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Jiu-Jitsu Tips & Academy News

Tips, news & events.

Beginner guides, kids BJJ advice, self-defense, mindset and what is happening at our BJJ Arlington Heights academy.

Latest jiu-jitsu articles

Kids gi class with their coaches at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Kids BJJNovember 6, 2026

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Jiu-Jitsu Class in Arlington Heights

A parent's guide to your child's first jiu-jitsu class: how class flows, what to bring, and simple ways to help nervous kids feel ready.

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Brazil 021 co-founders Hannette Staack and Andre Terencio under the Brazil-021 logo
Events & SeminarsApril 15, 2026

Prof. Andre Terencio Promoted to 6th Degree Black Belt

On April 26, 2026, Brazil 021 co-founder Prof. Andre Terencio was promoted to 6th degree black belt in a ceremony at our Arlington Heights academy.

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Professor Andre Terencio demonstrating a technique to a gi class at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Events & SeminarsApril 15, 2026

Carlos Henrique Red & Black Belt Seminar at Brazil 021

On April 26, 2026, red and black belt Carlos Henrique taught a one-day seminar at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights on advanced technique, positional control and…

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Kids no-gi class seated in a circle while parents watch at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Events & SeminarsMarch 11, 2026

Parents Class at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights: Training Jiu-Jitsu With Your Child

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, parents stepped on the mat with their kids for a free parent and child jiu-jitsu class at Brazil 021 Arlington…

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Hannette Staack with a women's gi class at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Events & Seminars, Women's Jiu-JitsuMarch 11, 2026

Free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar in Arlington Heights at Brazil 021

To mark International Women's Day, Brazil 021 Arlington Heights hosted a free women's self-defense seminar on Sunday, March 15, 2026, open to women of all…

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Kids gi class seated around Professor Andre Terencio at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Events & Seminars, Kids BJJFebruary 10, 2026

Parents Night Out at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights: A Pre-Valentine’s Evening

On Friday, February 13, 2026, Brazil 021 Arlington Heights hosted Parents Night Out: three hours of supervised jiu-jitsu games, a movie and snacks for kids…

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Adult no-gi class with Hannette Staack and Andre Terencio at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Events & SeminarsFebruary 10, 2026

Jiu-Jitsu Ground Control Seminar for Law Enforcement in Arlington Heights

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Brazil 021 Arlington Heights hosted a Ground Control seminar for law enforcement officers, covering apprehension, takedowns, handcuffing and searching under…

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Adult no-gi students kneeling in two rows on the mats at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu-JitsuDecember 7, 2025

Why No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Improves Real-World Self-Defense

Without a gi to grab, you learn to control a person through body position, frames and timing. Here is why no-gi jiu-jitsu carries over so…

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A young student practicing an armbar on her coach at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Jiu JitsuNovember 23, 2025

Jiu-Jitsu and Mental Focus: How Training Sharpens Your Mind

Jiu-jitsu asks for concentration, discipline and constant problem solving. Here is how those mental skills grow on the mat and carry into work, school and…

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Young kids in gi with their coach under the Brazil-021 logo at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Kids BJJNovember 9, 2025

How Jiu-Jitsu Helps Kids Develop Leadership Skills

Teamwork, respect and decision making are built into every kids jiu-jitsu class. Here is how training helps children grow into confident young leaders.

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Kids no-gi class lined up along the wall at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Kids BJJNovember 5, 2025

7 Reasons Parents Love Kids Jiu-Jitsu Classes

Fitness, respect, friendships, confidence, focus and a lot of fun. Here are seven reasons parents choose kids jiu-jitsu classes.

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Adult no-gi class kneeling in rows on the mats at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu-JitsuNovember 2, 2025

No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu for MMA: Why It’s Essential

MMA fights happen without a gi, so the grappling that works there is no-gi grappling. Here is why no-gi jiu-jitsu is a core skill for…

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Gi class group photo with black-belt coaches at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Jiu JitsuOctober 18, 2025

How Gi Jiu-Jitsu Teaches Patience and Technique

Gi jiu-jitsu rewards patience, precise grips and technique over strength. Here is how training in the gi shapes both your game and your mindset.

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Kids gi class seated with their coach under the Brazil-021 logo at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Kids BJJOctober 16, 2025

The Best Age to Start Kids Jiu-Jitsu Classes

What is the best age to start jiu-jitsu? Many kids do well starting anywhere from 3 to 6, as long as the class is built…

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Adult no-gi students standing on the mat after class at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu-JitsuOctober 16, 2025

5 Benefits of Training No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Faster movement, sharper submission grappling, practical self-defense, better conditioning and skills that carry into other combat sports. Five reasons to train no-gi.

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Kids no-gi class kneeling on the mats while parents watch at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Kids BJJOctober 13, 2025

Why Every Child Should Try Jiu-Jitsu in Arlington Heights

Jiu-jitsu builds confidence, discipline and fitness in a safe, encouraging class. Here is why it is worth a try for kids in Arlington Heights.

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Kids in gi with their instructor under the Brazil-021 logo at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Kids BJJAugust 19, 2025

The Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids

Confidence, discipline, bully-proof skills, fitness and friendships. Here is what Brazilian jiu-jitsu gives kids at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights.

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Adult no-gi students kneeling under the Brazil-021 logo at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Anti-Bullying, Jiu Jitsu, Kids BJJ, Women's Jiu-JitsuAugust 18, 2025

Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone: Who Can Really Train at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights?

Think jiu-jitsu is only for fighters? Kids, adult beginners, women, athletes and older adults all train BJJ. Here is who it is for, and where…

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Adults in gi lined up during class at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Jiu JitsuAugust 18, 2025

Why Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is more than a workout. It is a path to fitness, confidence, real self-defense and a supportive community. Here is why students train…

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Kids gi class during instruction at Brazil 021 Arlington Heights
Anti-Bullying, Kids BJJAugust 18, 2025

Bully-Proof Your Child With Jiu-Jitsu in Arlington Heights

Want your child to feel safe and confident? Our kids jiu-jitsu classes in Arlington Heights teach calm, practical skills that help stop bullying and build…

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