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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Japanese art with a South American flare
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (jujitsu) began in the early 20th century when Judo practioner (Judoka) Mitsuo Maeda emigrated from Japan to Brazil in 1914. The Brazilian politician Gastao Gracie helped Maeda get established in his new country. In return for this assistance, Maeda taught Jiu-jitsu to Gastao's son Carlos. Carlos Gracie taught his brothers Helio, Jorge, Gastao Jr. and Osvaldo.
In 1925 the Gracie brothers opened their first Jiu-jitsu school. Originally the training was very similar to the way Judo was practiced in Japan in that opponents would resist techniques rather than go along with them, thus encouraging more realistic training. It wasn't long before the Gracie brothers evolved their art to include no-rules fights outside of weight limits in public challenges and on the street. Concentrating more on submission ground fighting from the guard position, a smaller man was able to defeat bigger opponents.
Jiu-jitsu is first and foremost an on-the-mat ground-fighting martial art where the strategy of fighters is to strive for improved positions leading to control and submission of their opponent. Chokes and arm locks are common techniques used for submission.
A typical class will have students go through warm ups, conditioning, technique practice with a partner and free sparring. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is an excellent art for developing strength, flexibility, confidence and, of course, martial ability regardless of a student's size!
