Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has its roots in Japan, but has since become a global phenomenon. BJJ is a grappling-based sport that emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds, and has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world. In this article, we will explore the history of BJJ and how it has evolved into the sport it is today.
- Early Origins: BJJ is a direct descendant of Judo, a Japanese martial art developed in the late 19th century. Judo was developed by Jigoro Kano, who sought to create a safer and more efficient form of jujitsu. Judo was introduced to Brazil in the early 20th century, and it was here that BJJ began to take shape.
- The Gracie Family: BJJ is often referred to as Gracie Jiu Jitsu, in recognition of the Gracie family’s role in developing the sport. Carlos Gracie was one of the first people to bring Judo to Brazil, and he began to modify the techniques to create a more efficient and effective system of self-defense. Carlos’s younger brother, Helio Gracie, made further modifications to the techniques, creating a grappling-based sport that could be practiced by people of all sizes and strengths.
- The Rise of BJJ: The Gracie family continued to refine and promote BJJ, and it quickly gained popularity in Brazil. In the 1980s and 90s, BJJ began to gain recognition outside of Brazil, and it quickly spread to other countries. The sport’s popularity was boosted by its inclusion in the first UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event in 1993, which showcased the effectiveness of BJJ in mixed martial arts (MMA) competition.
- Global Expansion: BJJ has since become a global phenomenon, with thousands of schools and millions of practitioners worldwide. The sport has continued to evolve, and there are now many different styles and approaches to BJJ, from sport-focused techniques to self-defense-oriented styles.
In conclusion, the history of BJJ is a fascinating story of evolution and adaptation. From its humble beginnings as a modified form of Judo in Brazil, BJJ has become a global sport with millions of practitioners worldwide. Whether you are interested in competition, self-defense, or simply a challenging workout, BJJ offers something for everyone.