Gracie Jiu Jitsu near Saint Peters, MO

Gracie jiu jitsu near Saint Peters, MO is a unique form of self-defense centered martial arts. 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 Saint Peters, MO area. With some of the top instructors in the Gracie jiu jitsu field, our Saint Peters, MO programs are second to none. To learn Gracie jiu jitsu technique and skill and know the spirituality and metal fortitude of a master Saint Peters, MO 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 Japanese type of grappling-style martial art. 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. They eventually founded the Gracie Barra school and trademarked the Gracie jiu jitsu name.

Today Gracie Barra schools near Saint Peters and throughout the United States teach the practices of Gracie jiu jitsu to children, teens, and adults}. Gracie jiu jitsu in Saint Peters, MO emphasizes 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 allows for successful self=defense, even when you are much smaller than your larger, heavier opponent. The focus is on leverage, timing, and natural body movements, often using your opponent’s weight against them}. Gracie jiu jitsu differs from other martial arts taught in Saint Peters, MO in that it 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. The competitor’s goal is more about exercising confidence and poise and improving oneself than getting more points or beating your opponent. Carlos Gracie Jr. impressed upon the students of Gracie jiu jitsu the importance of spiritual soundness and other significant internal traits like confidence, humility, and self-improvement.

Carlos Gracie Senior 12 Commandments

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind

Speak to every one of happiness, health and prosperity

Give all your friends the feeling that they are valuable

Always look at events from a positive point of view, and turn positive into a reality in life

Think always in the best, work solely for the best and expect always the best

Always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own

Forget about past mistakes and concentrate your energies on the victories ahead

Always keep your fellow men joyful and have a pleasant attitude to all that address you

Spend all the time you need in perfecting yourself, but leave no time to criticize the others

Become too big to feel unrest, too noble to feel anger, too strong to feel fear and too happy to tumble in adversity

Always have a positive opinion about yourself and tell it to the world, not through words of vanity but through benevolence

Have the strong belief that the world is beside you if you keep true to what is best within you

Our other programs include:

A History of Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Gracie jiu jitsu has deep roots and a fascinating history that spans generations and reaches across the globe. It starts with jiu jitsu. Jiu jitsu is a martial art practice that began in ancient times. The exact origins are not known, though many believe it began in India. However, components of jiu jitsu have been observed 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, who was a small-built boy of only 14 years at the time, became a jiu jitsu student under Count Coma.

Young Carlos Gracie trained under Count Coma, became a skilled martial artist, 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.

Carlos Gracie Jr. took over as Head Instructor of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu school in 1983. He was a nutrition student at university when his brother Rolls, also skilled in Gracie jiu jitsu, suddenly passed away in an accident. Carlos Gracie Jr. decided to move his school to a new neighborhood called Barra de Tijuca, which is where the name Gracie Barra jiu jitsu comes from. Gracie jiu jitsu goes from local to national to international, being introduced to countries like the US by 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 arra O’Fallon, who trained under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.