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Brazilian jiu-jitsu

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ; Portuguese: jiu-jitsu brasileiro [ʒiw ˈʒitsu bɾaziˈlejɾu, ʒu -]) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ approaches self-defense by emphasizing taking an opponent to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

Quick facts: Also known as, Focus, Hardness, Country of or...
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
GABRIEL_VELLA_vs_ROMINHO_51.jpg
Also known asBJJ, Gracie jiu-jitsu, gi/nogi jiu-jitsu, submission grappling
Portuguese name:
jiu-jitsu brasileiro
Japanese name:
Gureishī Jūjutsu (グレイシー柔術)
FocusGround fighting, Submission Grappling, Grappling
Hardnessfull contact
Country of originFlag_of_Brazil.svg Brazil
CreatorSenjuro Kataoka, Mataemon Tanabe, Geo Omori, Mitsuyo Maeda, Taro Miyake, Sadakazu Uyenishi, Yukio Tani, Takeo Yano, Soshihiro Satake, Tokugoro Ito, Jacintho Ferro,[1] Donato Pires dos Reis,[1] Hélio Gracie, Carlos Gracie, George Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, Luiz França, Osvaldo Alves, [2] Oswaldo Fadda
Famous practitionersSee full list
ParenthoodKodokan Judo, Kosen Judo, Wrestling, Catch Wrestling
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Brazilian jiu-jitsu was initially developed in 1925 by Brazilian brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George, and Hélio Gracie, after Carlos was taught jiu-jitsu by a travelling Japanese judoka, Mitsuyo Maeda, who himself mastered his ground fighting while interacting with Taro Miyake (Tanabe student), Sadakazu Uyenishi (Handa, Tanabe) and Yukio Tani (Tenjin Shinyo-ryu) and catch wrestlers in Europe. Later on, the Gracie family developed their own self-defense system, and published Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

BJJ eventually came to be its own defined combat sport through the innovations, practices, and adaptation of Gracie jiu-jitsu and Judo, and became an essential martial art for modern MMA.

BJJ revolves around the concept, taken from traditional Japanese jūjutsu, that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using leverage and weight distribution, taking the fight to the ground and using a number of holds and submissions to defeat them. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling and self-defense situations.[3] Sparring, commonly referred to as "rolling" within the BJJ community, and live drilling plays a major role in training and the practitioner's development. BJJ can also be used as a method of promoting physical fitness, building character, and as a way of life.[4][5]