Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda introduced judo techniques in Brazil. He taught Carlos Gracie, who, along with his brother Helio Gracie, transformed and refined the system into what is now known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whenever people ask about the history of BJJ, the story always begins with the Gracie family and their pioneering influence.
From Japan to Brazil
While traditional judo emphasized throws and takedowns, the Gracies reshaped the art by focusing on leverage, positional control, and ground fighting. This adaptation allowed smaller fighters to defend themselves and even overcome much larger opponents. At its core, the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is built on the principle that technique and strategy can outweigh sheer size and strength.
BJJ Reaches the World Stage
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu entered the global spotlight in the 1990s when Royce Gracie stunned audiences in the early UFC tournaments. Facing opponents from striking and wrestling backgrounds, he used BJJ to submit larger, stronger fighters, proving the effectiveness of the art on an international stage. Since then, BJJ has grown beyond Brazil, expanding into academies worldwide and establishing prestigious tournaments that attract top competitors.
Today, when someone asks “What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history?”, the answer is a journey that spans from its Japanese roots to its rise in Brazil and its eventual impact on martial arts worldwide.
At BJJ Sportswear, we honor that tradition by crafting durable gis, rashguards, and custom MMA gear that reflect both the roots and evolution of the sport. For those who want to explore more, Wikipedia’s page on Gracie Jiu Jitsu offers a deeper and detailed historical perspective.
Custom Rashguard
If the history of BJJ inspires you, train in gear that reflects your own journey. Our custom rashguards combine tradition with personal design, allowing you to carry a piece of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s legacy every time you step onto the mat.