Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasises ground fighting and submission techniques, such as joint locks and chokeholds, to control or submit an opponent. It differs from many other martial arts by its focus on leveraging technique and body mechanics over sheer strength, making it particularly effective for practitioners of smaller or lighter stature when facing larger opponents. In comparison to striking arts like boxing or kickboxing, BJJ avoids striking altogether, relying instead on grappling, sweeps, and submissions.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated from traditional Japanese Jujutsu and Judo, with the key development occurring in Brazil in the early 20th century. The story begins when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Judo master, arrived in Brazil in 1914 and taught Judo to several members of the Gracie family, notably Carlos Gracie. Carlos and his brothers, particularly Helio Gracie, modified and adapted Judo's techniques to suit their own body types and philosophy, eventually developing the unique system of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family became central figures in popularising BJJ, and through their challenging of other martial artists in "vale tudo" (no-holds-barred) matches, BJJ gained worldwide attention.