A Brief History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or BJJ is a martial art focusing on grappling and ground fighting. Originating from Kodokan judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became one of the best known martial arts in the world today. The roots of Jiu Jitsu come from Japan. It was known as the battlefield art of the samurai warriors. These warriors were heavily armored and usually rode on horseback. Jiu Jitsu is a martial art form which they created in the case they found themselves on foot. This meant poor mobility and agility, which is why modern Jiu Jitsu includes throwing and strangles among other moves. In this article, find out the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and how it came to its shape and form today.

The History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Judo

By the middle of 1800s, the original Jiu Jitsu evolved into numerous different styles of ryu. Although they had some variations, most included hand-to-hand combat aspects and moves from the original Jiu Jitsu. A man named Jigoro Kano comes up with his own ryu in the late 1880s. This form was completely different from everything else at the time and it eventually became what we call judo today. This is still one of the most widespread martial arts forms today.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Gracie Family

One of Jigoro Kano’s students was Mitsuo Maeda, who emigrated from Japan to Brazil in 1914. A local politician named George Gracie helped his flight from Japan. In return for his help, Mitsuo Maeda taught Jiu Jitsu to George’s son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos ended up teaching his brothers later on. They founded the first Jiu Jitsu academy in Brazil in 1925. Over the following decades, the Gracie family developed and refined the art of Jiu Jitsu. This was the foundation of the modern Brazlian Jiu Jitsu, which is well-known and practiced all over the world today.

If you’re looking for a great place to find out more about Brazlian Jiu Jitsu and start with some lessons, look no further. At RMA Jiu Jitsu, our experienced instructors will make sure you learn the essence of Jiu Jitsu quickly and easily.

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