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There are dozens of styles of martial arts, and while most originated in Asia and Europe, other countries have made a huge mark in the progression of martial arts. In Brazil, for instance, the art of Jiu-Jitsu has evolved into a premiere skill and a key component of today's mixed martial arts fighting.
Jiu-Jitsu is a combat sport that originated as part of Kodokan judo in Japan. Jiu-Jitsu involves grappling and ground fighting, which is why it is such a key part of MMA. It emphasizes the idea that smaller fighters, using key techniques such as chokeholds and joint-locks, can successfully best a larger opponent.
One of Kodokan judo's most skilled practitioners, Mitsuyo Maeda, brought the sport to Brazil just under a century ago. Maeda had been on a world tour, introducing the sport to many countries. During a demonstration in Brazil, the art caught the eye of Carlos Gracie, the son of a circus promoter. He introduced himself to Maeda and become one this master's students.
After training with Maeda, Carlos Gracie teamed with his brothers to open a martial arts academy that emphasized Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The Gracie academy opened in 1925, and the brothers began training dozens of willing students. The Gracies also held competitions, inviting fighters of any fighting style to come and challenge the Gracie fighters. In nearly every no-holds barred bout, the Gracie fighters easily beat their opponents. The advantages of learning of Jiu-Jitsu became clear very quickly, and the sport grew exponentially throughout Brazil.
The youngest Gracie brother, Helio, had a huge impact on the martial art's development. Because Helio was physically weak, Carlos Gracie wanted to protect him from injury and did not allow him to fight at the Gracie school. However, Helio was a keen observer and watched his brothers teach classes and train fighters. Through his observations, he began privately building his Jiu-Jitsu skills and eventually began taking on his older brothers in fights. It was soon obvious that he was highly skilled and had improved upon and enhanced the lessons already taught by his brothers. He became both an instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. In addition to the Gracies, there are other fighters and families that have had a huge impact on the development of the art, including Oswaldo Fadda, the Machado Family and Luis Franca.
Royce Gracie was one of the first to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the attention of Americans. Using his extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as the second and fourth UFC titles. From there, it was only a matter of time until BJJ became a huge part of mixed martial arts training.
Jiu-Jitsu is a combat sport that originated as part of Kodokan judo in Japan. Jiu-Jitsu involves grappling and ground fighting, which is why it is such a key part of MMA. It emphasizes the idea that smaller fighters, using key techniques such as chokeholds and joint-locks, can successfully best a larger opponent.
One of Kodokan judo's most skilled practitioners, Mitsuyo Maeda, brought the sport to Brazil just under a century ago. Maeda had been on a world tour, introducing the sport to many countries. During a demonstration in Brazil, the art caught the eye of Carlos Gracie, the son of a circus promoter. He introduced himself to Maeda and become one this master's students.
After training with Maeda, Carlos Gracie teamed with his brothers to open a martial arts academy that emphasized Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The Gracie academy opened in 1925, and the brothers began training dozens of willing students. The Gracies also held competitions, inviting fighters of any fighting style to come and challenge the Gracie fighters. In nearly every no-holds barred bout, the Gracie fighters easily beat their opponents. The advantages of learning of Jiu-Jitsu became clear very quickly, and the sport grew exponentially throughout Brazil.
The youngest Gracie brother, Helio, had a huge impact on the martial art's development. Because Helio was physically weak, Carlos Gracie wanted to protect him from injury and did not allow him to fight at the Gracie school. However, Helio was a keen observer and watched his brothers teach classes and train fighters. Through his observations, he began privately building his Jiu-Jitsu skills and eventually began taking on his older brothers in fights. It was soon obvious that he was highly skilled and had improved upon and enhanced the lessons already taught by his brothers. He became both an instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. In addition to the Gracies, there are other fighters and families that have had a huge impact on the development of the art, including Oswaldo Fadda, the Machado Family and Luis Franca.
Royce Gracie was one of the first to bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the attention of Americans. Using his extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as the second and fourth UFC titles. From there, it was only a matter of time until BJJ became a huge part of mixed martial arts training.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. For more information about jiu jitsu San Diego or to find local jiu jitsu classes, please check out The Arena MMA website today.
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