Contextualization

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that originated in Japan that was perfected and popularized in Brazil by the Gracie family. It's widely recognized as one of the most effective martial arts in the world, being the base of several other martial arts and competitions like the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).

Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil

In Brazil, Jiu-Jitsu was given a new approach, being adapted to a style that highlights techniques and strategies to the detriment of physical size or brute strength. This transformed the martial art completely, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of gender, age or physical condition.

Jiu-Jitsu’s Importance

Besides the physical benefits common to most sports, such as improved fitness and increased strength and stamina, Jiu-Jitsu also brings many psychological benefits, such as increased self-confidence, development of discipline and emotional control. Besides that, practicing Jiu-Jitsu is a way to learn about respect, boundaries and teamwork.

Practical Activity: The Universe of Jiu-Jitsu

Project’s Purpose

This project will introduce students to the universe of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a fascinating martial art that combines physical and mental elements. The goal is that, by the end of the project, students are able to understand the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu, like the hierarchy of belts and their values, the principles behind the blows and the scores in a fight. Besides that, it's expected to further develop socio-emotional skills, such as time management, teamwork and communication.

Detailed Description of the Project

Students will research and write an "Encyclopedia" about Jiu-Jitsu, containing topics such as the history of the sport, the main blows, the scores in a fight and the hierarchy of belts.

The work shall be done in groups of 3 to 5 people and will last for one week.

Necessary Materials

• Internet access for research;
• Computer or paper for notes and making the encyclopedia;
• Drawing materials for illustrations (optional).

Step-by-Step of the Activity

1. Split the class into groups of 3 to 5 people;
2. Each group must research the components of Jiu-Jitsu, dividing the tasks among the members;
3. The themes to be researched (and that will be part of the encyclopedia) are: "History of Jiu-Jitsu", "Hierarchy of belts and their values", "Main blows and their scores" and "Practical experiences of Jiu-Jitsu";
4. Each group must compile the information collected and plan the best way to present it in an encyclopedia format;
5. In the end, each group must present its encyclopedia to the class, explaining the main points of their research.

Deliverables

As a final result of the project, each group must deliver the "Jiu-Jitsu Encyclopedia", and a report containing the four main topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions and Bibliography used.

• The Introduction must present the relevance of Jiu-Jitsu and the importance of the project;
• The Development must contain a detailed description of the activities carried out, the methodology used, research sources, challenges encountered and how they were overcome;
• In the Conclusions, the group must reflect on what they have learned, what has caught their attention the most and how this experience has contributed to the development of technical and socio-emotional skills;
• The Bibliography must list all the sources used for the project, such as books, websites, videos, etc.

During the project, it's very important to value teamwork, communication, problem-solving, proactivity and creative thinking.