Jiu-jitsu is one of the most influential martial arts in combat sports, and it has survived centuries of conflict to become a key part of modern MMA. The name means "gentle art," using an opponent's energy rather than relying on strength. It began on Japan’s battlefields and has grown into styles that help shape the UFC today.
Where Does Jiu-Jitsu Come From? The Samurai Origins
Jiu-jitsu, also known as jujutsu, started in feudal Japan as a method for samurai to defeat armed and armored enemies after losing their weapons. Since striking armor did not work, they created throws, locks, chokes, and takedowns to use their opponents’ force against them. The first school dedicated to jujutsu was opened by Takenouchi Hisamori in 1532.
This traditional system became the base for several martial arts that eventually spread worldwide.
What Martial Arts Come From Jiu-Jitsu?
As jiu-jitsu changed over time, it led to the creation of several different martial arts:
- Judo focuses on throws and leverage. Jigoro Kano organized it in 1882, and it later became an Olympic sport.
- Aikido centers on redirecting force and self-defense.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) specializes in ground fighting and submissions.
What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? The Gracie Family and the Birth of BJJ
In the early 1900s, Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda, who learned from Kodokan judo founder Kano Jigoro, brought his martial art to Brazil. The Gracie family says Carlos Gracie trained at Maeda’s school and then taught his brothers, including Hélio Gracie.
Hélio, who was smaller in size, found it hard to use judo techniques that required strength. Instead, he focused on ground fighting and leverage, which became the foundation of Gracie jiu-jitsu.
Their style made it possible for smaller fighters to defeat larger opponents by using technique, which changed martial arts for good.
How Did BJJ Get Into the UFC?
In 1993, Rorion Gracie, Art Davie, and Semaphore Entertainment Group started the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It was an eight-man, single-elimination tournament with very few rules. Fighters from different backgrounds competed to see which style was best.
Rickson Gracie, the family's most experienced fighter, was expected to represent Gracie jiu-jitsu. However, his younger brother Royce was chosen on purpose to show that these techniques could help defeat much larger opponents.
Royce Gracie won the first UFC tournament and showed the world what Gracie Jiu-Jitsu could do. He weighed only 175 to 178 pounds, but submitted three bigger opponents in less than five minutes total. Ground fighting and submissions became essential skills.
Why Do UFC Fighters Train BJJ?
BJJ gives fighters an advantage in any situation. When standing, they can control distance and takedowns. On the ground, they use leverage, positioning, and submissions to handle stronger opponents. Without BJJ, a fighter is unprepared once the fight leaves striking range, and at the highest level, that can be the end. Every professional MMA athlete now trains in BJJ as a basic skill.
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Why Is Jiu-Jitsu So Popular?
BJJ has grown from a small niche to a global sport, with around 6 million people practicing it worldwide and numbers rising quickly. Its appeal is simple: it works for people of all sizes and strengths. BJJ encourages problem-solving, builds community, and helps people see their own progress, drawing in people from all walks of life.
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