Some historians of Jiu-Jitsu say that the origins of "the gentle art" can be traced back to India, and
was practiced by Buddhist Monks. Concerned with self-defense, these monks created techniques based
upon principles of balance and leverage, and a system of manipulating the body in a manner where
one could avoid relying upon strength or weapons. With the expansion of Buddhism, Jiu-Jitsu spread
from Southwest Asia to China, finally arriving in Japan where it developed and gained further
popularity.
In the last days of the 19th century, some Jiu-Jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents,
teaching the martial arts, as well as competing in fights and competitions. Esai Maeda Koma, also
known as "Conde Koma," was one such master. After traveling with a troupe which fought in various
countries in Europe and the Americas, Koma arrived in Brazil in 1915, and settled in Belem do Para the
next year, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie. The father of eight children,among them five
boys and three girls, Gastao became a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn
to fight from the Japanese master.
For a naturally frail fifteen-year old Carlos Gracie, Jiu-Jitsu became a method not simply for fighting,
but for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family and began
teaching and competing in the martial arts. In his travels, Carlos would teach classes, and also proved
the efficiency of the art by beating adversaries in competitions who were more physically strong. In
1925, he returned to Rio and opened the first school, known as the "Academia Gracie de Jiu Jitsu."
Since then, Carlos started to share his knowledge to his brothers, adapting and refining the techniques
to the naturally weaker characteristics of his family. Also, Carlos taught them his philosophies of life as
well as his concepts of natural nutrition. Eventually, Carlos became a pioneer in creating a special diet
for athletes, "the Gracie diet," which transformed Jiu-Jitsu into a term synonymous with health. Having
created an efficient self defense system, Carlos Gracie saw in the art a way to become a man who was
more tolerant, respectful, and self-confident. With a goal of proving Jiu-Jitsu's superiority as well as to
build a family tradition, Carlos challenged the greatest fighters of his time, as well as managing the
fighting careers of his brothers. Fighting opponents fifty or sixty pounds heavier, the Gracies quickly
gained recognition and prestige.
Attracted to the new market which was opened around Jiu-Jitsu, many Japanese practitioners came to
Rio, but none were able to establish schools as successful as the Gracies. This was due to the fact that
the Japanese stylists were more focused on takedowns and throws, and the Jiu-Jitsu the Gracies
practiced had more sophisticated ground fighting and submission techniques. Carlos and his brothers
changed the techniques in such a way that it completely altered the complexion of the international Jiu-
Jitsu principles. These techniques were so distinctive to Carlos and his brothers that the sport became
attached to a national identity, and is now commonly known as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu," practiced by
martial artists all over the world, including Japan.
With the creation of a official body overseeing the administration of the sport, the rules and the
ranking system started the era of sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Today, Jiu-Jitsu is much more
organized, with an International and National Federation, founded by Carlos Gracie Jr. Through his
work with the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlos Gracie Jr. contributed to the growth of the
sport by holding some of the first organized competitions. Currently, the Confederation holds
competitions in Brazil, the United States, Europe, and Asia, realizing Carlos' original dream to spread
Jiu-Jitsu around the world.
- By Steve "Sakuriba" Kim
The application of traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu transcends the practice of chokes, joint locks
immobilizations, throws and strikes. A true Gracie philosophy prepares men, women and children for
life, showing them paths to a healthier life and the most effective use of physical, mental and spiritual
strength. Eating well is Jiu-Jitsu, taking care of your body is Jiu-Jitsu, saying no to cigarettes, alcohol
and drugs is Jiu-Jitsu, as well as keeping a close bond with relatives and friends. This philosophy,
which can be called a “way of life”, has been propagated by Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie for
almost a century.
was practiced by Buddhist Monks. Concerned with self-defense, these monks created techniques based
upon principles of balance and leverage, and a system of manipulating the body in a manner where
one could avoid relying upon strength or weapons. With the expansion of Buddhism, Jiu-Jitsu spread
from Southwest Asia to China, finally arriving in Japan where it developed and gained further
popularity.
In the last days of the 19th century, some Jiu-Jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents,
teaching the martial arts, as well as competing in fights and competitions. Esai Maeda Koma, also
known as "Conde Koma," was one such master. After traveling with a troupe which fought in various
countries in Europe and the Americas, Koma arrived in Brazil in 1915, and settled in Belem do Para the
next year, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie. The father of eight children,among them five
boys and three girls, Gastao became a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn
to fight from the Japanese master.
For a naturally frail fifteen-year old Carlos Gracie, Jiu-Jitsu became a method not simply for fighting,
but for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family and began
teaching and competing in the martial arts. In his travels, Carlos would teach classes, and also proved
the efficiency of the art by beating adversaries in competitions who were more physically strong. In
1925, he returned to Rio and opened the first school, known as the "Academia Gracie de Jiu Jitsu."
Since then, Carlos started to share his knowledge to his brothers, adapting and refining the techniques
to the naturally weaker characteristics of his family. Also, Carlos taught them his philosophies of life as
well as his concepts of natural nutrition. Eventually, Carlos became a pioneer in creating a special diet
for athletes, "the Gracie diet," which transformed Jiu-Jitsu into a term synonymous with health. Having
created an efficient self defense system, Carlos Gracie saw in the art a way to become a man who was
more tolerant, respectful, and self-confident. With a goal of proving Jiu-Jitsu's superiority as well as to
build a family tradition, Carlos challenged the greatest fighters of his time, as well as managing the
fighting careers of his brothers. Fighting opponents fifty or sixty pounds heavier, the Gracies quickly
gained recognition and prestige.
Attracted to the new market which was opened around Jiu-Jitsu, many Japanese practitioners came to
Rio, but none were able to establish schools as successful as the Gracies. This was due to the fact that
the Japanese stylists were more focused on takedowns and throws, and the Jiu-Jitsu the Gracies
practiced had more sophisticated ground fighting and submission techniques. Carlos and his brothers
changed the techniques in such a way that it completely altered the complexion of the international Jiu-
Jitsu principles. These techniques were so distinctive to Carlos and his brothers that the sport became
attached to a national identity, and is now commonly known as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu," practiced by
martial artists all over the world, including Japan.
With the creation of a official body overseeing the administration of the sport, the rules and the
ranking system started the era of sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Today, Jiu-Jitsu is much more
organized, with an International and National Federation, founded by Carlos Gracie Jr. Through his
work with the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlos Gracie Jr. contributed to the growth of the
sport by holding some of the first organized competitions. Currently, the Confederation holds
competitions in Brazil, the United States, Europe, and Asia, realizing Carlos' original dream to spread
Jiu-Jitsu around the world.
- By Steve "Sakuriba" Kim
The application of traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu transcends the practice of chokes, joint locks
immobilizations, throws and strikes. A true Gracie philosophy prepares men, women and children for
life, showing them paths to a healthier life and the most effective use of physical, mental and spiritual
strength. Eating well is Jiu-Jitsu, taking care of your body is Jiu-Jitsu, saying no to cigarettes, alcohol
and drugs is Jiu-Jitsu, as well as keeping a close bond with relatives and friends. This philosophy,
which can be called a “way of life”, has been propagated by Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie for
almost a century.
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Philosophy
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