About Jiu Jitsu

A relatively new martial art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is rapidly growing as one of the most popular martial arts in the world.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is s self defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

Mitsuyo Maeda began teaching Jiu Jitsu to Carlos Gracie Sr in 1914. Carlos Sr in turn taught his younger brothers Oswaldo Gracie, Gastao Gracie, Jr., George Gracie and Helio. The Gracie brothers Carlos Sr and Helio refined the jiu jitsu taught to them by Meada to use more ground fighting techniques focused on leverage to overcome size and strength. As a result, BJJ began emerging as a truly distinct art from Japanese jiu jitsu/judo. As a result, it came to be known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu. It was referred to as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by non-Gracie practitioners in Brazil and later as it spread outside of Brazil it became known as BJJ.

BJJ came to prominence when Royce Gracie demonstrated the prowess of BJJ in the early UFC’s. BJJ has continued to rise in popularity from then on, with BJJ competitions being held on a regular basis around Australia and the world.