I Infiltrated the Most Iconic Family in Martial Arts History.
What I discovered is fascinating, let alone life-changing.
On a self-directed mission towards the pinnacle of self-improvement, I stumbled upon a dynasty.
One that would soon provide me with all that I need to complete my calling.
Only thing is, it wouldn’t be easy. If it was, I couldn’t say I improved at all. Besides, I like to welcome all challenges.
But so did they…
The Gracie’s.
Time after time, challengers fell to the might of their power. No matter what background an opponent came from, nothing could stop the unrelenting nature of their art.
It was as if they possessed an invisible weapon only they could wield.
Little did I know, that’s exactly what it was.
But First, Let’s Rewind.
The year was 1917 and the place was Brazil. Gastão Gracie, a circus manager at the time, brought his teenage son to a fighting tournament called vale tudo (“anything goes”).
Vale tudo is a single-elimination style tournament where there are no gloves, weight divisions, or time limits. Much different than the modern form of MMA.
Gastão’s son Carlos, watched in amazement as a five foot four, one hundred and forty-five pound Japanese man completely dismantle opponents of varying size and style.
The small Japanese man, Hideyo Maeda, was a dominant judoka who also trained in the art of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.
After Gastão aided Maeda in acquiring farmland for Japanese immigrants, Maeda agreed to train Carlos at his academy that would soon open.
Carlos and his brothers would then go on to open an academy of their own, spreading the word of their newfound ability.
Carlos taught this art of Jiu-Jitsu to his brothers and they all instructed classes to anyone willing to learn.
Here Comes the Interesting Part.
The youngest of the brothers, Helio, was almost like a son to Carlos. He was the smallest and weakest, so he didn’t train much either.
Sometimes it pays to be a fly on the wall…
With Helio being an observer most of the time, the techniques of his brothers eventually became engraved within his mind. Because he was physically inferior, Helio was forced to develop his style of Jiu-Jitsu that relied on leverage, timing, and sensitivity.
One day, a student wandered into the academy while no one was around but you guessed it, Helio.
He refused to turn the student away and began to teach him. Upon his brothers’ return, the student wished to continue with Helio and a spark was ignited.
Alas, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was Born.
Helio’s system of Jiu-Jitsu improved upon the techniques of his brothers so that a smaller weaker opponent could gain an even greater advantage over bigger and stronger opponents.
As Helio took hold of the wheel at the academy things began to ramp up. He fathered many sons, while his eldest saw the value in a venture to the United States of America.
It would prove to be a very lucrative move indeed.
The Gracie’s would accept all challengers while videotaping the bouts to show the world their gifted abilities.
These challenges would soon become known as “the Gracie challenges” which served as a major catalyst for the spread of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Here’s How I Infiltrated the Clan.
This brilliantly designed system of grappling is what turned Jiu-Jitsu into the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as we know it today.
Of course, there are schools without Gracie’s affiliation. Anyone can start their own Jiu-Jitsu school and I applaud if you do!
Anyway, I stumbled upon a local Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy somewhat near to my residential abode.
I tried to make my house sound fancy, it isn’t.
A friend of mine was a member at the gym so I attended a free trial class and signed up for a membership. I was in for 3 sessions a week.
Upon getting to know the Professors and feeling out the gym, I realized I was in a special place. The knowledge inside those four matted walls is beyond what I thought would be right under my nose.
With highly decorated instructors and battle-tested members, the ties are very close to some of the original Gracie family members. I am beyond grateful to be studying this art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Fun Fact: My professor received his black belt from one of Helio’s sons!
There is even a UFC fighter who trains on the same mats as I. It’s funny because the Gracie family are the same people who created the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC, in the first place!
Royce Gracie was the champion of UFC 1 and you can watch his matches online. They are very entertaining and a defining moment in all of martial arts history.
Final Thoughts.
No doubt, the Gracie family is a major catalyst for the widespread adoption of Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts in general. I think one of their biggest goals was to simply spread the love and teach as many people that were willing to learn.
After training for only eight months, I can tell you that it is a really difficult hobby to keep, but it can do so much. There are so many points of contact it will make with your life and I recommend everyone try it at least once.
Now go train Jiu-Jitsu!
References:
Gracie, R. & Maguire, P., 2021. Breathe: A life in flow, London: Harper Collins.
(I also train at a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Some of this is prior knowledge).
