FROM SAMURAI TO MODERN SPORT: THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has captivated martial arts enthusiasts worldwide with its effective techniques and strategic approach. BJJ is one of the few martial arts that delivers in terms of a smaller individual able to defeat a larger, less skilled opponent in combat. But did you know that the roots of this grappling art trace back to ancient Japan and the samurai warriors who wore plated armor? In this article, we embark on an exhilarating journey through time to uncover the captivating history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, from its origins in feudal Japan to its evolution as a global sport and the most effective self-defense system known to date.
The Way of the Samurai: The Birth of Jiu Jitsu
To understand the beginnings of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we must first dive into the world of the ancient Samurai, Japan's revered warrior class. Due to the use of plated armor, striking an enemy without a weapon was virtually useless. Unlike striking, the joint locks of Jiu Jitsu remain mostly effective if your opponent is in plated armor. Thus these elite fighters sought effective hand-to-hand combat techniques outside of striking to supplement their skills with weapons. Thus, Jiu Jitsu, also known as "the gentle art," was born. It focused on using leverage and technique to overcome opponents, regardless of their size, strength & armor.
The Gracie Family: A Brazilian Revolution
The transformative chapter in the history of Jiu Jitsu begins with the arrival of Mitsuyo Maeda, a skilled Japanese Judoka, in Brazil. At the time Judo was the flag bearer for the ancient techniques of Jiu Jitsu. Judo was also a fundamental practice for Samurai. In the early 20th century, Maeda taught Jiu Jitsu in Brazil to Carlos Gracie, who, along with his brothers, adapted and refined the techniques. Carlos's son, Helio Gracie, made significant contributions by developing techniques suitable for smaller individuals, emphasizing leverage and positional control. The effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu combined with the information gap of the average Brazilian in martial arts, led to an overnight explosion of the Gracie family being undefeatable in hand to hand combat.
The Rise of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Open Challenges and World Domination
The Gracie family's dedication and passion for Jiu Jitsu led to the establishment of the first Gracie Jiu Jitsu academy in Rio de Janeiro. Seeking to prove the effectiveness of their art, the Gracies issued open challenges to fighters from different martial arts backgrounds. These challenges, known as the Gracie Challenges, showcased the dominance of Jiu Jitsu and ignited its rise in popularity. Many of these matches can be viewed on youtube. Click the following link to see some of our personal favorites! Unseen Gracie Challenge Fights
The Birth of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Jiu Jitsu gained global recognition when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was launched in 1993. The excitement for this event was like no other, due to its revolutionary rule set. The early UFC events were no-holds-barred competitions that allowed fighters from various disciplines to test their skills against each other. Royce Gracie, representing Jiu Jitsu, emerged victorious, defeating opponents of all sizes and backgrounds. This pivotal moment in MMA history solidified Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as an essential component of any well-rounded fighter's arsenal. Even now it is considered impossible to be competitive in the UFC without solid skills in BJJ. Watch the first UFC on YouTube here: UFC 1 The Beginning
Jiu Jitsu Today: A Worldwide Phenomenon
The impact of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to reverberate worldwide both on and off the mats. BJJ academies have sprouted across the globe, attracting practitioners from diverse backgrounds and age groups. The art's emphasis on technique, leverage, and grappling has revolutionized the martial arts landscape. Today, BJJ is practiced not only as a competitive sport but also as a practical self-defense system, with practitioners of all ages and genders benefiting from its physical and mental effects.
The journey of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from the Samurai warriors of ancient Japan to the global phenomenon it is today is a testament to its effectiveness, adaptability, and enduring appeal. Rooted in the noble traditions of the samurai and nurtured by the passion and dedication of the Gracie family and many others, BJJ has become an art form that empowers individuals, enhances physical fitness, and instills unwavering confidence all while imparting life lessons. As we celebrate the exhilarating history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we look forward to witnessing its continued growth in the martial arts landscape as well as an evolution of the art itself.
