What is Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu means "The Soft Art". It was the ancient martial art of the Japanese samurais many centuries ago. With the change of times, the samurais were no longer needed and left aside while their Jiu-Jitsu was forgotten. Master Jigoro Kano reshaped the art, emphasizing takedowns and immobilizations and turning it into the now popular sport of judo.
Luckily in the early 1900s one Jiu-Jitsu master called Maeda Koma was sent to Brazil to lead a Japanese immigrant mission. After being helped by Brazilian diplomat Gastao Gracie, Koma decided to show his gratitude by teaching the art of Jiu-Jitsu to his sons. That’s when the legacy of the Gracie Family and the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu started.
Carlos learned directly from the Japanese master and in 1925 opened the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro. Helio, the youngest and smallest of the Gracie brothers, adapted the old Japanese techniques to his small body and developed new ones as well. He created a highly effective style of ground fighting based on leverage instead of power.
Jiu-Jitsu means "The Soft Art". It was the ancient martial art of the Japanese samurais many centuries ago. With the change of times, the samurais were no longer needed and left aside while their Jiu-Jitsu was forgotten. Master Jigoro Kano reshaped the art, emphasizing takedowns and immobilizations and turning it into the now popular sport of judo.
Luckily in the early 1900s one Jiu-Jitsu master called Maeda Koma was sent to Brazil to lead a Japanese immigrant mission. After being helped by Brazilian diplomat Gastao Gracie, Koma decided to show his gratitude by teaching the art of Jiu-Jitsu to his sons. That’s when the legacy of the Gracie Family and the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu started.
Carlos learned directly from the Japanese master and in 1925 opened the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro. Helio, the youngest and smallest of the Gracie brothers, adapted the old Japanese techniques to his small body and developed new ones as well. He created a highly effective style of ground fighting based on leverage instead of power.
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