history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It was developed by the Gracie family, who modified the traditional Japanese martial art of judo to better suit their own needs and physical attributes.
The Gracie family, led by Carlos Gracie, learned judo from Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka (judo practitioner) who immigrated to Brazil. Carlos and his brothers, including Hélio Gracie, modified the techniques they learned from Maeda to create a new martial art that focused on ground fighting and submission holds. This new martial art became known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The Gracie family opened the first BJJ academy in Brazil in the 1920s, and they began to teach and promote the art throughout the country. BJJ quickly gained popularity in Brazil, and it soon spread to other countries around the world.
In the 1980s and 1990s, BJJ gained even more popularity due to its successful use in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. In the early days of MMA, BJJ practitioners dominated the sport, using their superior ground fighting skills to defeat opponents. This helped to increase the popularity of BJJ and showcase its effectiveness as a martial art.
In addition to its use in MMA, BJJ has also been used in law enforcement and military training programs. Its focus on submission holds and control makes it an effective tool for controlling and arresting individuals without causing serious injury.
BJJ has also gained a reputation as a safer alternative to other martial arts, as it emphasizes technique over strength and power. This makes it a popular choice for people of all ages and skill levels, including children and women.
Today, BJJ is practiced by people all over the world, and it is considered one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense. There are numerous BJJ academies and organizations that offer training and competition, and the art continues to evolve and adapt as practitioners discover new techniques and strategies.