The Saga of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport which concentrates on grappling and especially ground fighting. It has followed an unusual course in the last 80 years. Almost all the MMA fighters are trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu due to its success in MMA and UFC.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a very long history, it goes back through the Gracie family to their original teacher, Mitsuyo Maeda and his training in the Kodokan which was the home of Judo.

Kodokan Judo which originated in Japan, reigned supreme for many years, this judo techniques were composed of stand up throwing methods. A man named Mataemon Tanabe challenged the Kodokan around the Nineteenth Century. He was the headmaster of classical Jiu Jitsu, the Fusen Ryu. Fusen ryu fighters were expert in fighting on ground, which the Kodokan lacked. The Kodokan-Fusen Ryu matches highlighted the importance of ground fighting techniques in a dramatic fashion. Hence the Judo founder, Jigoro Kano invited Tanabe to teach ground grappling. The Ground fighting technique became very famous at the Kodokan, all the students started practicing the ground grappling techniques.

Mitsuyo Maeda got trained in Judo around the same time and became a martial arts prodigy. He was the member Kodokan. Maeda was one of the members selected by Kano to send overseas to spread his art to the world. Maeda was sent to U.S.A. in 1904 to spread the message of Kodokan Judo. He visited number of countries like Great Britain, continental Europe, Cuba, and Mexico. He fought different matches with many wrestlers, boxers, savate fighters and various other martial artists. Maeda arrived in Brazil around November 1914 and settled in Brazil. Maeda had fought over 1000 fights as a professional fighter without losing anyone.