Students Establish BSU’s New Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club on Campus
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One of the newest organizations to join BSU’s roster is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) club, offering students a rare opportunity to engage in a martial art that blends technique, discipline, and community. As one of the only martial arts organizations at BSU, the BJJ club brings diversity to campus extracurriculars, providing students with a unique way to stay active.
Founded by senior Aidan Doucet (he/him), a criminal justice and political science major, the club has quickly gained traction. Doucet, who has been training in martial arts since 2010 and BJJ since 2021, saw an opportunity to introduce BJJ to campus after years of personal experience. “Jiu-Jitsu has shaped me into who I am today. It’s not just about self-defense—it’s about self-confidence, problem-solving, and building strong connections with people from all walks of life,” he said.
Unlike traditional striking-based martial arts, BJJ is entirely grappling-focused. Doucet describes it as “physical chess,” requiring strategies to control an opponent without using punches or kicks. While the university has a Taekwondo club, BJJ stands apart due to its emphasis on leverage and submissions rather than striking.
**The process of establishing the club proved to be challenging. Doucet and Vice President Tristan McPherson encountered administrative hurdles, including securing a space to train. Due to the lack of dedicated mats on campus, the club partnered with Morselli Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Taunton, where weekly training sessions are now held. Despite the off-campus location, the club has garnered much attention, with over 30 attendees at its last meeting and more than 50 members engaged online.
Training sessions are open to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Sessions begin with warm-ups, introducing fundamental movements essential to BJJ. Following this, Doucet and McPherson then demonstrate specific techniques, such as sweeps or submissions, before breaking members into pairs to practice. More experienced students help guide those new to BJJ, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. Toward the end of each session, live sparring, known as “rolling,” occurs where members apply learned techniques in real-time scenarios.
**As the club’s lead coach, Doucet is embracing the challenge of leading training. “Coaching is new to me, but I want to make Jiu-Jitsu as accessible and easy to learn as possible,” he said. The club is committed to inclusivity, encouraging students of all skill levels, fitness backgrounds, and identities to join. “Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone,” Doucet emphasized. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done a martial art before—we welcome everyone willing to give it a shot.”
Beyond physical wellness, Doucet emphasizes the mental and emotional benefits of BJJ. “It teaches patience, resilience, and respect. It also creates a strong sense of belonging,” he said. The club fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming students of all skill levels and backgrounds. To make the sport as accessible as possible, members currently train for free, with hopes of securing university funding to maintain affordability.
Doucet envisions the club thriving long after his graduation. “I want this to be something that lasts—a place where students can challenge themselves and support each other,” he said.
For those interested in trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the club’s next training session is on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. in Taunton. Students can reach out via the club’s Instagram, @bjj_bsu for more details on how to get involved.
