Unlike most other martial arts, it involves no spectacular throws and kicks and no ceremonial bows. Unlike boxing, it has no punching. And unlike virtually every other fighting technique, it does not rely on brute strength. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a form of self-defense that takes place almost entirely on the ground. Fighters use snakelike grappling moves to choke their opponent, or, with the weight of their entire body, they press against key joints, bringing them close to a breaking point. Losers acknowledge defeat simply by tapping their fingers on the ground as if to say "Enough." Part of the appeal of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is that smaller men - and women - can triumph over heavyweights. That became clear in 1993, when Royce Gracie, a 170-lb. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu pro, expertly overcame 210-lb. wrestler Ken Shamrock, stunning pay-per-view audiences for the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, held in Denver. That match put Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in the ring and on the map. It also gave the U.S. its initial glimpse of the Gracie clan. Royce's father Helio Gracie and his uncle Carlos Gracie spawned the fighting style in Brazil. Today their charismatic descendants - Gracie brothers, cousins and uncles - travel the world teaching regular folks how to win by bringing opponents down to earth.  
     - Time Magazine, May 2002  

The Gracie style of Jiu-jitsu is the "hottest" item in martial arts today. The Gracie style was created in the early part of this century by Brazilian Jiu-jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who had a standing challenge that was open to practitioners of all styles, regardless of size, weight or musculature.  

"IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR FACE BEATEN AND WELL SMASHED, YOUR ASS KICKED, AND YOUR ARMS BROKEN, CONTACT CARLOS GRACIE AT THIS ADDRESS . . . "  
     - Brazilian newspaper ad, circa 1920s  

This tradition of open challenge has been continued by the Gracie family and their students, and the Gracie style is recognized to be the most effective fighting art in the world . . . both in the ring and on the street!... a fact that the Gracie family and their students have been proving through their standing challenge for over 70 years.