Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has become one of the most popular and most prolific martial arts in the world thanks to Mixed Martial Arts events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The origins of BJJ can be traced back to the famous Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda. Maeda traveled to Brazil to set up a Japanese colony. While there, he received help setting up the colony from a businessman named Gastão Gracie. Fate intervened and one of Gastão’s sons, Carlos, began training under Maeda. After some time, the Gracie family moved, and as a result, Carlos began teaching his other brothers. It was during this time that BJJ underwent a great deal of growth and development. Over several decades, the Gracie brothers fine tuned their art until it took the form that we are now familiar with today. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be mostly described as a ground fighting martial art. Students in this program will learn the intricacies of takedowns and throws, submission holds (arm locks, leg locks, chokes, etc.), and escapes from positions of disadvantage. The BJJ program here at FAA will emphasize both the self defense and sport competition aspects of the art. At FAA we offer classes with the gi (traditional judo uniform) and without the gi.
Wrestling:
Wrestling is probably one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Virtually every ancient and modern culture in the world practiced some sort of wrestling. There is even evidence of wrestling in Egypt as far back as 2300BC. Most schools with a wrestling program only focus on takedowns. At FAA, we focus on teaching ALL aspects of wrestling. From throws and takedowns, to pins, breakdowns, and mat control, you will learn it all. This is a great program if you are an off-season wrestler looking to continue your technical training or a grappler looking to add to your game.
Filipino Martial Arts:
The Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) have one of the most varied histories of the martial arts. Since most systems were passed on by familial association, getting a clear cut history can be difficult. Much of the development and modifications of the FMA occurred during the Spanish occupation. The Filipino warriors incorporated much of the Spanish (and other European) fencing arts into their own systems. The FMA are most characterized and well known for their weapon skills, particularly the stick, sword, and knife; however, the FMA are a very diverse system that also includes training in joint locking (Kunsi), boxing (Panantukan), kicking (Pananjakman), and grappling (Dumog & Buno). The FMA program at FAA focuses on developing a student’s skills in both weapons and empty hands.
Kickboxing / MMA Striking:
Our kickboxing/mma striking program combines elements of Muay Thai kickboxing, boxing, ground striking (commonly referred to as “ground and pound”), Panantukan (Filipino Boxing), and other arts. The primary focus of this class is to prepare the participants for mixed martial arts competition or for self defense situations. Students in this class will learn how to properly punch, kick, knee, elbow strike, and defend all of these moves both while standing and while engaging in a fight on the ground. This class will include technical instruction as well as pad and bag work so that everyone can learn as well as break a sweat. There will be no sparring in this class, but feel free to use the open gym session if you wish to spar to sharpen your skills.
