Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) is considered the most effective form of self-defense in the world. Started by the monks in India millenniums ago, Jiu-Jitsu is the base of all martial art systems. It made its way to the northern part of Brazil around 1920 and was taught to Carlos Gracie Sr. by a Japanese master known as "Count Koma" (Mitsuyo Maeda).

In Rio de Janeiro, Carlos and his younger brother, Helio, refined the techniques handed down by "Count Koma" and developed the system known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ soon evolved into a system of leverages that became more effective than its Japanese counterpart and the most popular martial art in Brazil with many tournaments from school to national to world championship levels. more...