Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu History:

Jiu-Jitsu, which means gentle art, is one of the oldest martial arts. It originated in India more than 2000 years ago. It is believed that monks who could not use any type of weapons to defend their lives against barbarian attacks first developed the techniques that are used today. It spread through China, and eventually took root and was elaborated on in Japan becoming the first martial art style. The samurai clans in Japan adopted Jiu-Jitsu as their own traditional style to defeat an opponent regardless of the situation. With the passing years, they split the techniques and developed other martial arts styles, such as judo, aikido, karate, etc.

In 1914, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu champion and Kano judo practitioner (black belt) Esai Maeda, also known as count Koma, migrated to Brazil, where he was instrumental in establishing a Japanese immigrant community. Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish descent, aided his efforts. 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 arts technique. Carlos taught Maeda’s techniques to his four brothers, and in 1925 they opened the first Jiu-Jitsu academy in Brazil.