The History of Ju-Jitsu

Ju-Jitsu is the ancient martial art of the legendary Samurai. It can be traced back to at least 2,500 years ago in Japan. In Japanese mythology it is said to have been used by the gods Kajima and Kadorai to discipline the lawless inhabitants of the Eastern provinces.

Through the years many other martial arts have derived from Ju-Jitsu, the most popular being:

  • Judo (Throws and ground-work)
  • Aikido (Joint-Locks and the redirection of force)

One form of Ju-Jitsu that this website focuses on is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, this style places a lot of emphasis on ground-work.

George Gracie emigrated from Scotland to Brazil. His son Gastão was a politically powerful Brazilian who assisted incoming Japanese immigrants, including the Ju-Jitsu master Count Koma. Koma repaid the favor by teaching Japanese Jiu-Jitsu to Gastão's son Carlos. Carlos in turn taught his brothers: Osvaldo, Gastão Jr., Jorge, and Helio.