Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force them to submit, most commonly through a choke or a joint lock. Having originally evolved from judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu places a much greater emphasis on newaza, or groundwork. Much of the technique of Brazilian jiu jitsu is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless.
Brazilian jiu jitsu is an ideal martial art for individuals of all stature, as using superior technique and leverage to control and overcome opponents of greater size, strength, and aggression is the keynote of the sport.