Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Self Defense - Part 2 (History)

Well, here is part 2 of the BJJ/Self Defense blog, it took a little longer to get to than I wanted, but here it is! I want to focus today on the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of martial arts that is based on ground fighting. Unlike most other forms that emphasize fighting from a standing position and using kicks, punches, etc. this form teaches how to fight on the ground and from the back, which is different from other forms of ground fighting. Students of the art learn how to takedown their opponent, how to defend takedowns, control the fighting from the ground, and submissions. BJJ fighters are taught to become comfortable with a position called guard which is what sets it apart from other forms of ground fighting. Guard-position is wrapping one's legs around an opponent to limit their mobility, this allows the fighter to fight from their back successfully. BJJ has a very good reputation in the fighting/martial arts world and many MMA fighters take up BJJ to add to their repertoire because of the success rates in using it.

But where did it start?

History
The history of Jiu Jitsu is unique. Over 400 years ago, monks from northern India were traveling and spreading their message. Monks are peaceful people but were subject to attacks that were common to travelers. Being peaceful people they wanted to be able to defend themselves without killing others. They developed a form of grappling that did just this, focusing on using leverage and balance as opposed to force and weapons . It allowed them to subdue their opponents without killing them. Eventually, this form made its way to Japan where it was improved upon and received the name Jujutsu or jiu jitsu.An interesting fact is that Judo is actually a derivative of Jiu Jitsu.

Centuries later, Mitsuyo Maeda, who was a Kodokan Judo master traveled to Brazil in 1914 and stayed in the home of Gasatao Gracie.  Gasatao assisted Maeda with business in while he was in Brazil and in return/appreciation Maeda taught Gasato's oldest son Carlos Gracie the art of judo. Carlos then taught the are to other family members. Even his youngest brother, Helio.

Helio was a naturally small child. He was at a disadvantage because much of Judo favored the strongest/largest fighter. He created his own version of Maeda's teachings that focused on the leverage over strength and focused on the ability to fight from the back on the ground. Helio's version of Maeda's teachings is what we know today as, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Helio Gracie's son, Royce, showed the world how beneficial and successful Jiu Jitsu was by winning the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on November 12, 1993. He also went on to win 3 of the first 4 UFC Championships. That is a great example if you ask me :)

Again, I cannot emphasize enough the confidence that studying martial arts in any form can give. Provided you find the right instructor and club to learn from. Helio Gracie was at a disadvantage while fighting his brothers because he was so small, but he was able to develop a craft that helped him win regardless of his size.

I want to take this time to congratulate RRBJJ on their self-defense demonstration last night at Bright Ideas Charter School. They did great and you could tell the children there enjoyed it. Good job guys! I have to say I became a blubbering mess ( literally) when seeing the confidence in Keonte last night. 7-8 months ago when we joined he would have never been out their, let alone doing a demonstration and teaching other kids how to do this. I am forever grateful.

Great Job guys!