The History of Jiu Jitsu: From Its Origins to the Brazilian Revolution

The Journey of Jiu Jitsu: From Ancient Origins to World Domination

Jiu Jitsu is much more than a martial art – it is a philosophy of life, a method of combat and an expression of the constant evolution of human beings in the search for efficiency and strategy. But how did this art form emerge and transform over time until it became the global phenomenon we know today?

The Roots in Japan

The term "Jiu Jitsu" has Japanese origins and can be translated as "gentle art". Its history dates back to the samurai of feudal Japan, who needed effective techniques to defend themselves in hand-to-hand combat when they were without their weapons. This set of movements emphasized levers, throws and immobilizations, allowing warriors to face stronger opponents with technique and precision.

For centuries, Jiu Jitsu was passed down from master to student within Japanese martial arts schools. However, in the late 19th century, one of his most notable disciples, Jigoro Kano, created Judo by modifying and refining some techniques from traditional Jiu Jitsu. It was from this moment that the art began to expand beyond Japan.

Arrival in Brazil

In the early 20th century, Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Judo master, traveled the world demonstrating his art and competing against fighters of various styles. In 1914, Maeda arrived in Brazil, where he met Gastão Gracie, a businessman and martial arts enthusiast. As a way of gratitude, Maeda taught his fighting system to Gastão's son, Carlos Gracie.

Carlos, along with his brothers – especially Hélio Gracie – began to refine and adapt Jiu Jitsu techniques to favor smaller and lighter fighters, emphasizing the use of technique over brute strength. Thus was born Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) , a revolutionary style that placed efficiency and strategy above physical power.

The Evolution of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

With the popularization of the Gracie family academies and those of other great masters, Jiu Jitsu began to spread throughout Brazil and, later, throughout the world. Competitions began to emerge, new techniques were developed and the sport began to gain its own identity, differentiating itself from traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

The real turning point came in the 1990s with the rise of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) . Royce Gracie, a thin and seemingly frail fighter, shocked the world by winning the first UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) tournament against much larger and stronger opponents. His performance proved that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was one of the most effective forms of hand-to-hand combat.

Jiu Jitsu Today: A Global Sport

Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is practiced on every continent, with thousands of academies spread across the world. The sport has grown to the point of having prestigious international championships, such as the IBJJF World Championship, ADCC and Abu Dhabi World Pro .

Furthermore, Jiu Jitsu has ceased to be just a martial art and has become a lifestyle. Many practitioners see the sport as a form of discipline, self-improvement and personal development. The Jiu Jitsu community is strong, united and ever-growing, establishing itself as one of the greatest expressions of the human spirit of adaptation and progress.

Conclusion

Jiu Jitsu has come a long way from its roots in Japan to become a global phenomenon. Its evolution reflects the constant pursuit of excellence and adaptation to the needs of modern times. Today, whether in high-level competitions or in academies around the world, Jiu Jitsu continues to shape and transform lives.

If you practice Jiu Jitsu, you are part of this story. And if you haven't started yet, it's never too late to join this journey! Oss!