Brazilian jujutsu is a martial art and combat sport that teaches a smaller person how to defend himself against a larger adversary by using leverage and proper technique. The Gracie family, the founders of Brazilian jujutsu, modified judo and traditional Japanese jujutsu to create the art. It contains stand-up maneuvers, but it is most famous for its devastating ground-fighting techniques. Gaining superior positioning so one can apply the styles numerous chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations on an opponent is the key in Brazlian jujutsu.

Brazilian jujutsus roots began in the early 1900s. Esai Maeda, the chief of a Japanese immigration colony who was assigned to Brazil, befriended Gastao Gracie. Maeda, a former jujutsu champion in Japan, taught the art to Gracies son, Carlos. In 1925, Carlos and his four brothers opened the first jujutsu school in Brazil. Carlos younger brother, Helio, adjusted the techniques to suit his small frame, and thereby created Brazilian jujutsu. In the early 80s, Helios son, Rorion, planted the seeds of BJJ in the United States, where the art has become immensely popular.


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