In 1914, Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese jiu-jitsu champion
arrived in brazil to help establish a Japanese immigration colony.
Gastao Gracie befriended Maeda and helped to get the Japanese
established. To show his gratitude, Maeda taught the basic secrets
of jiu-jitsu to Gastao’s son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos taught Maeda’s
techniques to his brothers: Oslwaldo, Gasao, Joge and Helio, and in
1925 opened their first academy in Botalogo, Rio de Jeneiro,
Brazil
Helio, The youngest brother, got involved in this martial art at
the age of 16 when he began substitute teaching for Carlos. Despite
a small frame and weight, he became the mastermind behind the
development of jiu-jitsu.
Helio Gracie went a step further than his teachers by introducing
techniques that required less strength than the Japanese style.
Daring to break away from traditional Japanese style, they began
experimenting, modifying and perfecting simple techniques that
would be effective regardless of stature. Though Jiu-Jitsu decended
from the ancient Japanese style, the differences were quite
apparent. Many of the Japanese facets of the art that depend on
physical prowess and stiff motion were tossed aside, leaving only
pure technique, rather than strength and speed.
Thursday, August 18th | |
7:30 - 9:00pm | Tracy Hopkins |
Monday, August 22th | |
7:30 - 9:00pm | Tracy Hopkins |