Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and sport that applies techniques which enable a smaller person to defend himself against a larger opponent by using leverage and proper technique. The founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu modified judo and traditional Japanese jujitsu to create the martial art of BJJ as we know it today. BJJ is known for its devastating ground techniques. A motto in Brazilian Jiu-Jitu that is repeated over and over is, “postion over submission”. Gain a dominant position and maintain it in order to apply numerous chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations on an opponent.
BJJ roots began in the back in the early 1900s. Esai Maeda, the chief of a Japanese immigration colony, who was assigned to Brazil, befriended Gastao Gracie. Maeda, a jujutsu champion in Japan, taught the martial art to Carlos Gracie. Later, Carlos and his brothers opened the first jiu-jitsu school in Brazil. Helio adjusted some of the techniques to fit his smaller frame. He became the father of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
