The History Of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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by: article7@onketing.com
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Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 Time: 6:40 AM
It doesn't take long to hear new analysts on TV talking about a politician using "jiu jitsu" to carefully navigate a tough situation. Most people understand this reference, but do not think about where it comes from. The source of this expression is arguably more interesting than people might assume. It comes from a form of martial arts commonly called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that has found its way into our culture in figurative and literal terms. Its history, though, remains relatively unknown.
This martial art has its roots in late 18th-century Japan. It derives from Judo, which teaches students various throws, holds and chokes to gain the upper hand on their opponents. Mitsuyo Maeda, an expert in Judo from this period, found himself in Brazil in the beginning of the 20th century. There, he received help from a member of the Gracie family. In return, he trained the family's sons in his specialty.
The sons ran with their newfound knowledge. They began teaching the art in Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro. Eventually, Helio, the youngest of the Gracie brothers, adapted it into a form more familiar to modern practitioners and fans. From there, the family specialized in this uniquely Brazilian martial art.
This innovation and modification of the sport's techniques continued for many years, until it came into its own. The Gracies left such a profound mark on the sport that their name became synonymous with Jiu Jitsu. Eventually, though, the sport spread across the country, and became known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu more broadly.
The 1990's saw the real coming of age of Jiu Jitsu for a global audience. A Gracie family member, Royce Gracie, shot up through the ranks of the newly-formed UFC (United Fighting Championship). His performances in those early years convinced many fighters of the efficacy of the style. This led an increasing number of professional fighters to seek out training in the sport.
Today, the form is a mainstay of MMA fighters, most notably in the UFC. Many of the top fighters in the world hold black belts in the form or have received a significant amount of Jiu Jitsu training. The Gracies and other families still run training camps from Brazil. Training camps have also sprung up in other countries, from the US to Japan to Thailand.
It can seem odd to watch hulking megastars waltz into sold-out arenas, rock music blaring behind them, claiming to be Jiu Jitsu practitioners. However, most of them still observe some of the traditions from the sport's past. It is not hard to see fighters approaching the ring or cage dressed in a Gi, a uniform that has spanned the history of the sport.
That said, many people find Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be an acquired taste. The positions are, by nature, complicated and difficult to understand. This is their competitive advantage, to a certain extent. But, instead of just seeing two people grunting and groaning with no perceptible goal, sports lovers should take the time to learn about the sport. Years of evolution and influences from across the globe have brought this sport to where it is today. It is worth getting to know.
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