WHY TRAIN WITH THE GRACIE DE BEEN JIU JITSU ACADEMY The rapid and continual growth of Brasilian Jiu Jitsu in Australia can be partly explained by the sheer practicality and effectiveness of the art. However, for those who become devotees it would seem that the practice of Jiu Jitsu goes much deeper. One of the important factors that drew Peter de Been to the Gracie Barra Academy was the family values and team camaraderie that were evident. This is something that Pete has always tried to instill in his own students. Hard work and a family orientated approach has been the successful recipe for the Gracie-de Been competition team remaining undefeated in Australia since competitions first commenced in 1995. According to Peter de Been the reason why Jiu Jitsu continues to attract new students, including many who decide to cross over from other martial arts, is that Jiu Jitsu becomes part of a person's lifestyle rather than something that they do in their spare time to keep fit. As Pete explains: "It is essentially a lifestyle for both my family and myself. I encourage my two children to train hard and compete, and I have taught them that it is okay to lose, but it is also very important to have fun and learn. Jiu Jitsu teaches many important life skills and values that can be passed on to future generations." After taking your first steps in training at a Peter de Been Jiu Jitsu Academy a new student will notice very quickly how friendly, approachable and helpful the other students are, for they know where you are coming from and they also know that the fastest way for them to improve is make you improve too. Jiu Jitsu is a great way to meet many interesting people and make new friends along the way. Unlike many traditional martial arts, Jiu Jitsu techniques are not drilled religiously nor do they form the basis of the training. Instead the uniqueness of Jiu Jitsu training lies in learning and understanding the concepts that underpin the overall art. Jiu Jitsu techniques can only be applied successfully with a solid understanding of leverage and positioning concepts. The concepts then will allow a student to find a finishing technique that can be applied. Control concepts, positioning concepts and defence concepts are passed onto the student in early training and reinforced throughout training. These concepts form the foundation for Jiu Jitsu from the beginner right up to the most elite level. Jiu Jitsu training is physical but not dangerous or frightening. Because you partake in realistic full contact sparring you will quickly adapt to the demands of the training. You will soon see a remarkable change in you body-lines, leading to weight loss, strengthening, flexibility and overall fitness. A further positive of your training will be an overall increase in your levels of confidence. You will have the honour and piece of mind in knowing that you are learning what is considered to be the most effective form of self-defence in the world today. Training in Gracie Jiu Jitsu will give you an underlying power, which is yours to keep with you for the rest of your life.