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)

Jiu-Jitsu (柔術) originated in feudal Japan, where samurai used grappling techniques for combat.
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)

Mitsuyo Maeda, a top Judo practitioner and student of Kano, traveled the world demonstrating Judo.
In 1914, Maeda arrived in Brazil and befriended a businessman named Gaston Gracie.
As gratitude, Maeda taught Judo to Gaston’s son, Carlos Gracie.

3. The Birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1920s-1930s)

Carlos Gracie trained with Maeda and then taught his younger brothers, including Helio Gracie.
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.
The Gracie family began challenging other martial artists in Brazil to prove BJJ’s effectiveness.

4. The Vale Tudo Era (1930s-1980s)

The Gracies created “Vale Tudo” (“Anything Goes”) matches, where they fought boxers, wrestlers, and other martial artists.
BJJ’s reputation grew as Helio and his sons (Rickson, Rorion, etc.) dominated fights using ground techniques.
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)

In the 1980s, Rorion Gracie moved to the United States and started teaching BJJ.
In 1993, he co-founded the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) to prove BJJ’s dominance.
His brother, Royce Gracie, shocked the world by winning UFC 1, 2 & 4 against bigger opponents using BJJ submissions.
This proved that BJJ was the most effective ground-fighting system in real fights.

6. Modern BJJ: Sport & Global Growth (2000s-Present)

BJJ has evolved into a global sport, with major tournaments like:
- IBJJF World Championships
- ADCC (Submission Wrestling)
- Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI)
BJJ is now a key part of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), and even military & law enforcement training.
Modern BJJ has also developed sport-specific styles, such as berimbolos, leg locks, and no-gi grappling.