Brief Jiu-Jitsu History

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art indigenous to Brazil. It was founded by the Gracie Family beginning with Carlos Gracie, who learned Jiu-Jitsu from an immigrant Japanese family gardener and judoka named Maeda.

The art’s roots are derived from pre-war kodokan judo, western wrestling, and Maeda’s own insights into combat. From the beginning this great art was modified and adapted by Helio Gracie, the brother of Carlos. Helio, who was smaller than his brothers, had to adapt the art to make better use of leverage and positioning. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stresses bringing an opponent to the ground and relying on grappling techniques to subdue the opponent.The sportive aspect of BJJ is embodied in BJJ tournaments. Competitors wear Judo “jackets” and pants just like their judo counterparts but the rules favor strategies and techniques more oriented toward combat effectiveness.