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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu History: Jiu-Jitsu, the oldest form of martial arts, originated in India more than 4,000 years ago. It spread through China and eventually settled in Japan. In 1914, Japanese jiu-jitsu champion Esai Maeda arrived in Brazil to help establish a Japanese immigration colony in that developing country. He was aided by Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish decent. To show his gratitude, the oriental master taught the basic secrets of that ancient fighting style to Gastao's son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos taught Maeda's techniques to his brothers: Oswaldo, Gastao, Jorge and Helio and in 1925 they opened the first jiu-jitsu Academy in Botafogo, a district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the fastest growing martial arts style in the U.S. today. Brought to the U.S. by members of the Gracie family, it was popularized by its level of success in the Ultimate Fighting Championship series and Vale Tudo (no rules) Fighting competitions. It is an extremely effective martial art system for one-on-one engagements. |