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History
In 1914 a Japanese Judo and jiu-jitsu master named Mitsuo Maeda (also referred to as Count Koma) moved to Brazil. Koma taught jiu-jitsu to Gastao's son Carlos in return for help from the Brazilian politician Gastao Gracie. Carlos then taught his brothers (most notably Helio). They went on to refine the art through no-rules competition, developing what is now known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
It is possible that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the premier ground-fighting martial art. Made famous by Royce Gracie in the early UFCs in the mid-1990's, it specializes in submission grappling when both fighters are on the ground. Techniques include positional control (especially the "guard" position), and submissions such as chokes and arm locks.
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What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu was originally developed in Japan during the Feudal period. Many different variations of the art took shape — including Karate, Aikido, and Judo. Soon the Samurai began to fade into history as the gun replaced the sword. It wasn't until the sport art of Judo and the combat art of Jiu-Jitsu were introduced to the Gracie family in Brazil in 1915 that the real art of Jiu-Jitsu would be brought to life and transformed into the style we now refer to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and chokeholds. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground. Once on the ground, proper leverage and technique makes BJJ a powerful weapon in self-defense situations.
BJJ provides a great work out — mentally and physically — and can help build self-confidence and a sense of security knowing you are more able to handle yourself if put into a confrontational situation.
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