Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was formed in the 1920s by the Gracie brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George, and Hélio Gracie. Carlos was taught traditional Kodokan Judo by a traveling Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda in 1917 in which afterward the brothers developed their self-defence system named Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
They in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews, and cousins. After Carlos retired, he managed the fight careers of his brothers and sons, continuing to challenge fighters of all styles throughout the world. This tradition of open challenge continued into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). UFC 1 was co-created by Rorion Gracie and the Torrance-based UFC promoter Art Davie, who decided to take locally famous Gracie Garage Challenge fights versus California’s martial artists to a new level, televised nationally, with international opponents.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art based on ground combat and submission holds. It focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling the opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using several techniques to force them into submission.
It’s premised on the ability of technique over size and power, which teaches control and submission rather than using kicks and punches. This ensures one to defend themselves without causing harm.
