Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Japanese for the "Gentle Art") is a style of grappling, meaning there are no strikes (punches or kicks), where the goal is to control and submit your opponent with a series of holds, chokes and locks. To the outside world it looks very familiar to wrestling with the key difference that you do not win a match by pinning. While it is its own distinct martial art, BJJ not only has similarities but cross over with wrestling, judo, and SAMBO. Within BJJ there are widely regarded as two styles based up the equipment used; Gi (wearing a version of a traditional kimono) and No-Gi (shorts and a shirt). Each style has its own intricacies and differences but they are still regarded as the same sport.
BJJ exploded in the '90's with the advent of the UFC. Today it is easily one of the most recognizable martial arts and largely regarded as the most encompassing grappling discipline. The very first UFC champion was a BJJ specialist and as the martial arts world has advanced there are still top level competitor and champions who's base style is BJJ.
Why BJJ
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has many benefits both as a general physical activity and inherent to the art itself. BJJ is a full body work out with a large emphasis on mobility and flexibility. Most beginners are not used to the movements, tumbles, rolls, inversions, but as time progresses their body learns these new ways to move. Sometimes BJJ is jokingly referred to as "involuntary yoga."
Grappling arts also have a distinct benefit over striking arts. Grappling is a low concussive sport. If you are not looking to take any blows for either medical causes or person reasons BJJ might be the art for you. Moreover the nature of the ruleset allows practitioners to participate at nearly 100% power with the tap allowing you out of any dangerous spots. This is near impossible with striking arts where danger is inherent to liveness.
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