What is Brazilian Jiu-JItsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can trace its history back thousands of years - the history has many different tales, but the general idea is that it was developed most specifically in Japan. The origin prior to being in Japan, could have come from ancient Greece, brought to India through the many conquests of the Greek Empire. Or perhaps by the Chinese who brought Buddhism to India. In India it is thought to have been developed as a way for the monks to defend themselves without weapons. Jiu-Jitsu translates roughly to Gentle Art or Flexible Art. This gentleness and flexibility is a core tenent of Jiu-Jitsu. This art then made its way to Japan. While in Japan the Samurai further developed Jiu-Jitsu to suit their needs. The art changed several times and for a while was left not to be practiced. Then a Japanese man named Maeda brought this art to Brazil as he was traveling the globe demonstrating his art. In Brazil, Gastao Gracie was introduced to Maeda and the art was passed to the Gracie family. This Wikipedia article has more details...
Who are the Gracie family?
The Gracie family is a large and widespread family who have pioneered the art of Jiu-JItsu. Gastao Gracie asked Maeda to teach the art to his son, Carlos. carlos then taught his brothers, Oswaldo, Jorge, Gastao and Helio. The family, like any family tree, has many branches. Renzo Gracie traces his lineage directly to Carlos Gracie. Carlos was Renzo's grandfather. This Wikipedia article has more information about Renzo Gracie...
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can trace its history back thousands of years - the history has many different tales, but the general idea is that it was developed most specifically in Japan. The origin prior to being in Japan, could have come from ancient Greece, brought to India through the many conquests of the Greek Empire. Or perhaps by the Chinese who brought Buddhism to India. In India it is thought to have been developed as a way for the monks to defend themselves without weapons. Jiu-Jitsu translates roughly to Gentle Art or Flexible Art. This gentleness and flexibility is a core tenent of Jiu-Jitsu. This art then made its way to Japan. While in Japan the Samurai further developed Jiu-Jitsu to suit their needs. The art changed several times and for a while was left not to be practiced. Then a Japanese man named Maeda brought this art to Brazil as he was traveling the globe demonstrating his art. In Brazil, Gastao Gracie was introduced to Maeda and the art was passed to the Gracie family. This Wikipedia article has more details...
Who are the Gracie family?
The Gracie family is a large and widespread family who have pioneered the art of Jiu-JItsu. Gastao Gracie asked Maeda to teach the art to his son, Carlos. carlos then taught his brothers, Oswaldo, Jorge, Gastao and Helio. The family, like any family tree, has many branches. Renzo Gracie traces his lineage directly to Carlos Gracie. Carlos was Renzo's grandfather. This Wikipedia article has more information about Renzo Gracie...
What is a Gi?
The Gi is the uniform worn by a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. The design and cut of the jacket and pants are specifically tailored to the practice of Jiu-Jitsu as the Gi is often used in grips, holds and submissions.
What are the different belts?
The belts are different colors to signify the rank of the practitioner. For adults (16 and over) the belts are White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black, Black with Red and Red. For younger practitioners (under 16) the belts are White, Yellow, Orange and Green.
The Gi is the uniform worn by a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. The design and cut of the jacket and pants are specifically tailored to the practice of Jiu-Jitsu as the Gi is often used in grips, holds and submissions.
What are the different belts?
The belts are different colors to signify the rank of the practitioner. For adults (16 and over) the belts are White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black, Black with Red and Red. For younger practitioners (under 16) the belts are White, Yellow, Orange and Green.