the capital jiu-jitsu school
HISTORY OF GRACIE JIU-JITSU
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu originated in the 1910's when Japanese JuJitsu (also spelled "JuJutsu") and Judo master Mitsuyo "Count Koma" Maeda visited Brazil. He befriended Gastão Gracie, an influential Brazilian businessman of Scottish decent. Maeda agreed to teach traditional Japanese JuJitsu to Gastão's eldest son, Carlos Gracie. Maeda soon left Brazil, but the Gracie brothers continued practicing Jiu-Jitsu.
Although all of Gastão's sons trained JuJitsu, Helio Gracie made the refinements that created the most efficient martial arts system in the world. Helio noticed that many of the traditional techniques were not practical for his 135-pound physique, so he began experimenting to find ways for a smaller person execute the moves. Through a lifetime of trial and error, Helio Gracie modified the techniques Maeda had taught Carlos, invented new ones and developed a system of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that would enable him to be defeat larger, stronger opponents and forever change the landscape of the traditional martial arts world.
Helio knew that merely practicing moves against a willing partner would not ensure the effectiveness of his style. As such, he tested his techniques in numerous no-holds-barred, Vale Tudo and challenge matches, throwing out or modifying the techniques he found to require too much athleticism or strength. Helio gained notoriety in Brazil as the country's top fighter, despite his small physical stature. Now approaching age 100, Helio Gracie still teaches his art in Brazil and around the world. Carlos and Helio had many sons who carried on the techniques and traditions of Jiu-Jitsu, but Helio's son Royce (pronounced "Hoyce") ushered in a revolution in the world of traditional martial arts in the early 1990's, competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The early UFC's asked a single question: "which style of martial arts is most effective in a real fight?" The events were no-holds-barred ("NHB"), with no weight classes and no time limits. Fighters were allowed to use any strikes, take downs or submissions they pleased, and the only way to win a fight was by knockout or submission. The 175-pound Royce Gracie was able to quickly defeat much heavier and stronger fighters from all styles of martial arts, such as Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Wrestling, Boxing, Shootfighting and Kung Fu. Royce's success was convincing proof of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's superiority over other martial arts, making him an internationally recognized martial arts icon.
Royce Gracie dominating an opponenet in UFC IV.
After his UFC victories, Royce Gracie has continued his illustrious career as a fighter and teacher. He has competed in Japan, dominating Japanese Judo Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and submitting 486-pound, 6’8” Sumo yokozuna Akebono in less than 3 minutes. Royce also founded the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network, consisting of numerous academies all over the world.
Royce spends most of his time teaching Jiu-Jitsu throughout the Network, including Capital Jiu-Jitsu in Alexandria, Virginia. He is known for being a patient, thorough and down-to-earth instructor, and through his lifestyle and demeanor, sets an exceptional example for all his students.
History of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Competition
No Holds Barred Competitions date back to the Olympic Games in 648 B.C. when Greek Pankration became part of the event. But, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was the catalyst for the sport's current popularity. In mid-20th century Brazil, Carlos and Helio Gracie issued the "Gracie Challenge" to prove that their style of Jiu-Jitsu was superior to other popular Brazilian martial arts, such as Capoeira, Judo, Boxing and Karate. The Gracies offered to fight anyone in Vale Tudo ("anything goes") matches. These fights were truly no-holds-barred because competitors did not wear gloves or protective gear and there were no time limits or weight classes. The Gracies took the challenge with them to the United States, which culminated when Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, ushering in new era and putting MMA on the international stage.
Royce Gracie making his way from the ring after winning another fight in K-1.
Today, MMA promoters implement a variety of rules to protect fighters and make the sport more widely accepted. The UFC, Pride Fighting Championships, K-1, King of the Cage and other organizations hold regular competitions in which fighters are allowed to utilize striking and grappling techniques. These organizations are becoming more and more popular in Japan, the United States and throughout the world, and professional MMA fighters are gaining increasing respect for their technical and athletic ability.
