Jigoro Kano
Mitsuyo Maeda
Carlos Gracie
Helio Gracie
Origin Story
Before jiu-jitsu came to Brazil, it all started in Japan. It was used by Japanese soldiers as a last line of defense in battle. From there it shifted from the battlefield to more self-defense-based. In 1882, Jigoro Kano founded his martial arts school, Kodokan, with this Jūjutsu focus. This school of thought and practice later led to the creation of Judo.
Decades later, a student of Kodokan, Mitsuyo Maeda, traveled across the world down to Brazil. It was there Maeda met Gastão Gracie and his son, Carlos. Carlos became a student of Maeda, learning all about the practice of judo. He later shared these lessons with his brothers. From there, the Gracie family adjusted aspects of the sport by making it more applicable and useful for everyone. Brazilian jiu-jitsu was born.
Decades later, a student of Kodokan, Mitsuyo Maeda, traveled across the world down to Brazil. It was there Maeda met Gastão Gracie and his son, Carlos. Carlos became a student of Maeda, learning all about the practice of judo. He later shared these lessons with his brothers. From there, the Gracie family adjusted aspects of the sport by making it more applicable and useful for everyone. Brazilian jiu-jitsu was born.