What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and grappling techniques. It originated from the Japanese martial art of Judo, which was brought to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 20th century. However, it was the Gracie family who further developed and popularized BJJ as we know it today.
Origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In the early 1900s, Carlos Gracie, a Brazilian businessman, became fascinated with Judo and started training under Maeda. Carlos then passed on his knowledge to his younger brother, Helio Gracie, who was physically weaker and smaller in stature. Helio adapted the techniques to suit his own physical attributes, emphasizing leverage and technique over strength and size.
The Birth of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Helio Gracie, along with his brothers, opened the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Brazil in the 1920s. They began challenging practitioners of other martial arts to prove the effectiveness of their techniques. The Gracie family's dominance in these challenge matches helped establish BJJ as a highly effective martial art.
Spread and Evolution
In the 1980s, Rorion Gracie, one of Helio's sons, moved to the United States and introduced BJJ to the American market. He co-founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993, showcasing the effectiveness of BJJ against other martial arts. This event revolutionized the world of combat sports and brought international attention to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practiced worldwide and has become an essential component of mixed martial arts (MMA). With its rise in popularity, practitioners now have the opportunity to test their skills in competitions and tournaments at a local level, all the way up to professional world championships. Organisations such as the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) & ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) host events for athletes at the highest level to compete to determine the best in the world, creating global stars in the sport such as Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones. BJJ practitioners continue to refine and evolve the techniques, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving martial art.
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