The art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was created by Helio Gracie and has been refined by the legendary Gracie Family of Brazil for the past 90 years. It is a complete system of self-defense that consists of techniques that utilize timing, distance and a combination of strikes, throws, controlling positions and submissions. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was designed to allow a practitioner to neutralize an aggressor in any scenario. As a result the system includes both stand-up and ground techniques and self-defense techniques against unarmed and armed attackers. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu also enforces a strong moral and ethical code, encouraging personal development, while teaching situational awareness and building mental strength through regular training. These additional benefits give practitioners the confidence and ability to think clearly and decisively in a self-defense scenario. Together this combination of skills and training have been proven to be the most complete and effective system of self-defense in the world. It is a system that by design can be safely practiced by anyone regardless of age, gender or physical ability. What makes it different and so accessible is the fact that it is based on the principles of balance, timing and leverage rather than speed or strength.