Jiu jitsu is one of the most widely practiced martial arts globally, do you know how it began?
We must start from the beginning, as jiu jitsu is an art mostly derived the art of judo. Kanō Jigorō was the inventor of this martial art, and he developed many of the practices and principles of modern day martial arts. He implemented the dan ranking system to show skill level differences among st his disciples, and he also lived by the motto 'maximum efficiency with minimal effort.' Judo and BJJ both focus on minimizing exertion and using leverage as opposed to brute force, these elements make jiu jitsu an art of flow, and more universally respected than more barbaric combat arts.
Mitsuyo Maeda was a disciple of Jigorō, yet he parted ways with his clan of judokas as they disapproved of his prize fighting career. The Japanese martial artists of that era were very traditional and principled, they would not want to use their skill for glory, or anything other than defense and spiritual harmony. Regardless, Maeda took his own route in life and actually traveled across the globe fighting for money and teaching judo to anyone whom wanted to learn. Our history lesson in essence begins here, as Maeda's arrival to Brazil changed his life and the modern world forever!
Maeda fell in love with Brazilian culture, and actually became naturalized to the nation with his new name Otávio Maeda. Upon meeting governors of Brazil, he met the one man who'd change his existence forever...this man's name was Gastao Gracie. He was father to Carlos and Helio Gracie, although Helio was only a baby once Carlos started to train with Maeda. The Brazilians had their grappling techniques, but with Maeda's help, the gentle art was truly born....Carlos absorbed everything and eventually opened his own gym in 1925.
Carlos is the father to many of the old era Gracies whom are seen as legends today. Helio Gracie had 10 children, and Carlos had an astounding 21 children! hey created a legacy of Gracie's whom cemented bjj for the modern world, Rickson and Rolles and Royce were all born to Helio, and that is why Helio is always the more recognizable brother between him and Carlos, but remember that Carlos was the originator of true jits. We know live in a time of absolute legends in John Danaher and his death squad, along with the Renzo Gracie lineage whom runs the bjj world today. Hopefully this gives some insight into the origin, and importance of this mixed martial art. See you soon!
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