The Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early
part of this century by Brazilian jiu-jitsu pioneer
Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese
jiu-jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese
champion, Mitsuyo Maeda (known in Brazil as Conde Koma
-- the "Count of Combat").
Carlos Gracie, who was interested in street
self-defense, quickly modified the classical techniques
he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of real,
"no rules" 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 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. Even
though he was a mere 135 pounds, his style was so
effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and
became a legend in Brazil.
This tradition of open challenge is a part of the
heritage of the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu. Carlos Gracie
taught his style of jiu-jitsu to his four younger
brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge and Helio) and to his
older sons (including Carlson and Carley), and they in
turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews and cousins.
After Carlos retired from the ring, he managed the fight
careers of his brothers and sons, continuing to
challenge fighters of all styles throughout the world.
This tradition of open challenge has been continued by
his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students,
who have consistently demonstrated the superiority of
the Gracie style in real fights and minimum-rule matches
in rings throughout the world.
Carlos Gracie had 21 children and his youngest brother
Helio had 7 sons, creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie
fighters and instructors who dominate the world of "no
rules" 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 style of jiu-jitsu is the
"hottest" item in martial arts today.
|
|
|
