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2,000 years before Christ, a fighting style emerged which did not
involve violence or the use of weapons. This style, known as
Jiu-Jitsu, is considered to be the oldest martial art and the most
perfect form of self-defense. The origin of Jiu-Jitsu can be traced
back to India and the Buddist Monks. It's development was of a
scientific nature, whereas an individual relied on balance, pressure
points, leverage and the center of gravity to execute specific
movements in order to defend themselves with minimal effort. During
the forthcoming years, Jiu-Jitsu spread throughout Asia and
eventually into Japan where it continued to be nurtured. It is from
Jiu-Jitsu that many modern martial arts have been born, including
what we know today as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 1914, Esai Maeda,
a Japanese politician, arrived in Brazil to establish a Japanese immigration colony.
Esai Maeda, known as Count Koma, was a world renowned Jiu-Jitsu Master.
In order to accomplish
his mission, Count Koma befriended, Gastao Gracie, a successful
businessman who had strong political ties. Gastao assisted Count Koma
in obtaining his objectives, and in return of this kindness, Count
Koma taught Jiu-Jitsu to Carlos, Gastao's oldest son. Carlos studied
Jiu-Jitsu for several years and eventually taught the art to his
younger brothers, Oswaldo, Gastao, and George.
At 18 years old, Gastao began teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro
with his brothers. Helio Gracie, Carlos younger brother, was limited
in his ability to participate because of health conditions which
weakened his already frail body. However, Helio observed classes and
began to adapt techniques of his own which involved minimal strength.
Over time Helio was able to improve on traditional jiu-jitsu
applications to accommodate individuals of smaller, weaker stature. By
focusing on superior technique, he was able to reduce a fighters
reliance on strength. This began the tradition of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
which has evolved continuously through the years. In the early
1990's, Brazilian jiu-jitsu was first introduced to the American
public through the Ultimate Fighting Championships where Royce
Gracie, Helio Gracie's son, defeated numerous opponents with his
superb application of the Gracie style.
