The History

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was born in the early 1900s, when Japanese master Mitsuyo Maeda, an expert in Judo and traditional Jiu Jitsu, moved to Brazil. There, he passed on his knowledge to the Gracie family, who adapted the techniques to make them more effective in ground fighting, focusing on leverage, control, and submissions rather than brute force. Over the years, BJJ has evolved into an independent discipline, spreading worldwide, thanks in part to its success in vale tudo competitions and later in the early editions of the UFC.

The Sports Discipline

BJJ is a martial art focused on ground combat, where the goal is to control the opponent and force them to submit through chokes and joint locks.

It is practiced in two main variations:

Gi – with a traditional kimono, which allows for holds and throws.

No-Gi – without a kimono, with a rashguard and shorts, faster and more dynamic.

In addition to competitive sports, BJJ is used for self-defense and in military and law enforcement training.

BJJ Today

Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a global discipline, with international tournaments such as IBJJF Worlds, ADCC, and Abu Dhabi World Pro. It is practiced by professional athletes, mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts, and those seeking a comprehensive and technical training program.

The expansion of academies and schools worldwide has made BJJ accessible to men, women, and children of all ages.

The Benefits

Practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers both physical and mental benefits:

  • Strength and endurance: improves muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness.
  • Flexibility and coordination: develops agility and body control.
  • Stress management: the intense training and concentration required help clear the mind.
  • Self-esteem and discipline: teaches respect, patience, and determination.
  • Self-defense: real and effective techniques in dangerous situations.

Fashion in BJJ

BJJ has created its own style of clothing and accessories that transcends the mat:

Gi customized with unique designs, patches, and distinctive colors.

Rashguards and shorts with eye-catching graphics, often inspired by samurai, skulls, dragons, or Brazilian motifs.

BJJ lifestyle: sweatshirts, t-shirts, and caps from brands associated with the discipline have become symbols of community belonging, worn even outside the gym.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport: it's a culture of respect, strategy, and sharing, capable of uniting people from all over the world under the same passion.

OSS