Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more than just a martial art—it’s a discipline that emphasises technique, strategy, and self-improvement through ground fighting and submission holds. Rooted in the adaptation of Judo by the Gracie family, BJJ has evolved into one of the most effective forms of combat sports and self-defence.
What Is BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often abbreviated to BJJ, is a self-defence system, martial art, and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ is primarily a ground-based fighting style and focuses on taking one's opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks, chokehold, or compression locks.
The Origins of BJJ
Mitsuyo Maeda, one of the Kodokan's top judo black belts, was sent overseas to demonstrate and spread the art of Judo to the world. He left Japan in 1904 and visited several countries, giving demonstrations and accepting challenges from wrestlers, boxers, and savate (French Boxing) fighters. He arrived in Brazil on 14 November 1914.
Gastao Gracie was a business partner of the American Circus in Belem. In 1916 Italian Argentine circus Queirolo Brothers staged shows there and presented Maeda.
In 1917, Gastao's eldest son, Carlos Gracie, watched a demonstration of Kano Jiu-Jitsu (judo's common name at the time) by Maeda at the Da Paz Theatre and decided he wanted to learn. This is when Maeda accepted him as a pupil whose younger sister, Helio Gracie, would gradually develop Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as a softer, pragmatic adaptation that focused on more ground-fighting and leveraged aspects of Jiu-Jitsu/Judo rather than the throws.
As time went on, many changes to the rules were made to enhance spectator sport and to improve safety. Several of these rule changes de-emphasised the groundwork aspects of Judo, and others have reduced the range of joint locks application.
The Styles of BJJ
BJJ doesn't have different styles, but it does have a style of fighting, and Renzo Gracie wrote in his book Mastering JUJITSU
"The classical jujutsu of old Japan appeared to have no common strategy to guide a combatant over the course of a fight. Indeed, this was one of Kano's most fundamental and perceptive criticisms of the classical program" Maeda not only taught the art of Judo to Carlos Gracie, but also taught a particular philosophy about the nature of combat developed by Kano, and further refined by Maeda based on his worldwide travels competition against fighters skilled in a wide variety of martial arts.
Benefits of Training In BJJ
Improves Physical Fitness
BJJ provides a full-body workout, increasing strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall conditioning.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Defence Skills
Learning effective techniques for grappling and submissions helps develop self-defence abilities and personal confidence.
Reduces Stress & Improves Mental Health
Engaging in intense training sessions helps relieve stress, build discipline, and promote a focused mindset.
The legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to thrive, influencing combat sports, self-defence strategies, and personal development worldwide. Whether practised for competition, fitness, or self-defence, BJJ cultivates discipline, strategic thinking, and confidence.
