History of Jiu-Jitsu
"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 weapons. With the expansion of buddhism, jiu jitsu spread from southeast 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."
"Currently, the Confederation holds competitions in Brazil, the United States, Europe, and Asia, realizing Carlos' original dream to spread jiu jitsu around the world."
- By Steve "Sakuriba" Kim/ GracieBarraAmerica.Com
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