How the belts work
‘You start on the white belt, then you go to blue, which is what Demi is on, then purple, brown and black. To get to the black belt you need to be very complete. Demi has just moved up which means she now knows the minimal requirement to get to the blue belt. She knows how to play on bottom, on top, take down, defend and attack. But there are a lot of techniques she needs to absorb to move to the purple.’
‘In our confederation system there is a minimal time requirement for each belt so you don’t move too fast and it also depends on the teacher to analyse whether you are ready to move onto the next belt. It takes a minimum of about 6-7 years to get to the black belt but usually takes much longer. You need to reach the maximum knowledge of the techniques as well as how to respect others and be a better person – it’s not just about technique.’
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will change your body
‘You don’t need any type of body shape to do BJJ. If you want to play basketball you need to be tall or soccer players need to be fast with big legs. Anyone can do BJJ – a tall guy, a skinny guy, an overweight guy, a woman or a child. Everyone feels comfortable with BJJ because of that. They have a chance.
Sports helps us to continue being human beings
‘You can definitely keep fit with BJJ. It burns a lot of calories and it is a complete sport using every body part from your hands to your forearms to your thighs and even the toes. You are always using the whole body, never just one par t so it builds muscles and strength while also helping the body to stretch too
Demi Lovato uses other training such as functional training, too
Jiu jitsu helps in everyday life
‘I don’t know why but BJJ is addicting. You either love it or hate it and it stays interesting because as a martial art you never stop learning.
Jiu jitsu like life, sometimes you are on top and feeling good and then all of a sudden you have a lot of pressure on you and you need to deal with it
‘Martial arts and BJJ are like chess. You always have to be many steps ahead of your opponent in your own mind and need to think on your feet and be technical, predicting the next move of your partner and having a game plan every time. I think people like Demi love that because every one has their jobs and no matter how much you love it, it’s good to have something else to entertain you and destress you.
‘When you practise BJJ you start to understand your body, how it moves and how you can improve it. You learn how to deal with situations with a strategy. At one point you will be on top of someone, smashing them and in control. The next second it’s the reverse, and you are on the ground and you need to deal with that. It’s just like life, sometimes you are on top and feeling good and then all of a sudden you have a lot of pressure on you, feeling uncomfortable, and you need to deal with it.
Demi training despite a fractured foot
Jiu jitsu pros eat clean
I avoid processed foods and things that contain a lot of chemicals, eating as raw as possible, no condiments, just a little salt, with all fresh foods, organic without pesticides and other nasties. I’m not saying I don’t ever eat processed foods such as milkshake or fries, I do once in a while. You need that balance. But you really need to know when is balance and when it is not.
In the long term you feel the difference in your energy, body and even your taste.
‘I do sometimes have supplements as well as vitamins, because sometimes I don’t have enough time or can’t eat the amount of meat or carbs I need, but only things my nutrionist recommends to me with scientific evidence and no faddy trends. Sometimes I use resistant starch which comes from potatoes [and helps fullness and to balance blood sugar] which is natural and easy for me. I need to train, teach and pay my bills so things need to be practical!’
Is there a rise in interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
‘Yes definitely. Especially now as Demi is involved and she is a big public figure and a lot of girls love her. I think this will be a really great help to make girls start BJJ. I believe everyone should learn Jiu-jitsu because it’s important to know how to defend yourself in any situation where you need to protect yourself without feeling scared.’
Give the sport a chance
‘You have to give things a little time to see if you like it. Try to find a good gym that has positive feedback, that is a good influence for other people and that loves the sport and dedicates a lot of time to learn the pure technique. My advice is to just try. I guarantee it will change your life’.
Where you can try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Think you’ve got what it takes to learn the skill? You’ll be surprised at how many locations are offering martial arts. Check out the following three places where you can get trained up.
Roger Gracie Jiu Jitsu – all over the UK
Recommended by Tarsis Humphreys himself, Roger Gracie is the grandson of the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos Gracie. The 10 time world champion has put together a team of the highest quality instructors to teach the Gracie’s method in various locations across the UK, including Farringdon Gymbox, Wimbledon, Richmond and Brighton. You can try a class for free, and thereafter their timetable is packed with classes of varying degrees and styles, and they even have a women’s own class. Find out more on the website.
2. Wave BJJ – around London
Wave BJJ have schools in West London in Chiswick and South East London in Elephant and Castle. The founder, who’s name is just given as Lorenzo, first tried BJJ at Roger Gracie Academy in 2005, unaware he would soon be teaching in his own school. The school have classes, one to one sessions and rehab classes such as Pilates across London and like to stay social with trips abroad for competition, making it a real sports team. Find out more on the website.
3. Fight Zone – London
Fight Zone London’s timetable offers over 70 classes per week (one of the largest training schedules in Europe) in a variety of fighting disciplines – boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, BJJ, wrestling, judo and strength and conditioning. The brand name Fight Zone originated in Brazil, an academy that was started by 9x BJJ World champion Ricardo Vieira. Now in East London, Fight Zone London was founded by one of Vieira’s prime students – Marco Canha, who is the head instructor. With some of the best coaches in the business, you’ll be in good hands. Find out more on the website.