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Some historians of Jiu-Jitsu say that the origins of
"the gentle art" can be traced back to India, and was
practiced by Buddhist Monks. Concerned with
self-defense, these monks created techniques based upon
principles of balance and leverage, and a system of
manipulating the body in a manner where one could avoid
relying upon strength or weapon's. With the expansion of
Buddhism, Jiu-Jitsu spread from Southwest Asia to China,
finally arriving in Japan where it developed and gained
further popularity. In the last days of the 19th
century, some Jiu-Jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to
other continents, teaching the martial arts, as well as
competing in fights and competitions. Esai Maeda Koma,
also known as "Conde Koma," was one such master. After
traveling with a troupe which fought in various
countries in Europe and the Americas, Koma arrived in
Brazil in 1915, and settled in Belem do Para the next
year, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie. The father
of eight children, among them five boys and three girls,
Gastao became a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and brought his
oldest son, Carlos, to learn to fight from the Japanese
master.
For a naturally frail fifteen-year old Carlos Gracie,
Jiu-Jitsu became a method not simply for fighting, but
for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio
de Janeiro with his family and began teaching and
competing in the martial arts. In his travels, Carlos
would teach classes, and also proved the efficiency of
the art by beating adversaries in competitions who were
more physically strong. In 1925, he returned to Rio and
opened the first school, known as the "Academia Gracie
de Jiu Jitsu." Since then, Carlos started to share his
knowledge to his brothers, adapting and refining the
techniques to the naturally weaker characteristics of
his family. Also, Carlos taught them his philosophies of
life as well as his concepts of natural nutrition.
Eventually, Carlos became a pioneer in creating a
special diet for athletes, "the Gracie diet," which
transformed Jiu-Jitsu into a term synonymous with
health. Having created an efficient self defense system,
Carlos Gracie saw in the art a way to become a man who
was more tolerant, respectful, and self-confident. With
a goal of proving Jiu-Jitsu's superiority as well as to
build a family tradition, Carlos challenged the greatest
fighters of his time, as well as managing the fighting
careers of his brothers. Fighting opponents fifty or
sixty pounds heavier, the Gracies quickly gained
recognition and prestige.
Attracted to the new market which was opened around
Jiu-Jitsu, many Japanese practitioners came to Rio, but
none were able to establish schools as successful as the
Gracies. This was due to the fact that the Japanese
stylists were more focused on takedowns and throws, and
the Jiu-Jitsu the Gracies practiced had more
sophisticated ground fighting and submission techniques.
Carlos and his brothers changed the techniques in such a
way that it completely altered the complexion of the
international Jiu-Jitsu principles. These techniques
were so distinctive to Carlos and his brothers that the
sport became attached to a national identity, and is now
commonly known as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu," practiced by
martial artists all over the world, including Japan.
With the creation of a official body overseeing the
administration of the sport, the rules and the ranking
system started the era of sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
Today, Jiu-Jitsu is much more organized, with an
International and National Federation, founded by Carlos
Gracie Jr. Through his work with the Confederation of
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Carlos Gracie Jr. contributed to
the growth of the sport by holding some of the first
organized competitions. Currently, the Confederation
holds competitions in Brazil, the United States, Europe,
and Asia, realizing Carlos' original dream to spread
Jiu-Jitsu around the world.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Philosophy
The application of traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
transcends the practice of chokes, joint locks
immobilizations, throws and strikes. A true Gracie
philosophy prepares men, women and children for life,
showing them paths to a healthier life and the most
effective use of physical, mental and spiritual
strength. Eating well is Jiu-Jitsu, taking care of your
body is Jiu-Jitsu, saying no to cigarettes, alcohol and
drugs is Jiu-Jitsu, as well as keeping a close bond with
relatives and friends. This philosophy, which can be
called a "way of life", has been propagated by Grand
Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie for almost a century. |
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