Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a combination of Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. The style has a focus on techniques involving defense on the ground as the philosophy of the martial art is that a smaller man will be able to even the odds by taking someone to the ground and using skill and movement to defeat them.
The approach has been phenomenally popular, as Gracie BJJ has become a house-hold name among martial artists and stamped its name upon popular culture in conjunction with the rise of mixed martial arts competition such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
As explained in the book, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique, written by Renzo and Royler Gracie, BJJ originates from Japan in the early part of the 20th Century. When Jigoro Kano developed Judo and sent his best students around the world to spread his martial art, a man named Mitsyua Maeda visited Brazil. There, Maeda taughy the skills he possessed to the Gracie family.
It was here that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu would develop. The Gracie family was large, and a large number of the children began studying the art at a young age. This helped the propagation of technique. In addition, the Gracies had no tie to a founding father, or tradition. Without any set of pre-established rules to follow, the Gracies experimented with their art, removing what was ineffective and concentrating on what was.
Helio Gracie
As one of Maeda's original students, Helio Gracie was instrumental in the development of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After spending much of his time developing the art, Helio then taught his sons, including Rickson, Royler and Royce Gracie. Under Helio's guidance, the Gracie family became renowned in the world of martial arts competition.
Until his death in early 2009, Helio continued to train and teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Although the exact details of the birth of BJJ are not known, Helio's presence and skill were a sure-fire indicator that his influence helped turn Gracie Jiu Jitsu into the fighting form that most are familiar with today.
BJJ and the Ultimate Fighting Championship
The true explosion in popularity of BJJ came with the UFC. In the early nineties, fighters came together to compete in elimination tournaments. It became quickly obvious that those fighters who were able to take their opponents to the ground were at an advantage. One man in particular, dominated these tournaments during their early years. Royce Gracie carried his family's martial art into the Ultimate Fighting Championship arena and put it on display for the world to see. After beating countless others who were bigger and stronger, Royce had shown the true power of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and its rise to popularity ensued.
Today, the UFC and MMA in general are hugely popular. Gracie Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, is one of the most practised martial arts in relation to competitive combat, with good reason. The Gracie family is now legendary in martial arts circles and although Helio Gracie has passed on, many of his sons still compete in world championships and continue to evolve BJJ.
Sources
Gracie, Renzo & Royler. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory & Technique. ISBN: 1-931229-08-2
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