Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu growing in Windsor

by Evan Mathias

 

 

Martial Arts. A broad umbrella, which many different disciplines fall under, the most widely practiced being Karate.

However, a different martial art is on the rise. A non-contact discipline, focused on grappling, body control and submissions.

Jean Jacques Machado, a world-renowned Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and Windsor Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu held the fourth-annual Canadian Open and Workshop this weekend. The Jiu-Jitsu tournament has been growing in popularity since it began.

“Each year slowly gets bigger and bigger,” said Machado.

He attributes the success to the Windsor area.

“The area of Windsor here in Canada it’s more Jiu-Jitsu schools and people interested in practicing Jiu-Jitsu,” said Machado. “Each year we have a growth in the amount of competitors and the most important is the amount of people involved in Jiu-Jitsu.”

Machado, 47, has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 43 years. He has numerous State, National and International Titles under his red/black Jiu-Jitsu belt. A red/black belt, also known as a coral belt, is the third highest level possible in Jiu-Jitsu.

“I was basically born on the mat,” joked Machado.

According to Shane Monaghan, who competed at the tournament and trains every day at Maximum Training Centre in Windsor, the growth in Jiu-Jitsu is due to a combination of things.

“I think it’s both seeing it on TV and people like ourselves starting to compete, we need to be at a top level, watching Youtube videos and UFC fights isn’t good enough, so you have to get there and get on the mats and feel it out for yourself,” said Monaghan.

While having only been living in Canada since 2012 and only training Jiu-Jitsu for around nine months, Monaghan has seen a change in the discipline since leaving Ireland.

“Before I left Ireland Jiu-Jitsu was very basic, you had your very basic moves,” said Monaghan. “Copying moves from UFC fights or other such fights or organizations, but I think the sport has developed.”

Machado agreed that the growth of the UFC was influential for the growth of Jiu-Jitsu, but not necessarily anymore.

““I think in the beginning of Jiu-Jitsu the UFC was important to show people out there what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is,” said Machado. “But I think at that point the UFC does not have that much more influence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is growing regardless of (mixed martial arts) fans.”

So what draws people to Jiu-Jitsu?

“It’s a technical art, a lot of people like that it’s a true martial art. It’s non-contact so that would attract a certain amount of people,” said Monaghan.

Machado said that regardless of why people begin practicing Jiu-Jitsu, he is pleased to see the increase in numbers at tournaments and gyms around North America.

“I think it’s very rewarding for all these years that we’re being involved in Jiu-Jitsu and see Jiu-Jitsu spread in such a positive way,” said Machado. “Who’s better to judge that than our kids getting involved with and basically taking our sport over for 100 years to come, showing the art showing the positive impact that the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has in anyones life.”