The Founding Principles Of Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Here at the academy we are often asked about the history of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Most often, people inquire about the differences between the original Japanese Ju-Jitsu and modern-day Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

During his life Grand Master Helio Gracie explained in interviews that, because he was introduced to the Japanese art at such a young age, he didn’t remember many of the techniques in their original form. However, he vividly recalled experiencing great difficulty when he attempted to use the techniques on a larger opponent. As a result of this difficulty, he had to modify nearly everything he had learned to accommodate his frail physique. Helio Gracie often pointed out that, despite the overall effectiveness and value of the Japanese techniques, nearly all of them had one or more limitations that prevented them from being fully useful to him. In most cases, the Grand Master attributed the limitations to three reasons:
1) inapplicability against a striking opponent in a real fight,
2) overreliance on strength or speed, and/or
3) dependence on body movements that were awkward or uncomfortable for him.

Consequently, the Grand Master began modifying the art according to three fundamental principles:
1) every technique must be fully street applicable,
2) every technique must be energy efficient, and
3) every technique must function according to natural body movements.

Using these principles as a guide, he spent decades developing a complete system of self-defense consisting only of techniques that anyone could successfully apply against larger opponents. Confident in his new system, he spent the next thirty years of his life proving his system’s effectiveness through challenge matches against any and all comers, including several opponents who outweighed him by as much as 100 pounds.

Now it is time for you to begin learning the most complete and effective self defense system on the planet, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, by taking advantage of your 14 DAYS OF FREE TRAINING!

About The Author:

Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA.

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