BJJ Split

THURSDAY 17:00 - 18:00 OPEN MAT

MIZFITS
BJJ ACADEMY SPLIT

MIZFITS Jiu Jitsu club was founded at the beginning of 2023 by long-time martial arts enthusiasts. The goal of the club is to provide a place for learning, training and developing Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills in a pleasant atmosphere where maximum attention is given to the student and members are educated on different aspects of the skill in order to become competent practitioners of both standing throwing and knockdown techniques (tachi waza) and and technique of control and engagement in the ground floor (not waza).

The academy is led by Ivo Vatavuk aka Frusta, who was promoted to black belt in 2019 by the legendary Roger Gracie. Mizfits BJJ Academy is where passion for the martial art meets professionalism and dedication. Our BJJ academy quickly became recognized as a spot where every fan of any grappling skill can find their place for quality training in a comfortable atmosphere!

Whether you are interested in BJJ techniques, want to venture into the world of Grappling or are looking for a place for BJJ training in Split, you are in the right place. We offer GI and NO GI BJJ programs, and our academy is open to men and women regardless of previous experience. If you are passing through Split, we cordially invite you to visit us!

Join us and become part of our growing community that shares a passion for the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Experience the transformation, make new friends and become part of our family!

MEET JIU JITSU

BJJ SPLIT

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Brazil, primarily through the efforts of the Gracie family. It is a style of ground fighting that focuses on control techniques, forcing submissions and incapacitating the opponent through grappling and force techniques. Unlike many other martial arts, BJJ places a heavy emphasis on leverage and technique, allowing smaller individuals to effectively control and overpower larger opponents.

Key aspects of Jiu Jitsu:

  • Wrestling: BJJ is primarily a ground martial art, meaning practitioners aim to bring the fight to the ground where they can effectively use their techniques. This includes throws, positional control, getting out of disadvantageous positions and forcing attempts.
  • Grips: Grapples form the core of BJJ. These techniques include the application of joint locks or chokes to force the opponent to submit, indicated by tapping and indicating that they are in a compromising or painful position. Common submissions include upper arm grabs, triangles, rear chokes and kimuras.
  • Positional Control: BJJ strongly emphasizes controlling the opponent’s body through various positions such as side control, mount and back control. These positions enable the practitioner to maintain dominance and create opportunities for coercion.
  • Leverage and Technique: BJJ is often referred to as a “gentle art” because it relies on technique and leverage instead of raw power. This enables people of different sizes and physical abilities to deal effectively with opponents.
  • Gi and No-Gi BJJ practitioners often train and compete in two main formats: with a traditional kimono-like uniform called the Gi, and No-Gi. The presence of the Gi brings additional grips and strategies, while the No-Gi emphasizes faster movement and different grips due to the lack of grip clothing.
  • Sports and self-defense: BJJ has both sports and self-defense applications. In sports BJJ, practitioners compete in tournaments according to certain rules. Self-defense applications focus on techniques that help individuals defend themselves in real-world situations.
  • Mental and physical benefits: BJJ provides numerous benefits beyond self-defense. It improves physical fitness, increases flexibility, develops discipline and encourages problem solving as practitioners think of their moves during sparring.
  • Belt System: Like many other martial arts, BJJ uses a belt system to indicate the level of skill and knowledge of the practitioner. Progression usually goes from white belt (novice) to blue, purple, brown and finally black belt (expert). Beyond black belt there are further degrees or “bands” that denote higher levels of skill.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has gained widespread popularity around the world, especially in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), where it has proven to be an effective offensive and defensive weapon. It is also often practiced among law enforcement and military personnel due to its practical self-defense applications and focus on control without causing too much damage.

MIZFITS BJJ COACHES

IVO VATAVUK

Nositelj crnog pojasa u BJJ-u promoviran 2019. g. od Roger Graciea.

MARKO NOVAKOVIĆ

Nositelj ljubičastog pojasa u BJJ-u i majstor Filipinskih borilačkih vještina s pozadinom u kickboxingu.

ZACH TOR

Nositelj ljubičastog pojasa s 10 godina iskustva od kojeg je velik broj proveden u Američkoj prestižnoj Kimura akademiji

IVO VATAVUK

HEAD COACH
Black belt holder in BJJ promoted in 2019 by Roger Gracie.

Gordan Sabic, Mizfits Jiu-Jitsu Split

GORDAN ŠABIĆ

ASSISTANT COACH
BJJ Purple Belt.

WANT TO TRY BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Deciding to start training BJJ usually requires several steps: find an academy with quality instructors and a stimulating atmosphere, such as Mizfits BJJ in Split. Visit and watch the live training and meet the instructors. Most academies offer free trial training. If you decide to enroll, get basic gear and protective gear.

Gi Jiu Jitsu uses traditional kimono clothing, while No-Gi Jiu Jitsu does not use a kimono, instead the fighters rely on pure technique and speed without grabbing the opponent’s clothing.

BJJ is a martial art that you can start training at any age. At the Mizfits BJJ Academy, we welcome all interested people over the age of 18, regardless of previous knowledge.

To begin with, you need a good will, a t-shirt, the bottom part of the jersey and a protective rubber for your teeth. After the first training, if you like it, you can get basic equipment such as BJJ kimono (Gi) or rashguard and shorts for No-Gi. Mizfits BJJ Academy also offers advice on choosing the right equipment.

It is recommended to train at least 2-3 times a week in order to feel progress and acquire basic skills. At Mizfits BJJ Academy, we offer two-hour training sessions three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 18:00-20:00).

Like any martial art, there is a risk of injury, but at Mizfits BJJ Academy, the emphasis is on safety and proper technical execution of techniques.

Progress in BJJ depends on many factors, including your dedication, frequency of training and ability to learn new techniques. At Mizfits BJJ Academy, with training sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00, you can expect solid progress after only a few months of regular training.

BJJ focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques, while many other martial arts emphasize striking and standing fighting. In BJJ, you will often hear the term “technique over power”, meaning that properly executed technique can overcome physical power.

Absolutely! BJJ is one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense, especially when the fight moves to the ground. By learning how to control your opponent on the ground, you reduce the risk of injury and increase your chances of defense.

No problem! Mizfits BJJ Academy in Split is open to everyone, regardless of previous experience. Our trainers are experts in teaching beginners and will ensure you feel comfortable and safe during every training session.

For the first training session, we recommend that you come in comfortable clothes, hydrated and with an open mind. If you already have a Gi, bring it with you. If not, at Mizfits BJJ Academy we can help you with referrals. The most important thing is to come with a positive attitude and willingness to learn!

WHAT ARE WE TRAINING?

Gi Jiu Jitsu

When you think of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the first image that probably comes to mind is a fighter dressed in traditional kimono clothing, known as a ‘Gi’. Gi Jiu Jitsu is the classic form of this ancient martial art, where fighters compete wearing this heavy cotton clothing.

Why Gi? Gi not only adds a traditional feel to combat, but also provides a number of technical challenges and advantages. With the Gi, fighters have an additional “weapon” in their arsenal – the ability to grab an opponent’s clothing. This opens the door to a series of sophisticated throws, grabs and chokes that are not possible in the No-Gi variant.

Challenges of Gi Jiu Jitsu: While Gi provides additional techniques, it also brings its own challenges. The weight and thickness of the Gi can make breathing and movement difficult, meaning fighters must be in peak condition. Also, your opponent can also use your Gi against you, which means you have to always be on your toes.

Why try Gi Jiu Jitsu? If you are looking for a deep understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu art, Gi is the perfect place to start. You will learn the basics, develop technique and gain respect for tradition. Plus, the feeling when you pull off the perfect move using your opponent’s Gi is incomparable.

No Gi Jiu Jitsu

When you break free from the constraints of traditional Gi, you enter the world of No-Gi Jiu Jitsu – a dynamic and fast-paced variation of this martial art. Without the Gi, fighters rely on pure technique, strength and speed, without the ability to grab an opponent’s clothing.

Why No-Gi? Without Gi, the fight becomes more fluid and faster. Techniques have been adapted to be performed without the need to grab fabric, meaning fighters must be extremely precise in their movements and grips.

Challenges of No-Gi Jiu Jitsu: Since there is no Gi to grab, fighters must be aware of their every move. Sweat and speed make fighting slippery and unpredictable, meaning fighters must develop exceptional body control and awareness.

Why try No-Gi Jiu Jitsu? If you are looking for an adrenaline fight where every second counts, No-Gi is for you. You will learn how to use every part of your body to outwit your opponent, developing the instinct and reaction that are key to this variation of Jiu Jitsu.

Join us at Mizfits BJJ Academy in Split and immerse yourself in the world of GI and NO-GI Jiu Jitsu. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, our trainers will help you perfect your skills and become a master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques.