Did you know that Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is one of the earliest recorded martial arts? The discipline was practiced and taught long before the Brazilian version came into existence in the early 1900s. A family from Brazil, the Gracies, took the ancient art form of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and modernized it. Now, the modernized form developed by the Gracies is taught throughout the world and is recognized as one of the most effective forms of self-defense. Searching for Jiu-Jitsu classes in Raleigh? Call Gracie Raleigh today to learn more!
While it is unclear where Japanese Jiu-Jitsu originated from, many scholars believe that it may have originated in India with Buddhist monks who wanted to be able to defend themselves peacefully. The name Jiu-Jitsu roughly translates to peaceful way. This name refers to the fact that the martial art is meant to be performed without weapons. However, other scholars believe that the art was developed so that samurai soldiers who found themselves unarmed during combat could defend themselves. Following this theory, experts believe that the original art was much more violent than the one practiced today. Jiu-Jitsu has most likely been distilled over the years to make it into something that could be taught for a much less dangerous purpose – sport and recreation. This original version was also much more complex and varied than the version we know today. Authentic Jiu-Jitsu was a mixture of bare-handed techniques and wrestling that was used to defeat your opponent instead of punches and kicks. The art was combined with another form of martial arts in the 1800s known as Judo. Judo later became the official martial art of Japan. In 1914, this version of Jiu-Jitsu was introduced to the Gracie family in Brazil.
After learning and practicing the traditional Japanese style for many years, the Gracie family began to modify the moves to be able to accommodate a weaker and less warrior style body. These modifications allowed the Gracies to defeat some of the best martial artists in Japan and their created style was eventually dubbed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Brazilian version is more simplified than the Japanese version and includes fewer techniques. This allows fighters to hone their skills. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has also been popularized because of its inclusion in Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. During a fight, MMA fighters use knees, elbows, kicks, punches, takedowns, and submissions to defeat their opponent. By focusing on honing their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, MMA fighters are able to defeat opponents from multiple disciplines.
Authentic Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Raleigh, North Carolina
Do your 2019 martial arts training goals include learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or taking your MMA skills to the next level? If so, the experienced and dedicated staff at Gracie Raleigh can help. We know that great martial arts training doesn’t just happen on the mat. Our gym offers a comprehensive approach to your training goals with nutritional support, regular sparring sessions, special classes and events, and some of the best martial arts coaches in the area. Call or come by the gym today to learn more about our Jiu-Jitsu classes in Raleigh, North Carolina and explore what makes Gracie different from all the other martial arts gyms in the Triangle.