WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

LEVERAGE, TECHNIQUE, STRATEGY - A MARTIAL ART OF EVERYONE

WHAT BJJ IS...

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that teaches you how to control an opponent, regardless of their size or strength, using leverage, technique, and strategy. Unlike striking-based martial arts, BJJ focuses on ground fighting, joint locks, and chokeholds to neutralize an opponent effectively and safely.

WHO BJJ FOR...

BJJ is for everyone. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, get fit, compete, or simply have fun, BJJ offers something for all skill levels, ages, and fitness backgrounds.

WHY BJJ UNIQUE...

Unlike other martial arts, BJJ empowers smaller individuals to defend themselves against larger opponents by using technique over brute strength. Its practical, adaptable nature makes it a favorite for both self-defense and sport.

HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

A MARTIAL ART ROOTED IN TRADITION, ADAPATED FOR THE MODERN WORLD

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s story is one of innovation and adaptation, blending ancient techniques with modern strategy to become one of the most effective martial arts in the world today. Its journey spans continents, from its origins in Japan to its transformation in Brazil, and finally to its global rise as a cornerstone of martial arts and self-defense.

ORIGINS OF BJJ

Japanese Roots: BJJ traces its origins back to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, martial arts that emphasized grappling and submissions. In the early 1900s, a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda traveled the world demonstrating and teaching his techniques.

Arrival in Brazil: In 1914, Maeda settled in Brazil and introduced his art to the Gracie family, particularly Carlos Gracie. Inspired by Maeda’s teachings, Carlos and his younger brother Helio Gracie adapted and refined the techniques to focus on leverage, efficiency, and control, even against larger opponents.

THE EVOLUTION OF BJJ

The Gracie Influence: Helio Gracie, who was smaller in stature, adjusted techniques to rely less on strength and more on leverage and timing. These innovations became the foundation of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Spread of BJJ: In the late 20th century, members of the Gracie family brought BJJ to the United States, where it gained recognition through early mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions, particularly the UFC, founded by Rorion Gracie.

Global Phenomenon: Today, BJJ is practiced worldwide, evolving into a sport, a self-defense system, and a lifestyle embraced by millions.

BJJ IN MODERN TIMES

Sport and Competition: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become a global sport, with tournaments like the IBJJF World Championships and ADCC showcasing the best practitioners.

Self-Defense and Beyond: Beyond sport, BJJ remains a practical and effective form of self-defense, emphasizing control over conflict.

A Way of Life: For many, BJJ is more than a martial art—it’s a journey of personal growth, discipline, and community.

WHAT MAKES BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU UNIQUE?

A MARTIAL ART UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands out from other martial arts because of its emphasis on technique, leverage, and adaptability. It’s more than just a way to defend yourself—it’s a practical, dynamic, and strategic discipline that sharpens your mind and body while fostering personal growth.

KEY ELEMENTS THAT MAKE BJJ UNIQUE

1. LEVERAGE OVER STRENGTH

BJJ is built on the principle that a smaller, weaker person can control and defeat a larger, stronger opponent through proper technique and leverage.
This makes it an ideal martial art for people of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels.

2. FOCUS ON GROUND FIGHTING

Unlike striking arts like boxing or karate, BJJ specializes in grappling and ground control, where most real-life confrontations tend to end up.
Students learn techniques to take the fight to the ground, establish control, and finish with submissions like joint locks or chokes.

3. LIVE PRACTICE (AKA ROLLING OR RANDORI)

One of the most exciting aspects of BJJ is the ability to test what you’ve learned in live sparring (known as "rolling").
Rolling allows you to safely apply techniques against a resisting partner, helping you develop real-world skills and adapt to different opponents.

4. CONTINUOUS LEARNING

BJJ is often referred to as "physical chess" because of the strategic thinking involved. Every roll is a puzzle, requiring you to adapt, think ahead, and make adjustments in real time.
With endless techniques, counters, and strategies, there’s always something new to learn.

5. A UNIVERSAL MARTIAL ART

BJJ is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to compete, learn self-defense, get fit, or simply have fun, there’s something for everyone.
It’s a lifelong journey that can grow with you, no matter your goals or lifestyle.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU IS FOR EVERYONE

A MARTIAL ART THAT WELCOMES ALL AGES, FITNESS LEVELS, AND GOALS.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a beginner stepping onto the mats for the first time or someone with years of experience, BJJ offers a space to grow, learn, and challenge yourself. Its adaptability makes it an ideal martial art for people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.

WHY IS BJJ FOR EVERYONE?

1. TAILORED TO ALL FITNESS LEVELS

You don’t need to be in peak physical shape to start BJJ. Classes are designed to meet you where you’re at, allowing you to build fitness over time.
Drills and techniques are scalable, so you can train at your own pace while gradually increasing your strength, flexibility, and endurance.

2. NO AGE LIMITS

BJJ is a lifelong journey. Many people start as kids, but plenty discover BJJ in their 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond. It’s never too late to begin!
The low-impact nature of BJJ (when practiced safely) makes it a great option for people of all ages.

3. BODY TYPE DOESN'T MATTER

BJJ is based on technique and leverage, not brute strength. Whether you’re tall, short, slim, or stocky, the art is designed to work for you.
The diversity of training partners ensures you learn to adapt your skills against different body types and styles.

4. ADAPTABLE TO YOUR GOALS

FITNESS: Build strength, improve cardio, and enhance flexibility.
SELF-DEFENCE: Learn practical skills to protect yourself in real-world situations.
COMPETITION: Test your skills in tournaments, if that’s your goal.
COMMUNITY: Enjoy the camaraderie of training with supportive teammates.

HOW WE MAKE IT BEGINNER FRIENDLY

GUIDED INSTRUCTIONS: If you’re brand-new, we’ll pair you with an experienced partner to help you navigate your first classes.
ALL LEVELS WELCOME: Beginners are encouraged to join any of our regular classes, including NoGi.
BEGINNER PROGRAMS: For those looking for extra guidance, we also offer a structured 3-week beginner program every few months.

GI VS NO-GI

TWO STYLES, ONE MARTIAL ART

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be practiced in two styles: Gi and NoGi. A gi (pronounced gee) is the traditional kimono uniform, most commonly associated with martial arts. While both share the same core techniques and principles, they have distinct differences that make each style unique. At TORUS BJJ, we train in both, so you can explore and enjoy the benefits of each.

WHAT IS GI?

Gi training is done wearing a traditional uniform that includes a jacket, pants, and a belt. The Gi allows you to grab your opponent’s clothing for additional control and opens up techniques like collar chokes and sleeve grips.

WHY TRAIN GI?

Develops strong fundamentals and precise technique.
Slower pace due to grips, allowing for more control.
Builds skill in manipulating grips and managing defensive strategies.

WHAT IS NO-GI?

NoGi training is done without the traditional uniform, typically in a rash guard and shorts. Without grips on clothing, NoGi relies more on speed, athleticism, and body positioning to control your opponent.

WHY TRAIN NO-GI?

Faster pace, focusing on transitions and scrambles.
Emphasizes techniques that apply to real-world scenarios or MMA.
Great for improving athleticism and adaptability.

WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The best part? You don’t have to pick one. Training in both Gi and NoGi will make you a more well-rounded martial artist, as each style complements the other. If you’re new, feel free to start with whatever you’re most comfortable with—our instructors will help you every step of the way.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU BELT SYSTEM

A JOURNEY OF GROWTH, ONE BELT AT A TIME.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of its practitioners. Unlike many other martial arts, earning a black belt in BJJ takes around 10 years of consistent training. Each belt is a milestone, reflecting not only your technical progress but also your growth as a person on and off the mats.

For both kids and adults, the belt system provides a clear roadmap for improvement and celebrates the hard work and commitment required to master the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of its practitioners. Unlike many other martial arts, earning a black belt in BJJ takes around 10 years of consistent training. Each belt is a milestone, reflecting not only your technical progress but also your growth as a person on and off the mats.

For both kids and adults, the belt system provides a clear roadmap for improvement and celebrates the hard work and commitment required to master the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

THE BELT RANKINGS IN BJJ FOR ADULTS

1. WHITE BELT

Every journey starts here. At this stage, you’ll focus on learning the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu and building a strong foundation.

2. BLUE BELT

Blue belts begin to develop a deeper understanding of positions, escapes, and submissions. This stage focuses on refining your defense and basic techniques.

3. PURPLE BELT

As a purple belt, you’ll have a solid grasp of techniques and begin developing your personal style. You’ll also start helping beginners and contributing to the team.

4. BROWN BELT

Brown belts focus on mastering advanced techniques, strategy, and transitions. At this level, you’re preparing to become a black belt.

5. BLACK BELT

A black belt signifies years of dedication, technical mastery, and a deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu. However, the journey doesn’t end here—black belts continue to grow, learn, and pass on their knowledge to others.

THE BELT RANKINGS IN BJJ FOR KIDS

The kids’ belt system provides a clear path for growth, rewarding effort, learning, and progression in a way that keeps young practitioners motivated and engaged. Each color belt includes three variations—white stripe, solid, and black stripe—offering incremental milestones that help kids track their progress and stay excited about their journey.

1. WHITE BELT

Just like adults, kids start with a white belt and focus on the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu.

2. GREY BELTS (GREY-WHITE, SOLID GREY, GREY-BLACK)

Grey belts mark the beginning stages of understanding technique and basic strategy. Kids learn important principles like respect, teamwork, and discipline while building confidence on the mats.

3. YELLOW BELTS (YELLOW-WHITE, SOLID YELLOW, YELLOW-BLACK)

At this level, kids start refining their techniques and applying them more effectively during sparring and drills. They also begin to understand more advanced positions and concepts.

4. ORANGE BELTS (ORANGE-WHITE, SOLID ORANGE, ORANGE-BLACK)

Orange belts signify a growing mastery of techniques and an increased ability to think strategically during matches. At this stage, kids are preparing for more advanced challenges.

5. GREEN BELTS (GREEN-WHITE, SOLID GREEN, GREEN-BLACK)

The highest rank in the kids' system, green belts show strong technical ability, leadership, and a readiness to transition to the adult belt system when they reach the appropriate age.

HOW BJJ BELT PROMOTIONS WORK

BJJ PROMOTIONS ARE EARNED, NOT GIVEN

Promotions in BJJ are based on effort, skill, and consistency. Kids and adults alike are promoted when they demonstrate readiness for the next level—not just by showing techniques, but by embodying the values of Jiu-Jitsu like respect, discipline, and perseverance.

STRIPES AS MILESTONES

Kids and adults both earn stripes on their belts to track progress between promotions. These small milestones help build confidence and mark achievements along the way.

A SYSTEM FOR EVERY AGE AND STAGE

For kids, the belt system is designed to be both fun and challenging, fostering a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas of life. For adults, it’s a roadmap for lifelong growth and mastery.

WHAT SETS TORUS BJJ APART

1. EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTION

Our head instructor, Eric Nadon ensures a consistent and high-quality learning experience. With years of training, competition, and teaching under his belt, Eric brings a depth of knowledge and a passion for helping every student succeed.
At TORUS BJJ, we don’t use a cookie-cutter curriculum. Instead, our teaching is based on week-to-week input, tailoring lessons to what the group needs to learn and improve. This dynamic approach keeps training relevant, engaging, and effective for everyone on the mats.
We stay at the forefront of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by incorporating the latest refinements in techniques and strategies, ensuring our students benefit from the evolution of the sport. Whether it’s competition trends, modern submissions, or innovative positional strategies, we’re committed to keeping our instruction up to date and practical.

2. BEGINNER-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

At TORUS, beginners are always welcome in all our classes, including NoGi. We’ll pair you with experienced training partners and guide you through the fundamentals to help you feel confident from day one.
For those looking for a structured start, we also run a 3-week beginner program every few months, offering a focused introduction to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

3. COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES

At TORUS BJJ, we’re actively building a team of dedicated competitors for local, national, and international tournaments. Whether you’re new to competition or a seasoned athlete, we provide the guidance, training, and support to help you succeed on the competition stage.
Our approach balances intense preparation with a focus on personal growth, ensuring that every member of our team thrives both on and off the mats.

4. INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

We believe Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. Our mats are open to people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. The camaraderie and support you’ll find at TORUS will make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

5. FOCUS ON GROWTH

At TORUS BJJ, we’re committed to helping you grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or personal development, every class is a step forward in your journey.

WHAT IS A CLASS LIKE?

Here’s the outline of our classes:

warm-up
technique work
live drilling - position escapes
rolling (optional)

We start by warming up our bodies to prepare for the techniques we’re learning. Each week has a theme we build on throughout the week, while the fundamental skills are practiced in every class. After, we do live drilling where we work on escaping precarious positions and working on control and submissions. We close class and open the mat for live rolling, which is open to people after their first few classes.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY FIRST CLASS?

Tight-fitting athletic wear is ideal. A rashguard or fitted t-shirt with shorts, athletic pants or leggings. Avoid zippers, pockets or anything that could hurt yourself or your partner.

Remove jewelry and trim finger and toe nails.

I'M REALLY NEW. IS IT BEGINNER FRIENDLY?

Absolutely! At TORUS BJJ, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for beginners. Whether it’s your first day or your hundredth, our classes are designed to accommodate students of all levels, including those with no prior experience.

To help you get started, we’ll pair you with an experienced student we trust to guide you through your first few classes. They’ll help you navigate the basics, answer questions, and ensure you feel comfortable and confident as you learn. Our instructors are also highly skilled at breaking down techniques step-by-step, making it easy to follow along at your own pace.

We understand starting something new can feel intimidating, but you’ll find that our team is friendly, encouraging, and ready to help you succeed. Whether you join a Gi or NoGi class, you’ll be welcomed into a community that’s here to support you from day one.

You don’t need to be in shape or know anything about Jiu-Jitsu to start—you just need to show up. We’ll take care of the rest. Come try a free week and see how fun and rewarding Jiu-Jitsu can be!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET GOOD AT BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

Getting "good" at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu depends on your goals and how often you train, but here’s what we can tell you: It takes at least three classes to start feeling comfortable, but closer to 10 classes to really get the hang of the basics. The more you show up, the more things will start to click—and consistency is the most important factor in developing your skills.

To see real progress, we recommend training at least 3 times a week. This frequency helps you retain techniques, improve your timing, and build the muscle memory needed for success. It’s a long-term journey, but every class brings you one step closer to your goals.

Remember, "getting good" at BJJ isn’t just about mastering techniques—it’s about learning, improving, and enjoying the process. Stick with it, stay consistent, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow over time. Show up, train hard, and have fun—the rest will follow!

DO I NEED TO BE FIT TO START JIU-JITSU?

Nope, but jiu-jitsu will get you fit. Most people starting, regardless of their fitness level, find this new way of moving their body challenging. As you develop more skills and learn to regulate your breathing under pressure, your conditioning improves.

AM I TOO OLD TO START JIU-JITSU?

Definitely not. We have people of all ages training jiu-jitsu. It’s never too late to start your journey.

CARLETON PLACE, ONTARIO
(819) 328-5090

We serve the Ottawa Valley and Lanark County in our central location in Carleton Place, providing folks in Almonte, Mississippi Mills, Perth, Lanark and Smiths Falls a place to train and be part of a flourishing martial arts community.