Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most effective and widely practiced martial arts in the world today. It is known for its grappling techniques, ground control and submissions. BJJ has become a dominant force in combat sports and self-defense training. But how did Jiu-Jitsu evolve into what we now call Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

The journey of BJJ spans centuries, from its origins in Japan to its transformation in Brazil and rise in the United States. At Novakik BJJ, we honor the rich history and evolution of Jiu-Jitsu. In this article, we will explore its deep roots, key historical figures, and how it became the sport we love today.

1- The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu – Ancient Japan

The Birth of Jiu-Jitsu in Japan

Jiu-Jitsu, meaning gentle art in Japanese. It originated over 400 years ago during Japan’s samurai era. It was designed as a close-combat system for samurai warriors who found themselves disarmed in battle.

Since armor made striking techniques ineffective. So, the samurai developed a system that focused on throws, joint locks, and submissions to defeat their opponents without weapons. Over time, these techniques were refined into various forms of traditional Jiu-Jitsu. Ultimately, these refined techniques later influence the creation of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Judo – The Bridge Between Traditional Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ

In the late 1800s, Jigoro Kano, a Japanese martial artist and educator, sought to modernize traditional Jiu-Jitsu. He removed many of its dangerous techniques and focused on a more systematic and competitive approach. Thus founding Kodokan Judo in 1882.

Judo emphasized:

• Throws (Takedowns) – Techniques for off-balancing and taking opponents down.
• Newaza (Ground Fighting) – Grappling and submission techniques that later became the core of BJJ.
• Randori (Live Sparring) – Training with full resistance, a key principle in modern BJJ.

Judo became popular worldwide, and many of its techniques would later be adapted into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

2- How Jiu-Jitsu Arrived in Brazil – The Birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Mitsuyo Maeda – The Link Between Judo and BJJ

One of Jigoro Kano’s top students, Mitsuyo Maeda, traveled the world in the early 1900s, demonstrating Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. In 1914, he arrived in Brazil, where he met Gaston Gracie, a businessman who helped Maeda establish himself in the country.

As a sign of gratitude, Maeda taught Jiu-Jitsu to Gaston’s son, Carlos Gracie, who would later pass the knowledge to his younger brother, Hélio Gracie.

The Gracie Family – Founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Carlos Gracie learned Jiu-Jitsu from Maeda and taught it to his younger brother, Hélio Gracie.
• Hélio Gracie, being smaller and physically weaker, modified Jiu-Jitsu to rely on technique, leverage, and timing. Thus making it more effective for smaller fighters against larger opponents.
• These innovations transformed Jiu-Jitsu into the modern BJJ we practice today.

The Gracie family began teaching and competing. Hence, proving the effectiveness of their new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style. Over time, BJJ became known for its focus on ground fighting, submissions, and real-world effectiveness.

3- BJJ’s Arrival in the USA – The Rise of Modern Jiu-Jitsu

The 1980s – The Gracie Challenge

In the 1980s, the Gracie family moved to California, USA, with the goal of spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. They introduced the Gracie Challenge. In this challenge, they invited martial artists from Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, and other disciplines to test their skills against BJJ fighters.

What Happened?

• BJJ dominated most of these challenges. Thus proving its effectiveness.
• The Gracie name became famous in the martial arts world.

1993 – The Birth of the UFC and BJJ’s Global Explosion

The biggest moment in BJJ’s history came in 1993, when Rorion Gracie co-founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The tournament aimed to determine which martial art was the most effective in a real fight.

• Royce Gracie, representing BJJ, entered UFC 1 as an unknown fighter.
• Using pure technique and submissions, he defeated larger and stronger opponents.
• BJJ shocked the world and proved that ground fighting was crucial in real combat.

After Royce Gracie’s victories, BJJ exploded in popularity across the United States and the rest of the world. Today, nearly every MMA fighter trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

4- The Evolution of BJJ – From Challenge Fights to a Global Sport

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most respected martial arts in the world today. It has evolved from its street-fighting roots into a highly competitive sport.

• IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) was created to standardize competition rules.
• BJJ is now taught in gyms, academies, and self-defense programs worldwide.
• The sport continues to grow, with events like ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) and World Jiu-Jitsu Championships showcasing the world’s best grapplers.

5- The Role of Novakik BJJ in the Evolution of BJJ

At Novakik BJJ, we are proud to be a part of the modern BJJ movement. We provide high-quality BJJ Gis, rash guards, and gear to help practitioners train, compete, and continue the legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

• Our mission is to support every BJJ athlete—from beginners to world champions—with the best durable, comfortable, and competition-approved BJJ gear.
• Check out our top-rated BJJ gears and become part of Jiu-Jitsu history!

Final Thoughts – The Journey of BJJ Continues

From the samurai warriors of Japan to the Gracie family in Brazil, and now to the global stage of modern BJJ, this martial art has evolved into a dominant force in self-defense and competition.

• Jiu-Jitsu teaches not just fighting, but discipline, patience, and resilience.
• Its journey from Japan to Brazil to the USA has shaped modern martial arts forever.
• Today, BJJ continues to grow, and YOU are part of its future!

Train with passion, honor the history, and embrace the journey.
Join the Novakik BJJ family and wear the legacy with pride!