The Untold Story Of Jiu Jitsu In Brazil 1950-1960

Brazilian jiu jitsu has become a popular martial art and combat sport worldwide, known for its effectiveness in grappling and ground fighting. But do you know the untold story of how jiu jitsu emerged and developed in Brazil during the 1950s and 1960s? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of jiu jitsu in Brazil, uncovering the pivotal figures, events, and transformations that shaped it into the martial art we know today.

The Birth of Jiu Jitsu in Brazil

The story begins with the arrival of a Japanese jiu jitsu master named Mitsuyo Maeda in Brazil in 1914. Maeda, also known as Count Koma, was a direct student of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Maeda's goal was to spread the art of jiu jitsu across the world, and Brazil became one of the key destinations in his global journey.

Initially, Brazilian jiu jitsu was primarily practiced and taught within the Japanese immigrant community in Brazil. Due to cultural differences and language barriers, jiu jitsu remained relatively unknown to the broader Brazilian population for several decades. However, it laid the foundation for what would eventually become a national phenomenon.

Choque: The Untold Story of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, 1950-1960

by Roberto Pedreira(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6735 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	455 pages
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Carlos Gracie and the Birth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

In the 1920s, Carlos Gracie, one of Maeda's Brazilian students, played a crucial role in the development of jiu jitsu in Brazil. Carlos and his brothers, Helio, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., and George, began training under Maeda's guidance and eventually established their own Academy in Rio de Janeiro.

Carlos Gracie, known for his innovative approaches and adaptations to jiu jitsu techniques, transformed the art into a system that emphasized leverage and technique over strength and size. This evolution gave birth to the Brazilian style of jiu jitsu, which later became renowned for its efficiency and effectiveness.

The Rise of the Gracie Family

The Gracie family's dedication to jiu jitsu led to numerous challenges and victories against practitioners of different martial arts styles. Their success in challenge matches and open competitions showcased the effectiveness of their fighting system.

One of the most famous instances was Carlos Gracie's legendary battle against prominent capoeira fighter Conde Koma in 1925. Carlos successfully defeated Koma using jiu jitsu techniques, solidifying jiu jitsu's reputation as a formidable martial art.

As the Gracie family continued to dominate in challenge matches, they became pioneers in promoting jiu jitsu as a martial art for self-defense and practical combat. They organized the first Vale Tudo (No Holds Barred) events, laying the foundation for mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions that would emerge decades later.

From the Academy to National Prevalence

The Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro became a haven for those seeking to learn jiu jitsu. The Gracie family's commitment to teaching and promoting the art led to the growth of a loyal following within Brazil. As students learned and trained under the Gracie name, they began to spread jiu jitsu to other regions of the country.

In the 1950s and 1960s, jiu jitsu began to gain popularity beyond the walls of the Gracie Academy. Other Brazilian jiu jitsu schools emerged, with renowned masters like Alvaro Barreto, Rolls Gracie, and João Alberto Barreto playing pivotal roles in expanding the art's reach.

During this period, jiu jitsu also started to see international recognition. Rolls Gracie, son of Carlos Gracie, further contributed to expanding jiu jitsu's influence by travelling to the United States and Europe to teach seminars and demonstrations.

The Influence of Competitions

Competitions were a driving force behind the growth and development of jiu jitsu in Brazil during the 1950s and 1960s. They provided a platform for practitioners to test their skills against opponents of different backgrounds and helped evolve and refine jiu jitsu techniques.

One significant event was the creation of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Championships in 1967, which further solidified the sport's prominence. The tournament showcased the best jiu jitsu practitioners and brought international attention to the Brazilian style of jiu jitsu.

The Legacy of Jiu Jitsu in Brazil

The period between 1950 and 1960 marked a turning point for jiu jitsu in Brazil. It went from being an obscure martial art within the Japanese community to a widely practiced and respected discipline throughout the country.

The birth of Brazilian jiu jitsu, the rise of the Gracie family, and the expansion of jiu jitsu schools all contributed to the growth and popularity of the martial art. Today, Brazilian jiu jitsu is practiced by millions worldwide and has cemented its place in the realm of martial arts and combat sports.

, the untold story of jiu jitsu in Brazil during the 1950s and 1960s sheds light on the remarkable journey of this martial art from its Japanese origins to becoming an integral part of Brazilian culture. The pivotal figures and events during that era shaped the art into what it is today, and its legacy continues to thrive globally.

Choque: The Untold Story of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, 1950-1960

by Roberto Pedreira(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6735 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	455 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Choque: The Untold Story of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, Volume 2, 1950-1960, describes the big and small fights of the famous names and forgotten heroes and legends of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, based on verifiable Portuguese and Japanese sources. Six appendices are included, listing every fighter, fight, and academy, individual records of representative fighter, and lineages of the most productive teachers. A few of the many individuals discussed are: Landulfo Caribé, Azevedo Maia, Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, George Gracie, Robson Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Oswaldo Fada, Almir Ribeiro, João Alberto Barreto, Helio Vigio, Masayoshi Kawakami, Haroldo Brito, René Bastos, Biriba, Nilo Gutierrez, Adomildo Nascimento “Borrachina”, Oswaldo Alves, Shunji Hinata, Pedro Hemeterio, Sakai, Takeo Yano, Waldemar Santana, Valdo Santana, Passarito, Artur Emidio, Sinhôzinho, Genarino Piemontese, Mauro Gonzago, Amauri Guarilha, Moacir Luzia Vale, Armando Wreidt, Paulo Romito, Rudolf Hermanny, Cirandinha, Guanair Vial, George Mehdi, Masahiko Kimura, and hundreds of others. 49 illustrations are included.
*Updated Revised Edition Published June 13, 2016 with new illustrations and information.