History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The origin of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is traced back to three historic individuals - Jigoro Kano, Mitsuyo Maeda, and Carlos Gracie. Kano represents the classical Japanese origin, Maeda represents the shared link between Japan and Brazil, and Gracie represents the Brazilian modernization of the art.
Jigoro Kano (1860 - 1938)
"The Father of Judo"
A Japanese Jujutsu practitioner and instructor, Kano is widely known as the founder of modern Judo. Innovations were made to Jujutsu to convert it from a classical, dangerous martial art to a modern, safe sport. Eventually, Judo was created to utilize maximum efficiency with minimum effort.
Mitsuyo Maeda (1878 - 1941)
"Conde Koma"
Often referred to as "Conde Koma" in Portuguese, or "Count Combat," Maeda was a naturalized Brazilian citizen who promoted Japanese emigration to Brazil. A judoka under Jigoro Kano, he was fundamental to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through his teaching of Carlos Gracie and others of the Gracie family.
Carlos Gracie (1902 - 1994)
"The Father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu"
Carlos Gracie is credited with being one of the primary developers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Along with his younger brother Hélio Gracie, he helped develop the art based on the teachings of Mitsuyo Maeda and is widely considered to be the martial arts patriarch of the Gracie family.