Gracie Jiu-Jitsu History

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is differentiated from other martial arts by its focus on grappling and ground fighting. Most notable are the uses of chokeholds and joint locks used to submit opponents, which has earned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a formidable reputation.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enjoys a rich history, avoiding the commercialization that has watered down other martial arts with ‘McDojos,’ cash for pretty coloured belts, and trophies for everyone. Lineage is incredibly important in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and practitioners take great pride in tracing their roots back to the origins of BJJ.

The roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu begin with one of Japanese Judo’s top ground fighting experts, Mitsuyo Maeda. Maeda, aka ‘ Conde Koma  ,’ travelled the globe giving demonstrations and competing against martial artists and fighters from other styles before landing in Brazil in 1914. It was here that Maeda met Carlos Gracie, who became his student. It is Carlos and his younger brother Helio Gracie who are considered the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since then different family members have formed their own slightly different variations of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie Humaita Jiu-Jitsu academy in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, remains one of the most prominent and well respected schools. It is now ran by Helio’s sons Rolker and Royler Gracie who Romulo Melo trained under.

Today Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to dominate mixed martial arts events, such as the UFC. In fact, if one martial art stands out as a leader in MMA today it is definitely BJJ. So much so that even fighters from other styles now must incorporate BJJ into their training in order to be able to compete effectively in the octagon.

Outside of the ring, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains one of the most effective forms of martial arts on the planet for self-defense and real life combat situations. For this reason, you will find many law enforcement agencies enrolling their staff in BJJ. While some may question BJJ due to so much focus on ground fighting, the fact is that over 80% of all physical confrontations end up on the ground. Therefore it is the individual with the greater ground skills who will come out the winner.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport or combat style. BJJ training provides many incredible health benefits, both physical and mental. The Gracie diet is being respected as one of the most advanced diets developed to date. Staying true to its traditions, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its philosophy continues to be a way of life, not just a martial art.