HISTORY OF JIU-JITSU
Jiu-Jitsu was created over 2500 years ago when Buddhist monks were frequently looted and could not use weapons because of their religion. This necessity for protection meant they developed a form of self-defense based on the study of animal movements and leverage which allowed a much weaker individual to overcome a stronger, heavier one.
Soon this form of fighting crossed Asia and came to Japan where it was adopted by the samurai, excellent warriors whose function was to defend their masters with their own life if necessary.
HISTORY IN BRAZIL
In 1920, Count Maeda Koma, a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Champion came to Brazil. He received the help of Gastão Gracie on his arrival in Belém, Pará, and in return for his help, he taught Gastão’s son Jiu Jitsu. In a short time, he had mastered all the techniques and consequently started teaching.
But it was his brother Helio Gracie who developed Jiu-Jitsu to the point that it is today, recognized as the most perfect form of fighting in the world. Helio, weighing only 139lbs beat opponents weighing more than 220lbs, proving that technique wins over force.
