History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport, and self-defence system that emphasises grappling, ground fighting, and the use of technique to overcome strength.
Its principles revolve around leverage, balance and strategy, making it a highly effective way for smaller individuals to neutralize larger opponents. But to fully appreciate what BJJ is today, we must look back at its fascinating history and evolution.
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?
At its core, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on taking an opponent to the ground, controlling them and applying joint locks or chokeholds to achieve victory. It is often referred to as "the gentle art" because it relies on technique rather than brute strength.
BJJ is also a mental game, often compared to physical chess. Practitioners must think several moves ahead, adapting their strategy in real time to counter their opponent’s actions. This combination of physical and mental challenges makes Jiu Jitsu a lifelong pursuit for many.
The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu’s roots can be traced back to Japan, where it was practiced by samurai as a means of unarmed combat. Known as "jujutsu" (which translates to “gentle art”), it emphasised using an opponent’s energy against them through throws, joint manipulations and pindowns. These techniques were developed to be effective against armoured opponents, where strikes would have limited impact.
The Journey to Brazil
The story of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began in the early 20th century when a Japanese judo practitioner, Mitsuyo Maeda, travelled the world to demonstrate and teach his martial art. Maeda eventually settled in Brazil, where he met Gastão Gracie, a businessman who helped him establish his presence in the country. In return, Maeda taught judo to Gastão’s sons, including Carlos Gracie.
Japanese judo practitioner, Mitsuyo Maeda
Carlos Gracie, along with his brother Hélio Gracie, adapted Maeda’s teachings to create what we now know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While Carlos focused on the technical aspects, Hélio, who was smaller and physically weaker, refined techniques to rely less on strength and more on leverage and efficiency. This adaptation became the foundation of modern BJJ.
The Growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Gracie family began teaching their martial art in Brazil, where it gained popularity through challenge matches. These no-holds-barred fights, known as "vale tudo," showcased the effectiveness of BJJ against other fighting styles. The family’s success in these matches cemented their reputation and spread awareness of the art.
In the 1990s, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained international recognition with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Royce Gracie, representing BJJ, defeated much larger opponents from various martial arts backgrounds, proving the effectiveness of the gentle art in real combat scenarios. This sparked a global interest in BJJ and its practical applications.
Modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Today, BJJ is practiced worldwide as both a sport and a self-defence system. It has evolved into distinct gi and no-gi variations, with competitions held at local, national, and international levels. Organisations like the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ) govern many of these events while submission-only and professional grappling events continue to push the boundaries of the sport, such as ADCC and Craig Jones Invitational (CJI).
Beyond competition, BJJ is celebrated for its accessibility and inclusivity. People of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels can train and benefit from the art, which promotes physical fitness, mental resilience, and a supportive community.
Rooted in Japanese traditions and refined in Brazil, BJJ has become a global phenomenon that continues to inspire and empower individuals around the world. Whether you’re looking to defend yourself, get in shape or challenge your mind, BJJ offers something for everyone. Step onto the mats and discover the gentle art for yourself.
If you are starting Jiu Jitsu for the first time, we recommend starting with an Intro to BJJ class. It is a 30-minute complimentary private class designed to help people learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time to understand the basic movements and concepts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and simple techniques for self-defence.