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 was in contact with was a man with the last name Gracie. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is very much linked to the Gracie name and this is where it started. Carlos Gracie began being taught by Maeda and subsequently in 1921, transferred his know-how to his brothers, including the youngest, Helio. Helio modified the teachings so that he, as a smaller man, could overcome much larger opponents. This became a principal aspect of jiu-jitsu and it would be shown time and again in competitions that size really does not 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 took off throughout the planet in the early 1990s, with the formation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments. These were mixed martial arts fights that were mostly no-holds-barred events that paired fighters of diverse disciplines. Royce Gracie leapt to fame and victory by winning three of the first four tournaments, mostly by beating opponents a lot bigger than he and through submission holds on the ground. It became obvious that his martial art methods were significantly superior to those of other disciplines and Brazilian jiu jitsu academies arose all over 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. - 31497
Among the individuals that Maeda was in contact with was a man with the last name Gracie. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is very much linked to the Gracie name and this is where it started. Carlos Gracie began being taught by Maeda and subsequently in 1921, transferred his know-how to his brothers, including the youngest, Helio. Helio modified the teachings so that he, as a smaller man, could overcome much larger opponents. This became a principal aspect of jiu-jitsu and it would be shown time and again in competitions that size really does not 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 took off throughout the planet in the early 1990s, with the formation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments. These were mixed martial arts fights that were mostly no-holds-barred events that paired fighters of diverse disciplines. Royce Gracie leapt to fame and victory by winning three of the first four tournaments, mostly by beating opponents a lot bigger than he and through submission holds on the ground. It became obvious that his martial art methods were significantly superior to those of other disciplines and Brazilian jiu jitsu academies arose all over 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. - 31497
About the Author:
One of the most popular styles of martial arts that is sweeping the world is Gracie jiujitsu. Though it is a hard skill to learn, jiu jitsu is in high demand by those interested in Mixed Martial Arts fighting such as in the UFC.
