A History of Jiu Jitsu

A history of jiu-jitsu

The roots of jiu-jitsu tree were said to have first originated high in the mountains of India in 500 BC. These roots supposedly then stretched through China. Then around 400 years ago settled in Japan where they found the soil to grow strong.

Jiu Jitsu in South America

George Gracie arrived in Brazil in 1801 from Scotland. He moved to this new land seeking adventure and opportunity. At the time he had no idea that his descendants would eventually form the largest fighting dynasty of all time. Georges’s grandchild, Gastao Gracie, was initially groomed to be a diplomat. He studied and learned seven different languages in Germany. Eventually, however, he decided against the pursuit as diplomat and became a businessman instead.

In the early 1900s a seed from the strong Japanese jiu-jitsu tree found its way to South America, more specifically, the Amazon region. Mistuyo Maeda was a jiu-jitsu teacher who was aiding a Japanese immigration colony in northern Brazil. It was here that Maeda was known to have participated in no-rules challenge matches where he demonstrated the effectiveness of jiu-jitsu.

Carlos Gastao and jiu jitsu

Gastao at the time was living in the city of Belem, in the state of Para, by the delta of the Amazon. Fate would eventually bring these two men together when Gastao helped Maeda to establish himself in his new land. To express his gratitude, Maeda introduced Gastao’s oldest son Carlos, who was in his early teens to jiu jitsu. He fell in love with this discipline and dedicated all his energy to his newly-discovered passion.

He continued practicing during the resulting years until the family moved South to Rio de Janeiro. Carlos, who was the eldest of eight siblings, five of whom were boys. When the family finally settled in Rio, they faced adversity with financial difficulties. This led young Carlos to seek additional sources of income. He took this opportunity to make money doing what he enjoyed – teaching jiu-jitsu.

To gain recognition and establish credibility for his teachings, Carlos led his brothers in a series of challenges against all comers.

Learn Valente Brothers based jiu jitsu

Learn from Valente Brothers highest ranked student in the United Kingdom

Get in touch