Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A brief history.

The history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) goes back through the Gracie Family to their original teacher Mitsuyo Maeda & his training in the Kodokan (the home of Judo) in the late 1800s.

Maeda was taught by Judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano and was one of the Kokodan’s top five groundwork experts sent abroad to demonstrate and spread Kano’s art to the world.

Maeda left Japan in 1904, visiting many countries and accepting challenges from fighters of various Martial Arts. He arrive in Brazil in 1914 where he was instrumental in establishing a Japanese immigrant community. Maeda’s efforts were aided by Gastao Gracie (a Brazilian scholar & politician). In return, Maeda taught Judo to Gastao (Gracie’s eldest son), Carlos Gracie. Carlos Gracie taught the art to his 4 brothers who began to adapt the basic rules of Judo, elimination the useless & refining the effective.

Helio Gracie (the youngest of the brothers) was naturally frail. By doctors’ orders, he could not participate in much Judo training as he was unable to perform the techniques that required strength. Helio gradually developed Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as a softer & more pragmatic adaption from Judo. Helio introduced the application of leverage to the art, making it possible for a smaller opponent to defeat a larger one and by modifying and enhancing the basic techniques. Jiu-Jitsu became effective for a person regardless of his or her stature.

The system focused on ground fighting, as opposed to Judo (which emphasized throwing techniques; thus, began the development of a new and more effective art (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu). Today, BJJ has proven to be the most effective form of unarmed combat available. The current generations of the Gracie family have proven this in today’s Mixed Martial Art events and open challenge matches world-wide.

Where does myBJJ fit in?

myBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded and directed by Professor Mario Sergio Yokoyama, whom received his black belt under the later Ryan Gracie (Grandson of Carlos Gracie). Mario main goal is to continue to promote and preserve the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through his International Team.

Our Mission

Promote:

The growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu around the world and increase the number and variety of participants.

Maintain:

The integrity of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tradition and its philosophies so that future generations may continue to benefit from the art.

Evolve:

The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in order to remain applicable to the modern practitioner in both self-defence and sport.

Contribute:

To the local and wider community using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a medium to teach discipline, respect and family values.

Build:

An international network of instructors and students working and competing together as one team and contributing as peers to the development of myBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu international association.