Takizawa has just returned victorious from a regional competition held in Japan. So what makes this form of martial art so different? The level of camaraderie is striking. Unlike codes such as karate or taekwondo, there is very close and continual contact between fighters. Despite attempting to put your opponent into an elbow or ankle lock, or even trying to choke them with your thighs, there is always good control of force. 'Some people say that some of our moves are very dangerous and overly aggressive, but in practice sessions we always know when to tap out and stop the move from hurting or going too far. It's like any friendly contact sport in that respect,' Takizawa said. 'On the other hand, someone who has just lost in a kickboxing match really looks like he's lost.' Many of the club's members hail from different parts of the world and have tried other martial arts before moving on to Brazilian jiujitsu. Takizawa practised judo for 15 years, while other club members learned kung fu or karate. Beginner Jimmy Smith said: 'I'd been doing taekwondo for eight years and was looking for a new challenge. Watching the Ultimate Fighting Championship and seeing Royce Gracie win was hugely impressive for me. But really it's just great fun. It's just like having a scrap with your mates except you get taught all these amazing moves as well.' Unlike other martial arts, most of the time is spent grappling on the mat. In karate or kung fu, for example, once you are tripped up or fall, there are no floor moves to defend yourself or continue pressure on an opponent. There are more than 300 techniques complemented with several hundred more variations in Brazilian jiujitsu. 'It's like a game of chess. For every submission there's an escape,' Smith said. 'The other great thing about this place is that the club isn't doing it for the money. The attitude is extremely friendly, and we all do it for the love of the sport [rather] than for profit. There's none of that arrogance or pressure that you often get in other gyms.' The result of this is the respect on the part of sparring partners, even after breathless attempts to manoeuvre, twist, grab and choke. For more information on the Kowloon Brazilian Jiujitsu Club, visit www.kln-bjj.com
