LEGACY TRAINING FOR LIFELONG SKILLS

What is Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

Master Hélio Gracie

HISTORY OF GRACIE JIU-JITSU.

Jiu-Jitsu, the oldest martial  art, can be traced back to India where it was invented by Buddhist  monks. These monks developed movements based on balance and leverage, in  a manner that would avoid reliance on strength and weapons. Jiu -Jitsu  later found its way through China and to Japan where it gained even more  popularity. Adopted by the Samurais, the Japanese Royal Guards, as a  superior form of self-defense, the martial art highlighted their own  code of conduct known as Bushido, the “way of the warrior”. Centered  around core values including loyalty, justice, manners, purity, modesty,  honor, self confidence and respect, the Japanese named the smooth  techniques “jiu jitsu” meaning “the gentle art.” With the end of the  feudal system in Japan,Jiu-Jitsu split into different styles, including  Aikido, Karate, Judo etc.

In 1914, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu  champion Esai Maeda migrated to Brazil, where he was instrumental in  establishing a Japanese immigrant community. His efforts were aided by  Gastão Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish descent.  Grateful for Gracie’s assistance, Maeda taught the Brazilian’s oldest  son, Carlos, the secrets of the ancient martial art. Carlos then taught  Maeda’s techniques to his four brothers, and in 1925, they opened the  first Jiu-Jitsu academy in Brazil. For the Gracie brothers, teaching the  art was more than an occupation. It was their passion.

One of the brothers, Helio  Gracie, paid special interest to the use of the techniques. Helio, small  framed, only 135 pounds, and in frail health, was 16 when he began  learning Jiu itsu. Unable to participate in class, he often sat and  watched his older brother teach. One day when Carlos was unable to make  it to class, Helio was asked to instruct. He did remarkably well and,  because of his size and stature, he began to adapt the basic rules of  jiu-jitsu. He introduced the application of leverage to the art, making  it possible for a smaller opponent to defeat a larger one. He began  experimenting, modifying and enhancing the basic techniques, making them  effective for a person regardless of stature. Thus began the  development of a new and more effective art – Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. GJJ is a  martial art that continuously evolves, as its techniques are based on  efficiency and practicality, not on ancient rule book set in stone.

Today, Jiu-Jitsu has left its  imprint worldwide and is the fastest growing martial art. The ability to  defeat an opponent without the use of violence has empowered the  students of Jiu-Jitsu both physically and mentally, on and off the mat.

Today, jiu-jitsu has left its  imprint worldwide and is the fastest growing martial art. The ability to  defeat an opponent without the use of violence has empowered the  students of Jiu-Jitsu both physically and mentally, on and off the mat.