While many forms of martial arts training are valuable parts of an MMA fighter's game plan, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is often considered one the top skills needed in order to become a truly excellent competitive fighter. It might seem like a modern addition to the martial arts world, but its roots actually can be traced back several centuries.
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.
Mitsuyo Maeda, a renowned Kodokan judo master, was the first to introduce the sport in Brazil, where it quickly became popular. Maeda had been showcasing his skills on a world tour, and one of his main stops was in Brazil. During a 1916 exhibition, Carlos Grace was in attendance and was so impressed by the display, he asked to become a student of Maeda.
After several years as a student, Carlos Gracie teamed with his younger brothers and created his own martial arts academy, which opened in 1925. The brothers and their students held Gracie Challenges, no-holds barred fights where any fighter, regardless of fighting style, was invited to come and complete. The Gracie fighters were nearly always victorious in these fights, despite taking on stronger, larger and more experienced opponents. It quickly became apparent that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was an essential fighting skill and its popularity quickly began to grow.
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.
It seems only fitting that a member of the Gracie family would bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into the eye of the American public. Royce Gracie quickly showed Americans the advantage of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he easily won the first two Ultimate Fighting Championships. He also won UFC 4, and after that, hundreds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studios, emphasizing the Gracie techniques, opened throughout the country.
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.
Mitsuyo Maeda, a renowned Kodokan judo master, was the first to introduce the sport in Brazil, where it quickly became popular. Maeda had been showcasing his skills on a world tour, and one of his main stops was in Brazil. During a 1916 exhibition, Carlos Grace was in attendance and was so impressed by the display, he asked to become a student of Maeda.
After several years as a student, Carlos Gracie teamed with his younger brothers and created his own martial arts academy, which opened in 1925. The brothers and their students held Gracie Challenges, no-holds barred fights where any fighter, regardless of fighting style, was invited to come and complete. The Gracie fighters were nearly always victorious in these fights, despite taking on stronger, larger and more experienced opponents. It quickly became apparent that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was an essential fighting skill and its popularity quickly began to grow.
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.
It seems only fitting that a member of the Gracie family would bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into the eye of the American public. Royce Gracie quickly showed Americans the advantage of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when he easily won the first two Ultimate Fighting Championships. He also won UFC 4, and after that, hundreds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studios, emphasizing the Gracie techniques, opened throughout the country.
About the Author:
Nolan Barias loves writing 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 today.
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