BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Ivan teaches at school by day, and by night he also teaches – showing people “how to strangle necks and break limbs effectively, safely and nicely.”

Originally from Hungary, he has been living in Kuching since 1993. He began Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in 2006 in the hopes of “becoming a good fighter, tough and rough!”, but over the years it has become a useful tool for personal development.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu – fondly called BJJ by its proponents – is founded on the idea that a weaker person can successfully defend his or herself against a stronger and heavier opponent by using technique, leverage, and taking the fight to the ground.

Developed by the Japanese before being brought over to Brazil, BJJ evolved through matches and street fights. Generations of testing and adjustments transformed it into an effective and efficient grappling-based art – one that surprisingly held its own against – and even bested – other styles of fighting.

BJJ is considered a martial art, a sport, a method for promoting physical fitness and building character, and even a way of life. Admirers of the art also say that it helps them become better people.

The physical benefits of BJJ are undeniable – it gives practitioners the skills to defend both themselves and the weak, but it is also an excellent functional training system which quickly leads to strength, flexibility and fitness gains.

Ivan teaches BJJ every Monday to Thursday, from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, at Studio23. Open mats are on Saturdays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Members of the public are invited to come and join a free trial class during their first time. •• IG: @studio23bjj.sarawak