There are dozens of styles of martial arts, and while most originated in Asia and Europe, other countries have made a huge mark in the progression of martial arts. In Brazil, for instance, the art of Jiu-Jitsu has evolved into a premiere skill and a key component of today's mixed martial arts fighting.
While the name Jiu-Jitsu is the common name associated with the art, it truly was born out of the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo. This type of judo emphasizes grappling as well as ground fighting combat skills, which can be huge advantage for a smaller fighter competing against someone larger or stronger. The grappling skills, chokeholds, joint-locks and ground fighting taught within this discipline very often negate the natural advantages of a larger opponent.
The Japanese form of Jiu-Jitsu was introduced in Brazil in 1914, when famed Kodokan judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda was touring the world showcasing his skills. In 1916, Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of circus owner Gastao Gracie, went to one of Maeda's expositions. It inspired him to learn the skill, and he became one of Maeda's students.
Carlos Gracie, along with several of his brothers, started up their own martial arts academy in 1925. In addition to training fighters, they also held competitions known as Gracie Challenges. All types of fighters were welcome to take part and compete against Gracie fighters, although the Gracie fighters were nearly always the victors. Because Jiu-Jitsu emphasized grappling and knocking the opponent to the floor, Gracie fighters always had the advantage over fighters who had only kicking or punching skills.
The youngest Gracie brother, Helio, had a huge impact on the martial art's development. Because Helio was physically weak, Carlos Gracie wanted to protect him from injury and did not allow him to fight at the Gracie school. However, Helio was a keen observer and watched his brothers teach classes and train fighters. Through his observations, he began privately building his Jiu-Jitsu skills and eventually began taking on his older brothers in fights. It was soon obvious that he was highly skilled and had improved upon and enhanced the lessons already taught by his brothers. He became both an instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. In addition to the Gracies, there are other fighters and families that have had a huge impact on the development of the art, including Oswaldo Fadda, the Machado Family and Luis Franca.
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.
While the name Jiu-Jitsu is the common name associated with the art, it truly was born out of the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo. This type of judo emphasizes grappling as well as ground fighting combat skills, which can be huge advantage for a smaller fighter competing against someone larger or stronger. The grappling skills, chokeholds, joint-locks and ground fighting taught within this discipline very often negate the natural advantages of a larger opponent.
The Japanese form of Jiu-Jitsu was introduced in Brazil in 1914, when famed Kodokan judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda was touring the world showcasing his skills. In 1916, Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of circus owner Gastao Gracie, went to one of Maeda's expositions. It inspired him to learn the skill, and he became one of Maeda's students.
Carlos Gracie, along with several of his brothers, started up their own martial arts academy in 1925. In addition to training fighters, they also held competitions known as Gracie Challenges. All types of fighters were welcome to take part and compete against Gracie fighters, although the Gracie fighters were nearly always the victors. Because Jiu-Jitsu emphasized grappling and knocking the opponent to the floor, Gracie fighters always had the advantage over fighters who had only kicking or punching skills.
The youngest Gracie brother, Helio, had a huge impact on the martial art's development. Because Helio was physically weak, Carlos Gracie wanted to protect him from injury and did not allow him to fight at the Gracie school. However, Helio was a keen observer and watched his brothers teach classes and train fighters. Through his observations, he began privately building his Jiu-Jitsu skills and eventually began taking on his older brothers in fights. It was soon obvious that he was highly skilled and had improved upon and enhanced the lessons already taught by his brothers. He became both an instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. In addition to the Gracies, there are other fighters and families that have had a huge impact on the development of the art, including Oswaldo Fadda, the Machado Family and Luis Franca.
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 loves blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For more information about MMA lessons in San Diego or to find local jiu jitsu San Diego trainers, please visit The Arena MMA website now.
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