The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has deep roots in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, but it developed into its own unique martial art in Brazil. Here’s how it all started:
1. Origins: Japanese Jiu-Jitsu & Judo (Pre-1900s)
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Jiu-Jitsu (柔術) originated in feudal Japan, where samurai used grappling techniques for combat.
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In the late 1800s, Jigoro Kano, a Jiu-Jitsu master, modernized the art into Kodokan Judo—which focused on throws, groundwork, and submissions.
2. Mitsuyo Maeda & The Gracie Family (1914-1920s)
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Mitsuyo Maeda, a top Judo practitioner and student of Kano, traveled the world demonstrating Judo.
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In 1914, Maeda arrived in Brazil and befriended a businessman named Gaston Gracie.
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As gratitude, Maeda taught Judo to Gaston’s son, Carlos Gracie.
3. The Birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1920s-1930s)
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Carlos Gracie trained with Maeda and then taught his younger brothers, including Helio Gracie.
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Helio, being smaller and weaker, struggled with some Judo techniques, so he modified them, emphasizing leverage, guard work, and submissions—this became the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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The Gracie family began challenging other martial artists in Brazil to prove BJJ’s effectiveness.
4. The Vale Tudo Era (1930s-1980s)
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The Gracies created “Vale Tudo” (“Anything Goes”) matches, where they fought boxers, wrestlers, and other martial artists.
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BJJ’s reputation grew as Helio and his sons (Rickson, Rorion, etc.) dominated fights using ground techniques.
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Carlson Gracie introduced a more aggressive, modern BJJ style in the 1950s, focusing on pressure, takedowns, and athleticism.
5. BJJ Enters the U.S. & UFC Revolution (1990s-Present)
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In the 1980s, Rorion Gracie moved to the United States and started teaching BJJ.
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In 1993, he co-founded the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to prove BJJ’s dominance.
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His brother, Royce Gracie, shocked the world by winning UFC 1, 2 & 4 against bigger opponents using BJJ submissions.
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This proved that BJJ was the most effective ground-fighting system in real fights.
6. Modern BJJ: Sport & Global Growth (2000s-Present)
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BJJ has evolved into a global sport, with major tournaments like:
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IBJJF World Championships
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ADCC (Submission Wrestling)
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Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI)
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BJJ is now a key part of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), and even military & law enforcement training.
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Modern BJJ has also developed sport-specific styles, such as berimbolos, leg locks, and no-gi grappling.
