Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Gracie jiu jitsu is a self-defense martial art unlike any other. We at Gracie Barra O’Fallon are privileged to bring the skills and teachings of Carlos Gracie and Gracie jiu jitsu to men, women, and children in the Greater St Louis area. With some of the top instructors in the Gracie jiu jitsu field, our programs are second to none. To learn Gracie jiu jitsu technique and skill as well as the spiritual and mental attributes of a Gracie jiu jitsu martial artist, join us today. Sign up for a free class or learn more by calling us now at 636-544-36550.

What is Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

The term jiu jitsu has historically been used to describe a wide range of grappling-centered practices but now refers to the grappling-style martial art based in Japan. Through the practice of traditional Japanese jiu jitsu came the Brazilian jiu jitsu practice, which was championed by Carlos Gracie and his descendants. The Gracie family produced several of the most skilled Brazilian jiu jitsu athletes and eventually founded the Gracie Barra school, trademarking the Gracie jiu jitsu name.

Today Gracie Barra schools throughout the United States teach the practices of Gracie jiu jitsu to children, teens, and adults. Gracie jiu jitsu focuses on practical and graceful self-defense, including the ground grappling moves of jiu jitsu, judo throws, wrsetling take-downs, and muay thai kick boxing.

Gracie jiu jitsu is a self-defense martial art in which a smaller person has an equal chance of defeating a larger, heavier opponent. The focus is on leverage, timing, and natural body movements, often using your opponent’s weight against them. Unlike many other commonly practiced martial arts, Gracie jiu jitsu does not rely on striking movements, but instead on locks, chokes, and takedowns.

Besides the techniques and types of moves used in Gracie jiu jitsu, the martial art is also distinct in its philosophy and approach to competition. The purpose of Gracie jiu jitsu is primarily for self-defense. Competitions are not about “beating” your opponent as much as it is about besting yourself and demonstrating maturity and confidence. Carlos Gracie Jr. impressed upon the students of Gracie jiu jitsu the significance of spiritual soundness and other significant internal traits like confidence, humility, and self-improvement.

Carlos Gracie Senior 12 Commandments

A History of Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Gracie jiu jitsu has a long and fascinating history that spans generations and reaches across the globe. It starts with jiu jitsu. Jiu jitsu is a martial art form with ancient roots. The exact origins are not known, though many believe it began in India. Basic fundaments of the jiu jitsu art have been noted in the ancient cultures of Greece, China, Rome, and other regions. These elements were refined and developed into the practice we recognize today by the Japanese.

Gracie jiu jitsu, though, does not develop until after jiu jitsu moves from Japan to Brazil by way of one exceptional student of the art named Mitsuyu Maeda (who eventually came to be known as Count Coma). Count Coma traveled the world, finally making his way to Brazil. In 1914 Coma performs a jiu jitsu demonstration in Brazil, where Carlos Gracie first sees him. Carlos Gracie was a young, small boy at the time he became a jiu jitsu student under Count Coma.

Carlos Gracie trained and excelled under Count Coma in the Brazilian form of jiu jitsu and eventually began his own school – the first Gracie jiu jitsu school. Carlos Gracie brought in his younger brothers and began teaching them Brazilian jiu jitsu through his school. This became known as Gracie jiu jitsu, and the tradition of training Gracie jiu jitsu continued down the family line from fathers to sons. As Carlos grew older, his younger brother Helio began taking over the Gracie jiu jitsu school, and subsequently, their sons started their own Gracie jiu jitsu schools and teachings.

In 1983, Carlos Gracie Jr. became Head Instructor of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu school. He was working on the family teachings with his brother Rolls, who suddenly passed away in an accident. After that, Carlos Gracie Jr. moved to a new neighborhood called Barra de Tijuca, which is where the name Gracie Barra jiu jitsu comes from. Gracie jiu jitsu becomes national in Brazil and eventually makes its way abroad to places like the United States in the year 2000. In 2005, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. moved to the United States, bringing the Gracie Barra headquarters with him. We are privileged to have Head Professor Mike Buckels with us at Gracie Barra O’Fallon, who trained under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Near You

Gracie jiu jitsu is an excellent martial art perfect for every age, gender, body type, and skill level. Try Gracie jiu jitsu on for size with Gracie jiu jitsu classes at Gracie Barra O’Fallon. For more information or to sign up for your first class, check out our schedule or give us a call at 636-544-36550. See you on the mat!