WA-CHA! What comes to mind when you think of martial arts? The high-flying action, kicks and chops? Well, how about rolling on the floor while grappling with your foe? If you think this is lame compared to the stuff we see on television, think again because Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about that.

Abang Dzulqarnaen, 15, and Loh In Ming, 22, have been rolling and grappling with their Jiu Jitsu moves since last year.

“I’m a huge martial arts fan, and I have practised other forms of martial arts like judo and Taekwondo since my teenage years. I was introduced to Brazialian Jiu Jitsu by a friend,” said Ming.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is interesting because the fighting styles and the whole approach is unique. Punches and kicks are not allowed, and our fights start on the ground,” he added.

Loh In Ming (left) and Abang Dzulqaernaen have been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu more than a year plus and want to promote the martial art to the masses.

For Abang Dzulqarnaen, practising Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a good way to stay in shape and keep healthy.

“I had got to a point where I had very little stamina. I have been exposed to other forms of martial arts like Taekwondo, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is much more challenging as it is a full body workout as opposed to throwing punches and kicks,” said Abang.

The art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be traced back to 1915 when Esai Maeda Koma, a Japanese Jiu Jitsu champion arrived in Brazil and taught Jiu Jitsu to Carlos Gracie who developed and applied his own methods to create the Brazilian version.

But what’s with all the grappling and rolling on the floor? How can these seemingly harmless moves defeat an opponent? “It’s all about balance and leverage,” said Ming.

“If you think about it, most one-on-one fights often end up on the ground. The thing with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that it teaches and helps practitioners to force their opponents into submission.”

“This allows the smaller and weaker person to overcome larger and stronger opponents, as it is not a battle of strength and power,” said Abang.

That is exactly why 23-year-old Jennifer Chai and 24-year-old Chan Su Ling decided to take up the art.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is particularly useful for girls for self-defence. The submission holds require less strength to apply on our opponents, but the effects are equally devastating,” Su Ling said.

“Plus, it is a great way to stay in shape and lose weight. It’s like getting a full body workout but much more intense and also more fun,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer Chai (left) and Chan Su Ling believe that girls should take up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, too.

A quick chat with the instructor, Marcos Escobar, provided a deeper insight to aspects of this grappling martial art.

“It is a mix of philosophy, art and, of course, working out. The father of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlos Gracie, developed this style of fighting based on the principles of balance in life,” Escobar said.

“It promotes non-violence, as punch strikes, jabs and kicks are not allowed. It helps to take care of your health as well. I have a few students who were heavy smokers before, and now they have either completely stopped smoking or reduced the number of cigarettes in a day. That itself is an accomplishment,” Escobar added.

Ming recently participated in the FBT Thai Open in Bangkok, Thailand. Although he did not win, he is hopeful that he will grow from strength to strength.

“I do not intend to quit this sport in the foreseeable future. I have found a new respect for life through it. This is a good thing for me and I will continue to practise Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the point my body can no longer take it,” In Ming said.

As for Abang, practising Jiu Jitsu made him realise that life is not all about parties and the typical Jet Li kung fu action we see on movies.

“I always thought that martial arts involves people punching or kicking each other. However, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu made me realise that true self-defence is understanding the principles and their application,” Abang said.

Abang Dzulqarnaen grapples his opponent in an armbar, a popular submission move in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“For one thing, I know I will be able to live a healthier lifestyle by being involved in this sport. I hope young people out there reflect on what they are doing and be responsible for their lives,” he added.