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Jiu Jitsu has taken the world by storm. The techniques are easily learned and can be very effective against anyone. I have a friend who went to Denmark and used it to defeat two bigger men who were picking on someone. More often than not it makes us think of the small guy defeating a big one, technique over brute strength. The “David & Goliath” scenario if you will. Who does not want to be the David.

Jiu Jitsu was developed to a great degree by the Japanese. A Japanese Ambassador took it to Brazil and transferred there through the Gracie Family. Carlos and his brothers learned while Helio Gracie reportedly watched because of some physical deficiency. One day when one of Helio’s Brothers did not show up, he taught the class. The student was so please that he requested Helio for the next class. Since he was smaller and had no strength, he had to rely on technique. I sometimes wonder if somehow the knowledge had gotten lost and he was able to recreate it. Whatever the truth, Helio refined it in a way that made it accessible to the average Joe so to say. I have seen smaller guys defeat much bigger opponents. Sometimes I was the bigger guy who gotten beat.

America was first introduced to Gracie style of Jiu Jitsu through the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Rorion Gracie started the UFC and used it prove the superiority of their style. The youngest Brother Royce Gracie was chosen as he was not a muscular guy. Royce was able to show America flying kicks look good in the movies, but in a real fight with almost no rules, they were not effective.

In the early days of the UFC, Royce Gracie showed skills above his competitors. He was methodic in his approach with a precision not seen often in a fight. His discipline was incredible.

Leverage over brute force

Today, there are two main types practiced, sports jiu jitsu and street jiu jitsu. Sport jiu jitsu is used in tournaments to score points and win matches. The problem with that situation is you develop bad habits in my opinion for self-defense. I cannot speak much about it as I have never really done it except that they usually start on the ground. Street Jiu Jitsu as I have labeled it is really just self-defense techniques.

Definition of jujitsu: an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent. Jujitsu Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster