Some historians of Jiu-Jitsu say that the origins of “the gentle art” can be traced back to India, where it was practiced by Buddhist Monks. Concerned with self-defence, 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.

At the end of the 19th century, some Jiu-Jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents, teaching the martial arts as well as taking part in fights and competitions. Esai Maeda Koma was one such master. After travelling 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, five boys and three girls, Gastao became a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn from the Japanese master. For Carlos Gracie, a frail 15-year old, 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 fighting. In his travels, he would prove the efficiency of the art by beating opponents who were physically stronger.

In 1925, Carlos returned to Rio and opened the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. From therein, he started to share his knowledge with his brothers, adapting and refining the techniques to the naturally weaker characteristics of his family. He also taught them his philosophies of life and 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-defence 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 over other martial arts, Carlos challenged the greatest fighters of his time. He also managed the fighting careers of his brothers. Because they were fighting and defeating opponents 50-60 pounds heavier, the Gracies quickly gained recognition and prestige.

Attracted to the new market which opened around Jiu-Jitsu, many Japanese practitioners came to Rio, but none were able to establish schools as successful as the Gracie’s. This was due to the fact that the Japanese stylists were more focused on takedowns and throws, while the Jiu-Jitsu practiced by the Gracies had more sophisticated ground fighting and submission techniques. Carlos and his brothers changed and adapted 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” (BJJ), practiced by martial artists all over the world, including Japan.