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The Gentle Art
What is Jiu Jitsu?
How a centuries-old martial art travelled from Buddhist monks to the Gracie family in Brazil — and why leverage and technique let a smaller person prevail.
01
History — The Gentle Art
The core of Jiu Jitsu's origins can be traced back to Buddhist monks. Concerned with self-defence, these monks favoured perfecting position and leverage over strength and weapons. Over time, these learnings made their way through to China and Japan, where Jiu Jitsu was continually developed and its popularity grew.
By the 19th century, many Japanese Jiu Jitsu masters immigrated to other countries, spreading their teachings. Esai Maeda Koma settled in Brazil in 1915, where he met Gastao Gracie and, in thanks for his help establishing a Japanese immigrant community, taught Gastao's son Carlos the secrets of the ancient martial art.
Within 10 years Carlos Gracie had trained his four brothers, and by 1925 they had opened the first ever Jiu Jitsu Academy in Brazil. Their attention to detail and understanding of leverage and position allowed them to submit much larger, stronger opponents. Where the Japanese still focused on take-downs and throws, the Gracies focused on ground fighting and submissions — and their techniques so altered the art that their brand became known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Today Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a highly organised sport governed by the IBJJF and practised by millions. In Australia, Peter de Been — under the guidance of Carlos Gracie Jnr — founded the Australian Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ), the first International Federation outside Brazil at the time.
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Why Train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic workout — it exercises your whole body without ever feeling like you're at the gym. Almost anybody can practise it; it isn't limited to the sporty, strong and athletic. In fact, boys and girls as young as 4 can begin training.
While training, you constantly learn new skills, develop friendships and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Known as 'human chess', BJJ practitioners develop strategies and techniques to win their match, and can be exposed to hundreds of different techniques within their first few years — keeping every class new, fresh and exciting.
For kids, BJJ builds core strength and friendships. Knowing that many real-life encounters end up on the ground, it's a fantastic last line of defence. It prides itself on being the 'gentle art', where a smaller, weaker person can use technique and leverage to defend themselves against a much larger opponent.
In two words
“The gentle art”
A smaller, weaker person can use technique and leverage to defend themselves against a much larger opponent.
Try it for yourself
See the gentle art in action
All levels welcome. Ages 4+. Your first class is free — come down and feel the difference technique makes.