The Principle of Safety: Knowledge is Protection

Most serious injuries in Jiu-Jitsu happen because of a lack of knowledge. Injuries happen because of negligence. They also happen because of an excessive ego. An inexperienced practitioner may not know when to tap. A training partner may apply a technique too quickly. Both scenarios lead to accidents. Our classes in Danville are designed to prevent this. We teach students to recognize danger. They learn to tap (give a tap). Students learn to apply submissions in a controlled manner. The philosophy of our academy is clear: Quick to position, slow to submission. This means speed should be used to get to the position. Pressure must be applied gradually for the submission.

Communication and Respect

In Jiu-Jitsu, non-verbal communication is vital. The tap is the main form of communication. A tap means the practitioner acknowledges defeat. It signals the practitioner will surrender before an injury occurs. A tap can be physical (touching the opponent or the mat) or verbal (tap). Our training environment in Danville demands respect. When a partner taps, pressure must be immediately released. There is no ego on the mat. The health of your training partner is more important than any victory. This mutual respect is what makes Jiu-Jitsu safe. It makes Jiu-Jitsu a lifelong art for many practitioners in Danville.

High-Risk Positions and Submissions

Certain techniques in Jiu-Jitsu require extra caution. They should be practiced only under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Many of these submissions are forbidden for white belts in competitions. The prohibition happens because the techniques have a high potential to cause injuries if applied by inexperienced practitioners. At Essence BJJ in Danville, progression is gradual. We start with the safest fundamentals. We only introduce more advanced techniques when a student is ready.

Leg and Knee Locks (Leg Locks)

Leg locks, like Heel Hooks and Kneebars, are known for their dangerousness. These techniques put immense tension on the joints. The Heel Hook is particularly dangerous. The movement twists the knee. The twisting can rupture ligaments. The Heel Hook does not cause immediate pain. Often, a practitioner only realizes the danger too late. This lack of immediate pain makes the Heel Hook so risky. Our program in Danville teaches defense against these positions. The program only teaches the application to the most experienced practitioners. Knowledge is essential for injury prevention.

Spikes and Head Throws (Spikes)

Certain submissions or takedowns can be dangerous if an opponent is thrown improperly. The Spike, which involves hitting the opponent’s head on the ground, is a prohibited and extremely dangerous move. It can cause damage to the spinal cord. It can also cause paralysis or brain injuries. The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) prohibits this movement in all its competitions. Our classes in Danville teach safe takedown techniques. They teach how to fall correctly. Falling protects your partner. Falling also protects you. Safety begins standing and continues on the ground.

Neck Submissions (Cervical Cranks)

Submissions that apply direct pressure and twisting to the cervical spine are extremely dangerous. They can cause irreversible damage to the neck. Moves like the Can Opener and Neck Crank apply pressure. The pressure twists the cervical spine. The movement can even be a choke. The difference is that the technique hits the spine. The technique can cause severe injuries if the practitioner does not tap in time. In our training environment in Danville, these movements are strictly controlled. In some cases, they are completely forbidden for certain belts.

Jiu-Jitsu in Danville: Focus on Injury Prevention

At Essence BJJ, our approach goes beyond teaching submissions. We focus on injury prevention. For this, students learn the following concepts:

• Controlled Technique: We emphasize the slow and gradual application of pressure. Speed is only used to get the position. The practitioner has total control of the situation.

• Gradual Progression: Our programs are structured. Beginner students learn the fundamentals. They only progress to more advanced techniques with time. They need practice and supervision.

• Body Awareness: We teach students to listen to their bodies. Discomfort is a signal. They need to tap before the pain turns into an injury. This awareness is vital for longevity in the sport.

• Warm-up and Conditioning: Our classes include a warm-up. The warm-up prepares the body for training. Physical conditioning helps prevent injuries. Conditioning also strengthens the joints.