Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Austin Rivero
Sep 6, 2018 · 4 min read

The history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu; if it really works

When jiu-jitsu was first introduced, it was mostly known in Japan for the heavy and stronger opponent, but it was mostly practiced as judo. If you were a weak smaller man, it wasn’t ideal that you participated in the Japan version of jiu-jitu that’s till the Gracie’s came around and converted it into a version they can use.

Who are the Gracies

carlos gracie SR

Let’s start with the man him-self who 1st started the journey that has changed a lot of people lives, Carlos Gracie Sr. He was a tiny and fragile man, so the proper Japanese jiu-jitsu wouldn’t have been ideal for him. He wasn’t strong or big so instead of quitting he did what a lot of people said he couldn’t do. He started modifying the techniques that were taught to him. He emphasized on these words leverage over strength and timing over speed; He made the movement and the strength of the bigger man an advantage for him.

A saying that a lot of jiu-jitsu practitioners say if you’re the water a river and there’s a big rock in the middle of the river what will you do in Japanese jiu-jitsu that’s made for the Stronger opponent, you would think crash with the rock try to move it and break. The Gracie way was why fight the rock lets follow the current and move gently beside the rock follow the flow.

When did jiu-jitsu migrate to the u.s

Jiu-jitsu was introduced to the u.s.a before this, but it didn’t stick. Because karate and the other arts were widely known and they were known for working so jiu-jitsu came, and everyone thought it was a joke that’s till UFC 1 came around ufc standing for the ultimate fighting championship, Royce Gracie is a little Brazilian man everyone counted him out saying jiu-jitsu wouldn’t work. The Gracies came in with an advantage over everyone even though they were always the smaller opponent they knew how to use their opponent’s size, the ufc back then was an open division. Gracie being 170 pounds would fight people weighing 270 pounds you would think the bigger opponent would win, but no submission after submission his opponents will all tap. Everyone watching was like who is this little guy choking out and making all these big opponents tap; people Now see jiu-jitsu is no joke.

Jiu-jitsu for everyone big or small young or old

From what you have read you would think wow this is an aggressive sport. But it is the opposite jiu-jitsu is for self-defense doesn’t matter if you are young or old jiu-jitsu is for you, it is never too late for you to start training and learning how to be able to defend your self. You never know when something can open, that’s why a lot of celebrities are training jiu-jitsu demi lavato, Mel Gibson and Ashton Kutcher.they all say jiu-jitsu is the most beautiful sport, doesn’t matter what age or size you are you will see the beauty in it and fall in love with what you are learning. That is peace of mind knowing if anything happens you will be able to defend your self.

97 years young enjoying jiu-jitsu

does it work is jiu-jitsu is it effective

Does jiu-jitsu work and is it effective. In my understanding and I have been training for 7 years, I am 6,5 275 I have gone with girls that do not even have half my size, and they have choked me out. It doesn’t matter your size age or weight jiu-jitsu will be effective as long as you give it a try give it a chance to change your life as it did with me and so many other passionate people.

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