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.
Jiu-Jitsu, like the majority of martial arts, has its roots in Asia. Kodokan judo was the parent of Jiu-Jitsu, which incorporates both ground fighting and grappling. Because it stresses the idea that a smaller, weaker fighter can defeat a larger opponent, it has become a staple in the MMA arena. Jiu-Jitsu also serves as an excellent self defense technique in general.
Mitsuyo Maeda, a renowned Kodokan judo master, was the first to introduce the sport in Brazil, where it quickly became popular. Maeda had been showcasing his skills on a world tour, and one of his main stops was in Brazil. During a 1916 exhibition, Carlos Grace was in attendance and was so impressed by the display, he asked to become a student of Maeda.
After training with Maeda, Carlos Gracie teamed with his brothers to open a martial arts academy that emphasized Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The Gracie academy opened in 1925, and the brothers began training dozens of willing students. The Gracies also held competitions, inviting fighters of any fighting style to come and challenge the Gracie fighters. In nearly every no-holds barred bout, the Gracie fighters easily beat their opponents. The advantages of learning of Jiu-Jitsu became clear very quickly, and the sport grew exponentially throughout Brazil.
The Gracie's youngest sibling, Helio, was a huge part of the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Physically weaker than his siblings and prone to illness, he hardly seemed to be destined to become a giant in the field of martial arts. However, he spent several years simply observing his brothers teachings. His observations paid off, and when he began sparring or rolling with his brothers, his talents became apparent, and he is largely responsible for transforming Kodokan judo skills into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are many other significant influences in the art, as well, including the Machado Family, Luis Franca and Oswaldo Fadda.
It seems only fitting that a member of the Gracie family would bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into the eye of the American public. Royce Gracie quickly showed Americans the advantage of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he easily won the first two Ultimate Fighting Championships. He also won UFC 4, and after that, hundreds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studios, emphasizing the Gracie techniques, opened throughout the country.
Jiu-Jitsu, like the majority of martial arts, has its roots in Asia. Kodokan judo was the parent of Jiu-Jitsu, which incorporates both ground fighting and grappling. Because it stresses the idea that a smaller, weaker fighter can defeat a larger opponent, it has become a staple in the MMA arena. Jiu-Jitsu also serves as an excellent self defense technique in general.
Mitsuyo Maeda, a renowned Kodokan judo master, was the first to introduce the sport in Brazil, where it quickly became popular. Maeda had been showcasing his skills on a world tour, and one of his main stops was in Brazil. During a 1916 exhibition, Carlos Grace was in attendance and was so impressed by the display, he asked to become a student of Maeda.
After training with Maeda, Carlos Gracie teamed with his brothers to open a martial arts academy that emphasized Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The Gracie academy opened in 1925, and the brothers began training dozens of willing students. The Gracies also held competitions, inviting fighters of any fighting style to come and challenge the Gracie fighters. In nearly every no-holds barred bout, the Gracie fighters easily beat their opponents. The advantages of learning of Jiu-Jitsu became clear very quickly, and the sport grew exponentially throughout Brazil.
The Gracie's youngest sibling, Helio, was a huge part of the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Physically weaker than his siblings and prone to illness, he hardly seemed to be destined to become a giant in the field of martial arts. However, he spent several years simply observing his brothers teachings. His observations paid off, and when he began sparring or rolling with his brothers, his talents became apparent, and he is largely responsible for transforming Kodokan judo skills into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are many other significant influences in the art, as well, including the Machado Family, Luis Franca and Oswaldo Fadda.
It seems only fitting that a member of the Gracie family would bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into the eye of the American public. Royce Gracie quickly showed Americans the advantage of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he easily won the first two Ultimate Fighting Championships. He also won UFC 4, and after that, hundreds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studios, emphasizing the Gracie techniques, opened throughout the country.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias likes blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For more 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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