For many people, all they know about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that it is a type of martial art from Brazil. But this special style of fighting, so prevalent in today's MMA fighting, has a long and proud history and has made a huge impact in the martial arts community worldwide.
While the name Jiu-Jitsu is the common name associated with the art, it truly was born out of the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo. This type of judo emphasizes grappling as well as ground fighting combat skills, which can be huge advantage for a smaller fighter competing against someone larger or stronger. The grappling skills, chokeholds, joint-locks and ground fighting taught within this discipline very often negate the natural advantages of a larger opponent.
The Japanese form of Jiu-Jitsu was introduced in Brazil in 1914, when famed Kodokan judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda was touring the world showcasing his skills. In 1916, Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of circus owner Gastao Gracie, went to one of Maeda's expositions. It inspired him to learn the skill, and he became one of Maeda's students.
After several years as a student, Carlos Gracie teamed with his younger brothers and created his own martial arts academy, which opened in 1925. The brothers and their students held Gracie Challenges, no-holds barred fights where any fighter, regardless of fighting style, was invited to come and complete. The Gracie fighters were nearly always victorious in these fights, despite taking on stronger, larger and more experienced opponents. It quickly became apparent that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was an essential fighting skill and its popularity quickly began to grow.
It was Helio Gracie, the family's youngest brother, who perhaps had the most influence in transforming Kodokan judo into the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is both a fighting style and a way of life. Helio was not allowed to participate in classes with his brothers because he was often sick and physically weaker than the rest of the Gracies. However, he spent many years observing his brothers teaching classes, taking it all in and then honing his own skills. He began by challenging his brothers to fights, surprising them with his impressive Jiu-Jitsu skills. After that, he became an instructor and a highly successful competitor. While the Gracies are arguably the most famous name in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are others who have influence the sport. Luis Franca, Oswaldo Fadda and the Machado Family are others who have helped build interest in this martial art.
Royce Gracie was one of the first to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the attention of Americans. Using his extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as the second and fourth UFC titles. From there, it was only a matter of time until BJJ became a huge part of mixed martial arts training.
While the name Jiu-Jitsu is the common name associated with the art, it truly was born out of the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo. This type of judo emphasizes grappling as well as ground fighting combat skills, which can be huge advantage for a smaller fighter competing against someone larger or stronger. The grappling skills, chokeholds, joint-locks and ground fighting taught within this discipline very often negate the natural advantages of a larger opponent.
The Japanese form of Jiu-Jitsu was introduced in Brazil in 1914, when famed Kodokan judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda was touring the world showcasing his skills. In 1916, Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of circus owner Gastao Gracie, went to one of Maeda's expositions. It inspired him to learn the skill, and he became one of Maeda's students.
After several years as a student, Carlos Gracie teamed with his younger brothers and created his own martial arts academy, which opened in 1925. The brothers and their students held Gracie Challenges, no-holds barred fights where any fighter, regardless of fighting style, was invited to come and complete. The Gracie fighters were nearly always victorious in these fights, despite taking on stronger, larger and more experienced opponents. It quickly became apparent that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was an essential fighting skill and its popularity quickly began to grow.
It was Helio Gracie, the family's youngest brother, who perhaps had the most influence in transforming Kodokan judo into the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is both a fighting style and a way of life. Helio was not allowed to participate in classes with his brothers because he was often sick and physically weaker than the rest of the Gracies. However, he spent many years observing his brothers teaching classes, taking it all in and then honing his own skills. He began by challenging his brothers to fights, surprising them with his impressive Jiu-Jitsu skills. After that, he became an instructor and a highly successful competitor. While the Gracies are arguably the most famous name in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are others who have influence the sport. Luis Franca, Oswaldo Fadda and the Machado Family are others who have helped build interest in this martial art.
Royce Gracie was one of the first to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the attention of Americans. Using his extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as the second and fourth UFC titles. From there, it was only a matter of time until BJJ became a huge part of mixed martial arts training.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias loves writing about mixed martial arts benefits. For additional information about MMA lessons in San Diego or to find local jiu jitsu San Diego trainers, please go to The Arena MMA website today.
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