THE ART FROM JAPAN
JuJutsu also known as Jiu-Jitsu literally means “the art of softness”, or “way of yielding” is a collective name of Japanese martial art styles consisting of grappling and striking techniques. Jujutsu evolved among the Samurai of feudal Japan as a method for dispatching an armed and armored opponent in situations where the use of weapons was impractical and unforbidden. Due to the difficulty of dispatching an armored opponent with striking techniques, the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks and throws. These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker’s energy against him, rather than directly opposing it, and came to be known as Jujutsu.
There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Jujutsu schools may utilize all forms of grappling techniques to some degree (throwing, trapping, joint locking, holds, gouging, biting, disengagements, striking and kicking). In addition to Jujutsu, many schools taught the use of weapons.
Today, Jujutsu is still practiced both as it was hundreds years ago, but also in modified forms for sports practice. Derived sports form include the Olympic sport and martial arts of Judo, which was developed from several traditional styles of Jujutsu by Kano Jigoro in the late 19th century and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which was in turn derived earlier version of Kodokan Judo.
MITSUYO MAEDA “CONDE KOMA”
In the early 1900s, a Japanese man named Mitsuyo Maeda moved to Brazil. The Japanese government was eager to form a colony in Brazil and Maeda was there to help the colony prosper. He became close friends with Gastao Gracie, the grandson of George Gracie. Gastão Gracie was a political figure in the state and used his influence to help Maeda and the Japanese colony. In addition to his political skills, Maeda happened to be a former Jujutsu champion and in return for Gastão’s help, Maeda offered to teach his son Carlos Gracie the art of Jujutsu.
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU IS BORN
The Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early part of this century by Brazilian jiu-jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese Jujutsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda.
Carlos Gracie, who was interested in street self-defense, quickly modified the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of real, “no rules” fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos Gracie then tested and refined his system through constant matches, open to all comers, constantly working to make it more effective. At one point, he even advertised in newspapers and on street corners for new opponents upon whom to practice and further refine his art. He fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. Even though he was a mere 135 pounds, his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil.
This tradition of open challenge is a part of the heritage of the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu. Carlos Gracie taught his style of jiu-jitsu to his four younger brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge and Helio) and to his sons, and they in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews and cousins. After Carlos retired from the ring, he managed the fight careers of his brothers and sons, continuing to challenge fighters of all styles throughout the world. This tradition of open challenge has been continued by his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students, who have consistently demonstrated the superiority of the Gracie style in real fights and minimum-rule matches in rings throughout the world.
Carlos Gracie had 21 children and his youngest brother Helio had 7 sons, creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie fighters and instructors who dominate the world of “no rules” fight contests today. In these events, Gracie representatives have consistently demonstrated, in open competition against title holders from other martial arts styles, that the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu is the most effective fighting art in the world today. No small wonder that the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu is the “hottest” item in martial arts today.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most practiced martial arts worldwide. It’s versatility has attracted many martial artists of different styles and for the non-practitioners who thought that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was impossible for them because of their physical condition. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has revolutionized the world of conventional martial arts and is here to stay!
Prof. Carlos Reyes is a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has been studying martial arts since the early age of 13 years old. His first experience was karate, earning a brown belt in the style of Moo-Duk-Won, a brown belt in Combat Hapkido and a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do. He is the first puerto rican to achieve a black belt under Master Rilion Gracie.
Back in the 90’s, since the UFC debut, he understood that in order to be a complete martial artist it was necessary to learn how to defend himself in a standing and ground position. He integrates his Hapkido and TKD knowledge into BJJ, offering his students a well rounded self-defense class for all situations.
