Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that has gained worldwide recognition not only as a sport but also as an effective form of self-defense. Its roots go back to the early 20th century, when the Gracie family in Brazil began developing their own adaptation of traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. This adaptation emphasized leverage, ground techniques, and submissions, transforming Jiu Jitsu into a completely new form that revolutionized martial arts globally. Understanding the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history is crucial for grasping why it’s one of the most respected martial arts in the world today.
The Origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu starts with Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Jiu Jitsu master and accomplished judoka, who traveled to Brazil in the early 1900s. Maeda, often referred to as “Count Koma,” played an instrumental role in spreading the art of Jiu Jitsu in Brazil. He was part of a group sent by the Japanese government to demonstrate Jiu Jitsu across the world.
Upon his arrival in Brazil, Maeda met Carlos Gracie, the eldest son of a large family who showed a keen interest in martial arts. Maeda decided to teach Carlos Gracie the art of Jiu Jitsu, passing on not only the physical techniques but also the philosophy behind the martial art.
Carlos Gracie was fascinated by Maeda’s techniques and devoted his life to mastering the art. He later began teaching it to his younger brothers, including Helio Gracie. Unlike Carlos, Helio was physically smaller and not as strong, which made it difficult to apply some of the traditional techniques. Determined to overcome these limitations, Helio modified the techniques to rely more on leverage and technique rather than brute strength, laying the foundation for the unique style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we know today.
Evolution and Development
As the Gracie family continued to refine BJJ techniques, they introduced the concept of “rolling,” or live sparring, which became a defining feature of the art. This focus on real-time practice allowed students to experience the effectiveness of their skills in a safe yet challenging environment. The family also began holding public challenges known as the “Gracie Challenge,” where they invited practitioners of other martial arts to test their skills against BJJ. These challenges highlighted the effectiveness of the ground-fighting and submission techniques of BJJ, attracting more students and solidifying the Gracie name in the martial arts community.
The Expansion of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: From Brazil to the World
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu exploded onto the international scene in the early 1990s, particularly through the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Royce Gracie, a relatively smaller competitor compared to others, used his family’s BJJ techniques to dominate the first few UFC events. His success demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ against other martial arts styles and solidified its reputation as a dominant force in martial arts.
With the rise of the UFC, BJJ became a sought-after discipline for fighters and martial arts enthusiasts alike. Gyms dedicated to teaching BJJ began appearing not just in Brazil but across North America, Europe, and Asia. This growth led to the establishment of major tournaments like the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Mundials) and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) Submission Wrestling World Championship, where top athletes from around the world compete.
The Legacy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Athlas Training Team in Fort Lauderdale
Carrying the tradition of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history, Athlas Training Team is proud to offer authentic BJJ classes in Fort Lauderdale. Since opening our doors in 2012, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing top-notch training programs for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Our goal is to preserve the rich history of BJJ while offering a welcoming environment for students of all ages.
At Athlas, we emphasize the importance of understanding the history of BJJ and its lineage. Our head coach and professor, Jorge Fernandes, has trained directly under Ricardo Libório, who himself was a student of Carlson Gracie. This connection to the Gracie family ensures that our students learn authentic and effective BJJ, passed down through generations of dedicated martial artists.
Why Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu History is Important
Understanding the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history is more than just knowing names and dates. It’s about appreciating the evolution of a martial art that was born out of necessity and transformed into a global phenomenon. For students at Athlas, knowing the history helps them connect to the art on a deeper level. They understand that each technique has a story, and every roll on the mat is a continuation of a legacy that began over a century ago.
The Legacy of Professor Jorge Fernandes
One of the most respected figures at Athlas Training Team is our head coach and professor, Jorge Fernandes.
Lineage – Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Ricardo Libório > Junior Fernandes
Ricardo Liborio is known for his contributions to the spread and development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu worldwide, and having been taught directly by such a master gives Professor Jorge a unique perspective and depth of expertise. This strong lineage ensures that students at Athlas are learning authentic and effective BJJ, passed down through generations of dedicated martial artists.
Join the Athlas Family
As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to grow in popularity, we at Athlas Training Team are honored to be part of this incredible journey. Our programs cater to the whole family, with classes available for children as young as 3 years old and tailored adult programs for all skill levels. Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, we have a place for you at Athlas.
Join us today and become part of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legacy at Athlas Training Team, where we have been proudly serving the Fort Lauderdale community since 2012. Our commitment is not only to teach the physical aspects of BJJ but also to share its history, philosophy, and the core values that have made it such a respected martial art around the world.
Within this amazing sport, there are many traditions, and one of them is talking about your training. Check out the video we have on this topic.
