Gracie Jiu Jitsu
The Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early 1900’s by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda (known in Brazil as Conde Koma -- the "Count of Combat").
Mitsuyo Maeda (also known as Conde Koma)
Carlos Gracie was interested in street self-defense and 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 tested and refined his system through numerous matches, open to all challengers, and constantly worked to make it more effective. He advertised in newspapers and on street corners to attract 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. He was a mere 135 pounds, but his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil.
Grand Master Carlos Gracie
The legacy of the open challenge is a part of the Gracie tradition. Carlos Gracie taught his style of Jiu-Jitsu to his four younger brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge and Helio) and to his older sons (including Carlson and Carley), 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, who challenged fighters of all styles throughout the world. This tradition has been adopted by his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students, who continue to showcase the superiority of the Gracie style in self defense situations and professional fights.
Carlos Gracie and his younger brother Helio
Carlos Gracie had 21 children and his youngest brother Helio had 7 sons, creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie fighters and instructors who have become ubiquitous in the world of Jiu-Jitsu competitions and “Mixed Martial Arts” events today. Gracie representatives continue to demonstrate Jiu-Jitsu’s effectiveness, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
Carlos and Helio Gracie practicing the sport they created