- Around 1000 B.C.- Jiu-Jitsu (the oldest form of all martial arts) was invented by monks in India where later it found its way through china and all the way to Japan.
- Adopted by the Samurais (Japanese Royal Guards) as a superior form of self-defense and a form of life, which highlighted their own code of conduct known as “Bushido” (way of the warrior).
- With the end of the feudal system in Japan, Jiu-Jitsu was abolished and different forms of the art emerged out of it such as Karate, Judo, and Aikido.
- In 1914 a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Champion named Esai Maeda migrated to Brazil where he was fundamental in establishing a Japanese immigrant community.
- Maeda’s efforts were aided by Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian politician. As an expression of his appreciation, Maeda taught Gracies oldest son Carlos the secrets of the ancient martial art.
- 1925 the first Gracie Academy opens its doors to the public in Rio de Janeiro.
- Helio, the youngest brother of Carlos revolutionizes Jiu-Jitsu. Because of his small frame, he began to adapt the basic Jiu-Jitsu techniques to the new and more effective “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu”.
- 1940-2004, Gracie family members win numerous “no rule” challenges against other martial artists two to three times their size, launching Jiu-Jitsu back on the top. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (as many people refer to it) takes over the world of Martial Arts
- 1990-2004 Gracie clan are responsible for teaching Swat Teams, FBI, CIA, and Navy Seals, among other military and law enforcement departments.
Ancient History
Jiu-Jitsu is the oldest form of martial arts. Known as “the Mother of Martial Arts”, it was invented by monks in India around 2000 years ago where it found its way through china and Japan. In Japan, the Samurai (Royal Guards) incorporated JJ to their own code of conduct known as Bushido (way of the warrior). Recognizing its stealth and smooth techniques, the Japanese named JJ “the Gentle Way”. This superior form of self defense highlighted the importance of loyalty, justice, manners, purity, modesty, honor, self confidence and respect. Ultimately, JJ was adopted by the Samurai as a form of living and as their main combat style. With the end of the feudal system in Japan, JJ came close to extinction before it went underground.
Jiu-jitsu eventually earned a bad reputation for itself. Injuries were frequent and schools had turned into places where only the toughest and roughest of men could endure. The teaching was often disorganized and didn't follow a logical set of concepts and principles because it was a form of combat in the battlefield. Due to its association with the Samurai, it was perceived by many as a lethal form of self defense. Far from being a sport at that time, jiu-jitsu was abolished and then re-emerged into different forms of martial arts such as Karate, Aikido, and Judo. These new arts were missing essential pieces of what the true art of Jiu-Jitsu originally held. With the coming of end for the Samurai, the gun replaced the sword, and new sportive ways to practice martial arts were developed. However, the true teaching of ancient Jiu-Jitsu was kept a secret among traditional martial art schools in Japan.
Modern Jiu-Jitsu & the Gracie Family
It wasn't until the combative art of Jiu-Jitsu made its journey half way around the world to Brazil that the Gracie family brought it back to life. It all began when a Japanese man by the name of, Esai Maeda, migrated to Brazil in 1914, where he was influential in establishing a Japanese immigrant community. His efforts were aided by Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish descent. Maeda, happened to be a master in the art of Jiu-Jitsu, and as an expression of his gratitude for Gracie's assistance, Maeda taught the Brazilian's oldest son, Carlos, the essential secrets of the ancient martial art. In 1925, Carlos opened up the first Jiu-Jitsu academy in Brazil teaching his four brothers: Oswaldo, Gastao, Jorge, and Helio. They all made a name for the family by fighting in several demonstrations and street fights using the techniques of "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu". Helio Gracie became the most skilled fighter in the Gracie family. Although he was small framed, he began to adapt the basic Jiu-Jitsu techniques to work for his frail body's benefit. Through trial and error, he improved the execution of leverage in the techniques which made it possible for a smaller opponent to defeat a larger one. Helio began the progression and modification of the new and more effective art of "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu". Helio’s sons Rickson, Royce and Royler
later took Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the world winning numerous “no rule” challenges against other martial artist forms with practitioners that were two or three times thier size.
Because the Gracie family is from Brazil, many people around the world now refer to Gracie JJ as Brazilian JJ.
"Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" suddenly had a huge rush in popularity as people realized that this was one of the most effective fighting styles to ever come along. Today, many Hollywood stars such as Bruce Willis, Danny Glover, Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris and Ed O’neal train in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie clan also choreographs many fighting scenes in Hollywood blockbuster movies (such as Lethal Weapon, Bourne Identity). Rickson, Royce, Royler, Renzo and Ralf Gracie are responsible for teaching SWAT Teams, FBI, CIA, and Navy Seals, among other military and law enforcement departments.
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