Our Promise
About Essence BJJ Walnut Creek
EBJJ's purpose is to revive the original values of Jiu-Jitsu. We aim to provide all communities with the understanding that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is far more than a sport; it's a way of life to be cherished forever.
Jiu-Jitsu embodies honor, respect, and perseverance. It's truly inspiring to witness the rewards that follow dedicated effort.
Furthermore, Jiu-Jitsu fosters self-discovery, cultivating the determination to overcome personal limitations, enhancing self-confidence, and achieving a harmonious balance between mind and body.
It's about forging not only a team but also a like-minded community where knowledge is shared, and mutual growth is celebrated. From young children to seniors, Jiu-Jitsu unites us all. Our Martial Arts Schools offer Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes, equipping you with valuable skills such as self-defense and discipline.
At EBJJ, we strive to prepare you for all aspects of life. Our instruction extends beyond the technicalities of martial arts or competitive sports, focusing on the core essence of Jiu-Jitsu. We base our teaching on the 7-5-3 code, drawing inspiration from the samurai's philosophy or "Bushido code." This code, established by the Valentes brothers, aims to preserve the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy originally conceived by Carlos and Helio Gracie. It offers immense benefits, is accessible to everyone, and we are eager to share it with you!
The
Jiu Jitsu History
In literal translation, Ju Jutsu (Jiu-Jitsu) means "gentle art" in Japanese. The origin of this martial arts form cannot be pinpointed. Similar fighting styles have been verified in different people, from India to China. It is known that the Jiu-Jitsu development environment and its refinement were the samurai schools, the warrior caste of feudal Japan.
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Jiu-Jitsu was introduced to the Gracie family in Brazil around 1917 by the champion Mitsuyo Maeda, known as "Conde Koma." Part of a Japanese immigration colony, Maeda settled in the state of Pará, where he founded his martial arts academy and had Carlos Gracie as one of his students.
Due to his improvement in life through Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos disseminated his knowledge to his four younger brothers: Gastão, Oswaldo, George, and Hélio. In the 1930s, the Gracie brothers opened the family's first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Rio de Janeiro, initiating the Gracie teaching methodology composed of self-defense, takedowns, standing fighting, ground fighting, and philosophy, which are the pillars of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
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For five generations, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners have contributed to developing the art and strengthening its expansion throughout Brazil and the world, influencing hundreds of thousands of people.
Meet Our Head Instructor
Vini Nunes
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Armando Wridt > Ataíde Junior > Vini Nunes
"I was born in Rio de Janeiro, but at the age of three, I moved to Brasília-DF, where I grew up. My mom raised me by herself, and because I had a lot of energy, she decided to enroll me in Judo classes. I remember I was still a little kid at the time.
I loved training Judo, especially the takedowns, but as I grew, I wanted something more challenging. That's why I started training in Jiu-Jitsu at 16 years old. I fell in love with the gentle art and was lucky to have as a master one of the few people in the world who owned a Red Belt, Master Deoclecio.
After I got my blue belt, I wanted to test myself in competitions. I knew I needed to improve my performance even more and develop new skills, so I joined a strong competition team, the Constrictor Team, led by Master Ataide Jr. During my time at the Constrictor Team, I was many times champion at local and national tournaments, and in 2013, I had the honor of receiving my Black Belt.
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I moved to the US in 2016 and joined Ralph Gracie Team. I continued competing and have been champion and medalist at many tournaments, including at the No-Gi Worlds in 2016.
In the USA, I found my passion for teaching. I'm a very social person and love sharing everything I've learned on my martial arts journey.
I'd love to have the opportunity to teach you and see how Jiu-Jitsu can change your life.
Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport; it's an amazing lifestyle!
Vini Nunes"