History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 

          2,000 years before Christ, a fighting style emerged which did not involve violence or the use of weapons. This style, known as Jiu Jitsu, is considered to be the oldest martial art and the most perfect form of self defense. The origin of Jiu Jitsu can be traced back to India and the Buddist Monks. It's development was of a scientific nature, wheras an individual relied on balance, pressure points, leverage and the center of gravity to execute specific movements inorder to defend themselves with minimal effort. During the forthcoming years, Jiu Jitsu spread throughout Asia and eventually into Japan where it continued to be nurtured. It is from Jiu Jitsu that many modern martial arts have been born, including what we know today as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
 

          In 1914, Japanese Jiu Jitsu champions Esai Maeda and Inomata arrived in Brazil to help establish a Japanese immigration colony in that developing country. He was aided by Gastao Gracie, a brazilian scholar and politician. To show his gratitude, the Jiu Jitsu master taught the basic secrets to that ancient fighting style to Gastao's son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos taught his brothers: Oswaldo, Gastao, and Jorge.
 

          In 1925, Gastao began teaching Jiu Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro with his brothers. Helio Gracie, Carlos' younger brother, was limited in his ability to participate because of health conditions which weakened his already frail body. However, Helio observed classes and gegan to adapt techniques of his own which involved minimal strength. Over time Helio was able to improve on traditional jiu jitsu applications to accommodate individuals of smaller, weaker stature. By focusing on superior technique, he was able to reduce a fighter reliance on strenght.
 

          Helio became the most adept fighter in the family, and the master mind in developing new techniques. The Gracie brothers issued an open challenge to all comers of any 'martial art', stating that they would beat anyone who dared fight them regardless of their size and strength. They received many responses, and used the fights to develop new techniques.
 

          Helio then entered the professional fighting world, challenging Judo and Karate fighters as well as professional boxers. Two of his famous bouts were the only 2 he lost in his life. Masahiko Kimura, 7th dan, considered the greatest Judoka to ever live, was to be the 1st man to defeat Helio. Kimura boldly stated that if Helio lasted more than 3 minutes, he should consider himself the winner. Helio fought Kimura for 15 minutes before being caught in an armlock. Helio was outweighted by more than 80 pounds! Waldemar Santana was a student of Helio's, and a powerfully built stone cutter. Much younger than Helio, it is said that Santana purposefully waited until Helio was sick with the flu to challenge him. Against Carlos' wishes to postpone, Helio accepted, and lost after 3 hours and 45 minutes!
 

          Jiu Jitsu, originally a sport for the elite, became increasingly popular and now has a large following. In the early 1990's, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was first introduced to the American public through the Ulimate Fighting Championships where Royce Gracie, Helio's son, defeated numerous opponents (all out-weighing him) with his superb application of Jiu Jitsu.

Why Choose Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Submission Wrestling? 

This style allows for a smaller person to defeat a much larger attacker. Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for women who are often taken to the ground during assaults. We recommend this style for men, women, and children looking for a great workout and realistic self-defense.
 

If you CAN'T defend yourself while standing and on the ground then you DON'T know how to defend yourself...

95% of all self-defense situations end up on the ground or in the grappling range... Grappling is the most neglected range of self-defense in most martial art systems.

It doesn't matter if...
 

• You are out of shape.
• Haven't worked out in years.
• Have never tried anything like this before.

          We have specific classes that are designed to meet the needs of a brand new student attending for the very first time. Many new students think that you should get in shape on your own before starting training. That is the furthest thing from the truth. You’ll absolutely love the easy and relaxed environment we have set up in our classes. It will allow you to come in and learn no matter what type of shape you are in. In our program you’ll be able to progress at your very own pace because understand that everyone learns differently.

Is Jiu Jitsu Too Hard To Learn? 

          I’ve heard that there are people that think Jiu Jitsu & grappling is WAY TO HARD and are hesitant to give it a try. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Actually it’s pretty funny. It’s a misconception. I guess some people think if they come and learn jiu-jitsu someone is going to throw them into the Ultimate Fighting Championships. WRONG! 

Grappling is FUN first and foremost and doesn’t require any previous experience. Anyone can do it, big people, small people, young people, older people, flexible people, non flexible people, experienced people, non experienced people, ANYONE! 

If you have ever thought that Martial Arts training may be for you I would encourage you to come in and see our program for yourself. I guarantee that you’ll absolutely love it!

I would hate for you to miss out on the many benefits that our students are experiencing RIGHT NOW just because you are a little hesitant to give it a try. If that’s the case give us a call and let us know you would like to just come in to watch. Isn’t that fair?

Give us a call today at 856-464-0402!

I look forward to our paths meeting in the near future.