Jiu Jitsu is one of the most influential martial arts in history. What began centuries ago in Japan as a battlefield system of self-defence has evolved into modern styles that dominate combat sports today and plays a defining role in the UFC.
Origins in Japan
Jiu Jitsu (jujutsu) was developed by the samurai in feudal Japan. Its purpose was simple: to give warriors techniques to defend themselves when disarmed. Practitioners used throws, joint locks, chokes, and strikes to neutralise armed opponents.
This traditional system became the foundation for other martial arts that would later spread across the globe.
From Tradition to Modern Styles
As Jiu Jitsu evolved, it gave rise to several distinct martial arts:
- Judo – focused on throws and leverage.
- Aikido – centred on redirection and self-defence.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) – specialising in ground fighting and submissions.
Of these, it was Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that would ultimately transform combat sports.
The Gracie Family and the Birth of BJJ
In the early 1900s, Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda brought Judo to Brazil, where he taught Carlos Gracie. Carlos and his brother Helio adapted the techniques, creating Gracie Jiu Jitsu, later known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
By emphasising leverage and ground control, the Gracies developed a style that allowed smaller fighters to defeat larger opponents - a principle that would change martial arts forever.
BJJ and the UFC
In 1993, the Gracie family co-created the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to showcase BJJ’s effectiveness. Representing his family, Royce Gracie shocked audiences by winning UFC 1, defeating bigger opponents with submissions and grappling.
This victory proved that BJJ was essential in mixed martial arts. Today, nearly every UFC fighter trains in BJJ to compete at the highest level.
Our Partnership with the UFC
At OPRO, we’re proud to be the Official Mouthguard Partner of the UFC. Just as Jiu Jitsu evolved to protect fighters on the mat, our mouthguards are designed to protect athletes in competition.
Our exclusive range of UFC mouthguards combines world-class protection with UFC branding, trusted by top athletes who live and breathe martial arts.
The Lasting Legacy of Jiu Jitsu
From samurai origins to global sport, Jiu Jitsu has shaped martial arts for centuries. Its modern form, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, remains a cornerstone of MMA and the UFC. And as the sport continues to grow, so does the importance of athlete protection.
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