Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
 
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the more modern arts increasingly popular with a good exposure on television and sports reviews. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has its origins in the forms of close-quarter, unarmed combat that evolved among the Samurai caste of Japan and was commonly known as jujutsu - 'Ju' meaning yielding or flexible, and 'jutsu' art or skill - where the opponent's movement of attack could be used against him.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the later, distinct styles that emerged from jujutsu schools (ryu), some of which exist to this day, with differing emphasis on the numerous techniques available.  Mitsuyo Maeda, one of Jigora Kano’s star pupils, settled in Brazil in the 1920’s to promote judo/jujutsu.  
 
Maeda placed great emphasis on taking a fight to the ground as this had proven success in one-on-one combat.  This style came to be known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and flourished in Brazil under the direction of one of Maeda's pupil's, Carlos Gracie.  The Gracie family are considered pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Hélio Gracie, the younger, smaller brother of Carlos was particularly keen to learn and develop the techniques that used greater leverage and efficiency of movement and it is mainly thanks to him that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has evolved into a distinct martial art and combat sport in its own right.  When the Ultimate Fighting Championship was established in the early 90’s, it was Hélio's son Royce who, rather than his bigger brother Rickson, already established in mixed martial arts competition, was chosen to represent the effectiveness of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu style and went on to win the tournament.  Click here for "Gracie Submission Essentials".
 
Many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools teach the sport form where a gi is worn, and also vale tudo anything goes’ techniques used in mixed martial arts competition and self-defence.  Most top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners will have trained in both styles. For further advanced techniques try For Exports Only by Carlson Gracie.  Whether you choose to roll/spar in a gi or fight shorts and rash guard, you’ll find great Brazilian Jiu Jitsu clothing within these pages to suit all your training needs. Look out, too, for Jiu Jitsu books and DVDs on Brazlian Jiu Jitsu techniques and more.
 
For our recommended Brazilian Jiu Jitsu DVD click here.