Kristen King // Staff Writer
Brazilian jiu jitsu was established in the early 20th century and has provided a softer side to the sport of mixed martial arts. Focusing primarily on ground fighting and grappling, BJJ has remained a constant staple in the world of fighting with its use of unconventional technique and skill.
Five years ago, FIU was introduced to this sport by freshman Ricky Semiglia, who was looking for an easier place to train since his school schedule started to interfere with his training. According to Semiglia, initially there was no BJJ club, and by the recommendation of FIU’s Recreation Center, he started his own.
“Without hesitation I did,” said Semiglia. “It began as a place for me to train and I soon realized that many students were interested so I turned it into a class.”
Shortly after, classes were underway and Semiglia was faced with the task of providing a safe learning experience for all those who were interested in BJJ. He was able to come up with a way that would exercise both the mind and body of club members in just an hour and 45 minutes.
“We start with a warm up to get the body going and follow with specific drills that will coincide with the week’s technique,” Semiglia said. “Then, we go over the technique and analyze/practice them for about 30 minutes. After the technique we do what we call free sparring which are all out matches where anything goes (jiu jitsu related, of course).”
Calling it a lab where club members “are all studying and growing together as a family,” Semiglia offers more than one way to respond in jiu jitsu and enforces its usage beyond the classroom.
For the most part, Brazilian jiu jitsu’s ultimate goal is to submit your opponent using a submission hold or lock on any part of the body that applies a certain pressure if executed correctly.
Outside of the classroom, however, BJJ is used more as a tool for everyday life rather than a way to simply defend yourself.
“It is an art that teaches patience, self-control, diligence, precision and timeliness,” Semiglia said. “Together these five attributes can greatly impact a person’s life while also contributing towards their well-being and self-confidence.”
Becoming the student turned teacher was already a touch transition for Semiglia, but now he was faced with another difficult task: finding his replacement.
In his last year, Semiglia needed to find someone who upheld the values and beliefs of BJJ as he did. It was during this time where he met John Marrero, the new club president of the club.
“I met John Marrero, a man that I feel blessed to have crossed paths with,” he said. “John showed all qualities that I was looking for in a new president, and an incredible personality to match with it.”
As Semiglia works toward slowly stepping down as president, Marrero has already fulfilled the high expectations set for him and even introduced new point of views in regards to BJJ.
“The Brazilian jiu jitsu club is one based on more than athleticism,” Marrero said. “BJJ is a mixture of mental grinding, precision, and technique. I can say that BJJ is an art for everyone and anyone that is looking for stress relief, confidence and a challenge.”
As for right now Semiglia and Marrero share the title of president over the BJJ club and continue to instill the way of the art within its club members. Sometimes, this way highlights losing over winning for a specific reason.
“In martial arts I like to believe that there is no such thing as a loss but instead for every loss there is a lesson,” said Semiglia. “So either you win or you learn.”
Students that are interested in learning about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and its art form are free to join the club. All you need to do is show up and have commitment and consistency, according to Semiglia and Marrero.
“The art is constantly evolving and we don’t ever think it will stop,” Semiglia said.
Photo Credit: Balmore; retrieved via Flickr.
About Post Author
