NYCStudioX

BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)

BJJ is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint-locks and chokeholds to force an opponent to submit. The art was based on early 20th century Kodokan Judo, which was itself then a recently-developed system (founded in 1882), based on multiple schools (or Ryu) of Japanese Jujutsu.

One of the most important aspects of BJJ is that it promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant. BJJ can be trained for self defense, sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi/submission wrestling) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition.

Sparring (commonly referred to as 'rolling') and live drilling play a major role in training. This live drilling helps to reinforce the techniques and help the student to modify the movements to their particular body type.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's focus on submissions without the use of strikes while training allows practitioners to practice at full speed and with full power, resembling the effort used in a real competition. Training methods include technique drills in which techniques are practiced against a non-resisting partner; isolation sparring where only a certain technique or sets of techniques are used against full resistance; and full sparring in which each opponent tries to submit their opponent using any legal technique.

BJJ differs in some aspects from other martial arts in the criteria for grade promotion, which is almost exclusively based on practical expertise in randori (free sparring, or rolling) and championship results. Its expected, although not always the case, that any BJJ black belt is extremely proficient in every applied aspect of BJJ and also perform well in competition.

Submission Wrestling

Much like the BJJ classes the Submission Wrestling commonly called nogi focus on applying the same techniques and strategy of BJJ. The difference is that instead of a kimono or gi students will wear shorts and a t-shirt or rash guard.

Strength and Conditioning

The strength and conditioning classes are all taught by Celebrity Trainer Clay Burwell. Clay puts the students through the paces with exercises that range from basic (jump ropes, push ups and sit ups) to the extreme (kettlebells and Olympic lifting). The class is a great supplement to the BJJ and Submission Wrestling Classes that are offered at Studio X.

We offer many types of training classes for different skill levels. Please call or email us to see what class is right for you.

View our class schedule

Testimonials

Russell–Actor, 32

"I started training Jiu-Jitsu with Josh Griffiths about a year ago as a way to get out of the house and do something active. It turned out to be one of the best things I have done for myself in a very long time. I have so much fun training at with everyone at Studio X that I have to force myself to take a day off sometimes to rest. I'm 32 and I am in the best shape that I have ever been in.

While I'm training I am not thinking about work, money, or anything else that steals my focus throughout the day. I am totally in the moment and that alone is a wonderful gift to give yourself. The instruction you get at Studio X is second to none. Not only is Josh an elite level Jiu-Jitsu player he is a phenomenal instructor. He has an ability to explain and impart technique in a way that helps you understand and apply what you learn so the rate of progression is quick. I started out with no prior grappling experience at all and I am very happy with how much I have learned in 1 year. Another very important thing for me is the positive atmosphere at Studio X, everyone is having fun and enjoying themselves while learning a very cool sport. We train hard, but we have a good time and a few laughs while doing it."

Allen–Teacher, 54

"Training in BJJ with coach Josh is why I go to bed early the night before. I can't wait to wake up before the rest of the world and train. I own that time together with highly dedicated dudes who share the same passion for BJJ with a great coach. Josh makes the learning environment professional, sequential and really fun by the music and jokes that fly around at key times. Josh breakes down a very complicated proven system of fighting, and works each move in the proper order. Sort of like building an estate in South Hampton where by you spend considerable time maping out the layout and figuring out what gets built first. We learn how to work the set up first before attempting a submission. Coach Josh uses contemporary concepts to help remember the moves. Names like "I-95" and the "GoGetta." Thanks Josh for being You. Spin."

Sebastian–Actor, 27

"As an actor you learn all sorts of "Superman" exercises designed to build confidence and impress the people your going to audition for. There are breathing methods, visualizations, and auto suggestion. The theory is that when you feel like a superman, other people pick up on it and will be impressed. For me, these methods had merit, but I needed something a bit more grounded in reality. I tried a variety of martial arts and sports, but the one I was most drawn to was Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is something that teaches you to deal with reality. It teaches you a positional hierarchy that is applicable to real life. You learn what are good positions and what are bad positions. You learn how to get out of bad positions and turn them into good positions. You learn to deal with stress, fatigue, and being disoriented. These are all things that come into play when your on stage in front of an audience and the material falls flat, or when your on a set for 17 hours running on empty, and you have to make the shot work.

When you're first viewing Jiu Jitsu in action, it may seem messy. Gradually, things become clearer. You see the various positions and techniques, the fluid transitions taking place. You understand there is a method, and there are definite results for specific actions. This is something that comes with being coached well. Although I've trained with a lot of memorable people, I haven't had a teacher like Josh Griffiths. His ability to break down moves into simple terms one can learn quickly and thoroughly along with his teaching of underlying concepts have brought me a whole new understanding of this sport/martial art. You combine that with a highly positive attitude that extends to each student there, and you just don't want to stop training.

After learning to be able to think clearly and calmly under the stress of a jiujitsu match, where another man is trying his best to put you in a bad position and choke or lock you, an audition is easy. I have no care for the director who makes a snide comment, or someone who says "your just not right". The strange thing is though, since studying at Studio X, I do not encounter these things much. There's a confidence that comes with the training, and people can feel that."