Relative to Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is quite new. Created in the early 1900's by the Gracie family in Rio, Brazil, it has been a mainstay of Brazilian life. The sport began to gain more mainstream popularity through the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993. The brainchild of Rorian Gracie, it pitted fighters from a wide variety of styles, boxing, savate, kung fu, karate and wrestling. The event was a knockout tournament format with the winner having fought multiple opponents in the one evening, quite different to todays version of the event.
The winner of the first UFC was a skinny kid names Royce Gracie. You guessed it, he was the younger brother of Rorian. Chosen by the Gracie family because he was the least intimidating, least physically capable and had not fought in Vale Tudo (anything goes), events in their homeland. He was the best example of the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu.
So how did Royce (pronounced Hoyce), pull off this amazing feat? Well, he used his Jiu Jitsu to nullify the strengths of the other striking arts, he stayed out of striking range, threw low kicks at the legs of his opponents as a distraction, quickly closed the distance, clinched (grabbed the opponent crowding them for space), then took them to the ground. Once on the ground Royce maneuvered himself into positions that allowed the execution of a series of different submissions. Joint locks and chokes. This forced his opponents to tap (give up), or risk being rendered unconscious, or experiencing serious injury. This is the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu. Keeping yourself safe, whilst completely debilitating your opponent. The perfect self-defense system.
It was following this event, and the ensuing events, also won by Royce, that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was introduced to the world. It challenged everything that everyone thought about martial arts and fighting. Today, Jiu Jitsu is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is practiced everywhere! We at True Grit are lucky to have one of the greatest Jiu Jitsu practitioners and competitors in the history of the sport, Xande Ribeiro, as our leader. Xande lives and coaches in Austin, Texas, he has been a World Champion 7 times and is a member of the International Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Hall of Fame.
At True Grit we offer classes to adults and children, from beginners to more advanced. This is your opportunity to experience Jiu Jitsu for yourself, simply click the link on the Home page to sign up for your Free Trial week! No obligation, no strings attached. We are confident that you will love it!
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