If you’re looking for an activity that promotes mental toughness and builds physical fitness, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a sport that has taken the martial arts world by storm over the last couple of decades. It’s a combat sport that combines grappling with ground fighting, and it was adapted from the art of Judo. Serving residents throughout Scarsdale, NY, the experienced trainers at 914 Krav Maga provide a wide range of MMA classes, including Muay Thai kickboxing, self-defense training, Krav Maga, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Below, the training center explains everything you need to know about the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In the early 1900s, Carlos Gracie and his family were taught the art of the original Jiu-Jitsu from their teacher, Mitsuyo Maeda. Maeda was trained in the classic Jiu-Jitsu, which evolved from Judo, a Japanese form of street fighting. When Maeda came to Brazil, he opened up an academy for Jiu-Jitsu, which is where he met and trained the Gracie family.

The Gracies changed the sport by blending in more realistic techniques and strategies to create Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While similar to the original Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places a strong emphasis on competition and fighting, not just techniques to practice and hone. Unlike Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does require a submission in order for the match to end.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is designed to give the smaller man a defense and advantage over a larger man in a street fight. Applying leverage is the single most powerful skill to have in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as it is not strength or size that will win you the match.

If you’re interested in training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or learning another form of martial arts, contact 914 Krav Maga at (914) 437-5353 to speak with one of the teachers about their schedule of classes. You can also visit the website or connect with them on Facebook for more information about the studio.