PAR RACHEL BARRETT-TRANGMAR
Nicolas Harmange enthusiastically shared his passion for a relatively modern martial art, which is both a sport and a form of self- protection, and is regularly practised here on the island.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu originates from the Japanese word for ‘gentle art’, which is essentially the philosophy of martial arts that involve weaponless fi ghting to subdue or disable an opponent.
At the beginning of the twentieth century the world renowned Japanese Judo expert, Mitsuyo Maeda, began teaching Jiu- Jitsu in Brazil. Three of his Brazilian students subsequently adopted and developed these martial art techniques to include grappling, ground fi ghting, and submission holds. They thereby created the distinctively different Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which rapidly gained popularity and has since become a world renowned sport.
Is this sport exclusively for adult men?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is open to both adults and children, including women and young girls who thrive in this sport.
How difficult is it to master this martial art?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is based on technique versus strength, so it can be practised by all body types willing to give undivided commitment to the sport. Furthermore, this martial art teaches virtues such as respect for others, humility, patience, dedication and concentration.
Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu be used for self- defence?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is essentially a martial art self- defence mechanism that has become a combat sport. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the aim is to gain a dominant position using techniques that force an opponent to surrender on the ground. Proof of its effi cacy is that the Brazilian police practise this martial art and employ it whenever necessary.
Does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have a merit system?
Like all martial arts we award belts of different colours according to attainment. The merit system also includes stripes; after gaining four stripes, one progresses to a new level/belt. The belts range from white for beginners to black for masters, including a rainbow of colours in between.
Do you have to wear any specific clothing?
Clothing is an important component of the sport and is known as ‘Gi’, consisting of a kimono, a belt and a pair of trousers – which generally comes in white, blue or black. We offer two different types of classes, one wearing Gi and one without Gi, when the martial art techniques are adapted accordingly.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practised here on the island?
St-Barts has its very own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club, which I established in 2012, soon after I moved to the island. The club practises at the St Jean ‘Dojo’, which is a Japanese word for a hall or room where martial arts take place. We have a total of 130 members, and this number is progressively increasing thanks to social media promoting martial arts.
What inspired you to practise this martial art?
My journey in the world of martial arts started at the age of seven when I learned Judo – which is like a like a rite of passage in the French culture. Regular practise exposed me to the essential values of martial arts, allowing me to evolve and fi nally achieve a Judo black belt. Nevertheless, I realised that I preferred the grappling side of the sport, which is the basis of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Christian Graugart, founder of the BJJ, globe trotter and source of inspiration, organised a camp on the island, and has since moved to Saint-Barthélemy, where he takes part in our weekly sessions as well as two annual camps.
What message would you like to convey to the readers of Coccoloba?
We encourage interested readers to come along and try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which provides physical exercise and camaraderie while learning important values.
For further information please contact Nicolas Harmange +590 690 35 73 22
And you can also visit the club’s Facebook page: saint-barth jujitsu
