Brazilian Jui Jitsu is a variation of the traditional Jiu Jitsu martial arts. A complex and incredibly effective combination of contact martial arts, fighting and wrestling. But what is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and how is it different from any other Jiu Jitsu? What is it's history and origin?
History of Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu is a form of ancient martial arts that originated in India over 4000 years ago. It was developed by Buddhist monks as a fighting system for protection. Modern Jiu Jitsu originated in Japanese battlefields with Samurai warriors. Normally well armored, the warriors were trained in Jiu Jitsu as a 'plan b' in case they found themselves having to fight without weapons or armor. Jiu Jitsu further evolved to became a sport for elite society, possibly a way to protect themselves from danger. The art became a sign of your status in the community.
In the early 1900s, a Japanese Jiu Jitsu champion emigrated to Brazil to be part of the country's colonization. With him, he brought his unique martial arts skill and introduced the sport to the Brazilians.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
After the introduction of Jiu Jitsu to Brazil, the traditional art, methods and techniques morphed and changed. The Gracie family are credited with being heavily involved in this evolution, adding new techniques and removed others. In short, making it their own. The reason for this? They felt there were techniques that were not adding benefit to the art or were inefficient. And so Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was born. It's touted to be a modernized, more effective and efficient fighting system.
What type of martial arts is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
In short, it is a fighting system. A combat sport. It focuses on grappling and ground fighting. The goal is to wrestle, wrangle, choke and body lock your way to a dominant position over your opponent.
The system does not rely on strength or size to subdue an opponent, simply technique. It means shorter individuals can punch well above their weight and subdue much larger opponents using this system.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Australia
Jiu Jitsu made it's way to Australia in 1989. It was introduced by a renowned and highly influential martial artist, John Will.
Will had trained extensively in Indonesia, Thailand, India and Japan throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, and has been the driver of the success of Jiu Jitsu in Australia. He became the founding director of Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, one of the most influential organizations in Australia. You may have heard of them!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Australia is a combination of fitness, sport, self-defense, fighting and skill. It is very popular with both adults and children, possibly because of the self-control, discipline and skill taught.
So whether you are a bigger build and want to maintain your physical superiority, or you are a slight build and you want to be able to take down a bigger build person and defend yourself, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the sport for you!