Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense grappling class is a combination of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Head instructor Regis Lemus is an 8 time International and 5 times National Judo Champion of Brazil. He is a third degree Black Belt in the Olympic sport of Judo. Regis teaches a unique grappling class incorporating the throws of Judo and the ground fighting of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This is a great class for those that want to compete in the Olympic sport of Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments, learn ground fighting and grappling for mix martial arts or to learn self defense.

In Brazil Regis trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Gracie Baja Academy and in the United States under Rigan Machado and Marcos Santos. Rigan Machado is the nephew of the founder and late master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlos Gracie Sr. He has trained under the top two family names in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the Gracie’s and the Machado’s. He has also crossed trained in the Russian grappling art of Sambo. Regis has trained and competed all over the world from Japan to Cuba. Regis was the head instructor of one of the largest martial arts schools in Brazil. Brazilian Judo is known to be one of the best Judo programs in the world. Judo is a fun sport. It's also an art, a discipline, a recreational, social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground-fighting art, even though it contains standup techniques for winning a fight. It is famous for its devastating ground fighting. Judo is known for its spectacular throws and it also has ground-fighting. This class combines the best of Judo (throws) with the best of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (ground-fighting) making it an outstanding combination

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a cutting edge fighting system developed from Japanese Judo/Jiu Jitsu by the Gracie family. In the turn of the last century a Brazilian politician Gastão Gracie helped a Japanese immigrant who was a Jiu-Jitsu and Judo master by the name of Mitsuo Maeda. In gratitude Maeda taught his arts to Gracie's son, Carlos. Carlos then taught it to his brothers. They later refined it in the streets of Brazil to what the world knows as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They felt that the art still relied too much on force and strength, and could be refined to use more leverage. This was very important, especially for Carlos and his youngest brother Helio. Who weighed under140 pounds and were usually outweighed and muscled by their opponents. To survive in the streets they continued to refine the art that was taught to them by Maeda. They challenged any and all comers regardless of fighting style or weight. They fought in hundreds of no rules matches (Vale Tudo.) Part of the reason they were so effective was because they never stopped learning or trying to develop new ideas. Continually enhancing their techniques was the main theme in the development of the legendary fighting style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If they discovered a new position or way of holding a submission that was effective, it was incorporated into their art. If it worked they used it, if not they threw it out.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became popular in the US when the Gracie family brought the Ultimate Challenge Championships, the first mixed martial arts challenge to America. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners challenge and beat all contestants including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Boxers, Jiu Jitsu, Kick Boxers, Judo, and even Sumo Wrestlers. This changed the martial arts for ever. Today mixed martial arts have evolved. To stay on top of the food chain you must be equally good standing and on the ground. No matter what your goals are whether it's just getting fit, cross training, learning to defend yourself or competing in mixed martial arts this class is for you.

Judo

Judo was founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano who was born in Japan in 1860. Not only was Kano the founder of Judo he but was also a leading educationalists and a prominent figure in the Japanese Olympic movement. Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Kano also founded the Japanese training center called the Kodokan. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.

Judo, which translates as the "gentle way", teaches you to use balance, leverage, and movement in an effort to throw your opponent and/or to sub do your opponent. It teaches you skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, these are the essential ingredients to successes in Judo. Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. Regis has trained numerous national and international champions. Yet, he specializes in teaching beginners and helping them understand the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the safest possible way.

Call today (305 599-3649), or email us at FitDef@aol.com, and mention this web site and receive a free introductory class.

Regis Lemos, Marcos Santos, Rigan Machado, Julio Anta		Competing in the Pan American International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship 2007