Brief history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting.  It is predominately grappling and uses leverage based techniques including chokes and joint locks.  BJJ has evolved into a sport with rules (including that you are not allowed to strike) but was originally designed for self defence.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu evolved from traditional Japanese Jui Jitsu and Judo.  Mitsuyo Esai Maeda (1878-1941, he was also known as Conde Koma which translates to Count Combat), was a champion of Japanese Jiu Jitsu and a direct student of Jigoro Kano (1830-1938).  Kano modified Japanese Jiu Jitsu in the late 1800's and called it Judo.  Judo is still a popular sport to this day and focuses mainly on throwing techniques.

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In 1914 Maeda travelled to Brazil and befriended Gastão Gracie who helped him get established in Brazil.  To show his gratitude Maeda offered to teach Japanese Jiu Jitsu to Gastão's eldest son Carlos.  Carlos Gracie (1902-1994) learned for a few years and eventually passed on his knowledge to his brothers including his rather physically frail youngest brother Helio Gracie (1913-2009).  Helio modified the moves so they would work for his frail physique and is largely recognised as the creator of Brazilian/Gracie Jiu Jitsu.  Helio passed down his knowledge to his sons the oldest being Rorion Gracie (1952-present) who went on to create the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993.  Helio also taught his Grandsons including the world renowned BJJ teacher and practitioner Ryron Gracie (1983-present).  Below is a photograph taken by my wife of Ryron Gracie (on the left) with me (on the right.)  This was taken in 2016 after Ryron and I had just had a lengthy coaching and sparring session.  Needless to say, Ryron won.       

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Here at WSH Self Defence we focus on BJJ as a system of self defence rather than as a sport.  It is suitable for anyone and is a fun effective system that is very effective for self defence.  For more information about this amazing martial art contact us now.