A group of Japanese martial artists, the Kodokan, is the original source of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Kano Jigoro, one of the members of the Kodokan, sent out his followers to different parts of the world to spread the knowledge of his teachings. Mitsuyo Maeda was sent to Brazil and he began to share the art of what would become known as jiu-jitsu to the citizens there. Though the martial art was actually closer to judo, the name was not as important as the actions.
Among the individuals that Maeda associated with was a man with the last name Gracie. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is highly linked to the Gracie name and this is where it began. Carlos Gracie started being taught by Maeda and subsequently in 1921, transferred his knowledge to his brothers, including the youngest, Helio. Helio adapted the principles so that he, as a more compact man, could defeat much larger opponents. This became a key aspect of jiu-jitsu and it would be established many times in tournaments that size really doesn't matter in combat.
Up until this point, what the Gracies were studying was mainly known just as jiu-jitsu. In 1978 it became Brazilian jiu-jitsu when Helio's son left Brazil to make his and his family's mark on America. Rorion Gracie was determined to succeed. He was not accepted by any other martial arts schools, so he created his own school in his garage, offering free lessons and personal training to virtually everyone he met. After defeating several larger opponents in fights, word spread and soon the Gracies had more students than they could teach from their garage.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu exploded throughout the planet in the early 1990s, with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship competitions. These were mixed martial arts fights that were primarily no-holds-barred matches that paired fighters of dissimilar disciplines. Royce Gracie leapt to prominence and victory by winning three of the first four competitions, mainly by beating opponents a lot larger than he and by way of submission holds on the ground. It became obvious that his martial art methods were much superior to those of other disciplines and Brazilian jiu jitsu institutions sprang up across North America.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu still continues to be one of the most effective forms of fighting, with Gracie jiu jitsu being recognized in its own right as a separate discipline. From Japan to Brazil and then to America and finally the world, the Gracies have had tremendous success in proving the excellence of their abilities and of their chosen discipline. The future only looks bright as jiu-jitsu continues to be extremely popular for martial artists and for those who watch the fights. - 31491
Among the individuals that Maeda associated with was a man with the last name Gracie. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is highly linked to the Gracie name and this is where it began. Carlos Gracie started being taught by Maeda and subsequently in 1921, transferred his knowledge to his brothers, including the youngest, Helio. Helio adapted the principles so that he, as a more compact man, could defeat much larger opponents. This became a key aspect of jiu-jitsu and it would be established many times in tournaments that size really doesn't matter in combat.
Up until this point, what the Gracies were studying was mainly known just as jiu-jitsu. In 1978 it became Brazilian jiu-jitsu when Helio's son left Brazil to make his and his family's mark on America. Rorion Gracie was determined to succeed. He was not accepted by any other martial arts schools, so he created his own school in his garage, offering free lessons and personal training to virtually everyone he met. After defeating several larger opponents in fights, word spread and soon the Gracies had more students than they could teach from their garage.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu exploded throughout the planet in the early 1990s, with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship competitions. These were mixed martial arts fights that were primarily no-holds-barred matches that paired fighters of dissimilar disciplines. Royce Gracie leapt to prominence and victory by winning three of the first four competitions, mainly by beating opponents a lot larger than he and by way of submission holds on the ground. It became obvious that his martial art methods were much superior to those of other disciplines and Brazilian jiu jitsu institutions sprang up across North America.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu still continues to be one of the most effective forms of fighting, with Gracie jiu jitsu being recognized in its own right as a separate discipline. From Japan to Brazil and then to America and finally the world, the Gracies have had tremendous success in proving the excellence of their abilities and of their chosen discipline. The future only looks bright as jiu-jitsu continues to be extremely popular for martial artists and for those who watch the fights. - 31491
About the Author:
Brazilian jiu jitsu is incredibly fascinating to watch. Jiu jitsu schools and Brazilian jiu jitsu training programs are popping up everywhere because of the popularity of this martial art, which is often seen in Mixed Martial Arts arenas.
