Jiiu-jitsu was created in Brazil in the early part of this century by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese Jiu-jitsu (practiced as Judo) as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsui Maeda Koma (“Count Koma”).

Carlos Gracie, who was interested in street fighting and was also a boxer, quickly modified the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of real, “no-holds-barred” fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos Gracie then tested and refined his system through constant matches, open to all comers, constantly working to make it more effective. At one point, he even advertised in newspapers and on the street corners for new opponents upon whom to practice and further refine his art. He fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. His style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil.

Helio Gracie was the youngest brother of Carlos.  As a child, he was physically frail and would suffer fainting spells.  Under doctor’s orders, he would watch Carlos and his other older brothers train and teach Jiu-jitsu.  However at the age of 16, Carlos was late for a class, and Helio having memorized all the moves offered to teach the student instead.  The class went very well, and the student requested Helio to be his personal instructor.

Helio’s slighter physique had him modify the techniques even further than what Carlos had already done from Count Koma’s lessons.  He relied more on technique, leverage, and ability to deflect his opponent’s strength to overcome his limitations in sheer strength.  The Gracie style was born where a smaller less strong individual could compete with a much more physical and formidable looking opponent, and win.  Helio, like Carlos, took on all comers in open competitions.  He holds the world record for the longest no holds barred fight lasting nearly 4 hours.  What is even more remarkable is that Helio did this at the age of 43.

This tradition of open challenge is a part of the heritage of the Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos’ and Helios’ other brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, and Jorge) along with their older sons(including Carlson and Carley) took on all comers, and in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews, and cousins.  All together Carlos Gracie had 21 children and Helio, 7 sons, creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie fighters and instructors who dominate the world of “no holds-barred” fight contests today. In these events, Gracie representatives have consistently demonstrated, in open competition against title holders from other martial arts styles, that the Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective fighting art in the world today. No small wonder that the Gracie version of Jiu-Jitsu is the hottest style in martial arts today.