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 is a combat sport that originated as part of Kodokan judo in Japan. Jiu-Jitsu involves grappling and ground fighting, which is why it is such a key part of MMA. It emphasizes the idea that smaller fighters, using key techniques such as chokeholds and joint-locks, can successfully best a larger opponent.
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 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.
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.
Not surprisingly, it was yet another Gracie that brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into vogue in the United States. During the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, Royce Gracie easily defeated three opponents in fewer than five minutes to win UFC 1. Royce Gracie also won UFC 2 and UFC 4. With those victories, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu quickly became a huge emphasis for many MMA fighters.
Jiu-Jitsu is a combat sport that originated as part of Kodokan judo in Japan. Jiu-Jitsu involves grappling and ground fighting, which is why it is such a key part of MMA. It emphasizes the idea that smaller fighters, using key techniques such as chokeholds and joint-locks, can successfully best a larger opponent.
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 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.
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.
Not surprisingly, it was yet another Gracie that brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into vogue in the United States. During the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, Royce Gracie easily defeated three opponents in fewer than five minutes to win UFC 1. Royce Gracie also won UFC 2 and UFC 4. With those victories, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu quickly became a huge emphasis for many MMA fighters.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias likes writing about mixed martial arts advantages. For more info about MMA lessons in San Diego or to find local jiu jitsu San Diego trainers, please visit The Arena MMA website today.
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