In a city where martial arts such as karate have long dominated the spotlight, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is emerging as a compelling alternative. Its rise reflects a broader shift in how people approach fitness and self-defense—moving away from purely striking-based systems to disciplines rooted in control, leverage, and technique. Though still in its early stages, the sport is steadily building a dedicated community in Kolkata. To understand this trend, we spoke to academies, dojos, and senseis across the city, tracing how Jiu-Jitsu is finding its place on Kolkata's mats.
The Rise of Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is steadily evolving into a popular fitness and combat sport trend, with several dojos opening in the city to cater not only to professional fighters but also to hobbyists, women, and children. Mayukh Banerjee, who runs a martial arts school, explains, “This has been fueled by a broader shift towards fitness regimes that combine strength, technique, and self-defense.” Azmi Khan, another city-based sensei, adds, “It also offers a practical understanding of how to handle real-life situations effectively.”
Close Contact Holds Women Back
For many women in Kolkata, the appeal of BJJ lies in its practicality. Tarika Modi, a student, says, “It equips them with the skills to control real-world physical confrontations without using brute force.” As awareness grows, more women see it as an essential life skill. However, trainers note that many women are reluctant to train. Mayukh Banerjee explains, “A key reason for this is the sport's inherently close-contact nature. Unlike striking-based disciplines, Jiu-Jitsu involves prolonged physical proximity, grappling, and ground fighting, which can feel uncomfortable, especially in contexts shaped by cultural conditioning. This hesitation is not necessarily about the sport itself, but about navigating that level of physical closeness.”
Jiu-Jitsu and the Scope of Combat Sports
For many practitioners, martial arts is more than just a sport; it becomes a way of life shaped by discipline, patience, and constant learning. Anbesh Limbu, a sensei, explains, “In mixed martial arts (MMA), much of the focus is on striking—punches, kicks, and fighting while standing. But a fight rarely stays on the feet for long. The moment it goes to the ground, the dynamics change completely, and that is where BJJ comes into the picture. It answers a critical question: once you have taken your opponent down, what is the next step? It's about how to control an opponent, escape from difficult positions, and ultimately finish the fight using submissions like chokes and joint locks.” Azmi Khan adds, “Unlike striking arts that rely on speed and power, BJJ is rooted in leverage, balance, and precision, allowing a smaller or less physically strong individual to defend themselves effectively.”
The Ethical Dos and Don'ts of Jiu-Jitsu
- Respect the tap: The moment someone taps, you stop.
- Train with honesty, not ego: Roll to learn, not to prove dominance.
- Take responsibility for your partner's safety: You're in control of their body as much as your own; train with care.
- Be inclusive and welcoming: Create a space where beginners, women, and newcomers feel safe and respected.
- Maintain integrity outside the mat: Don't misuse what you learn; the sport carries a responsibility beyond training.
According to senseis, it takes time to learn BJJ as it is a highly practical, contact-based discipline that requires consistent training and experience. As Jiu-Jitsu involves close physical contact, academies informally assess applicants for temperament, including any signs of aggression, to ensure a safe training environment.
Sayan Khastgir, a sensei at Alpha Fitness and Self Defence, notes, “Jiu-Jitsu breaks the stereotype of combat sports being purely violent. Instead, it's about control, discipline, and technical mastery, where the goal is not to harm, but to manage and neutralize physical conflict intelligently.” Shibasish Banerjee, head coach at Alpha Omega Combat Sports Academy, adds, “Jiu-Jitsu's intensity is different from that of striking-based martial arts. Rather than relying on impact, it places continuous demands on endurance, strength, core stability, and overall body control.” Mayukh Banerjee of Mikes Martial Arts Academy points out, “It's a relatively expensive sport compared to something like Karate. Advanced training often requires bringing in international instructors.”
