Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

BJJ is an effective self defense system with emphasis on ground fighting and submission holds.BJJ was originally intended to teach a smaller average person how to beat a larger and stronger opponent, focusing on leverage and technique rather than speed and strength. BJJ was developed in Brazil by the Gracie family. It was relatively unknown until 1993 when the first Ultimate Fighting Championship was held and Royce Gracie easily beat opponents twice his size by clinching and bringing them to the ground. He would then control them, gain position and submit them by using arm bars and chokes.

There are many different BJJ styles and here at Barton's we train the Progressive Guard system developed by Professor Sylvio Behring.

Professor Sylvio Behring 6th degree black belt Behring Jiu-jitsu Voted Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach in Brazil for 2003.

Sylvio Behring began studying BJJ under his father Flavio Behring.

The Behring Family is a reflection of Jiu-Jitsu's own history, beginning in 1947 when FLAVIO BEHRING began his apprenticeship in the "soft art"at the prodigious hands of Helio Gracie.In these 60 years of Jiu-Jitsu, Flavio has found in the technical teachings of the Gracie Family the necessary structure to become a good practitioner, a high level competitor in Jiu-Jitsu's tradition,and a professor prepared to instruct, orient and educate generations of practitioners and fighters.

During his childhood Flavio was frail and constantly battling asthma attacks, which would keep him distant from any sport activity due to the constant lack of breath. Flavio's father enrolled him in Helio Gracie's Academy hoping this activity would help him physically and provide emotional balance as well.Fifty four years ago Flavio dressed in his first kimono and battled his sickness before battling any flesh and blood opponent.

In 1951, Flavio 14 years of age, is chosen by the patriarch of the Gracie Family, Carlos Gracie, to respond to the challenge by a Japanese fighter named Shimura, covered by the local papers, to fight Jiu-Jitsu at any place and at any time. The Gracies place Cr$ 5.000 on Flavio and Shimura never showed up. As a dedicated student, Flavio becomes a monitor in the Gracie Academy and assists Professor João Alberto Barreto. Flavio took over for several months as Professor to João Alberto's students as the Porfessor recovered from knee surgery.