The History of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

In 1801, searching for adventure and fortune George Gracie sailed from Scotland to Brazil. He had no idea that his descendents would form the largest family of athletes of all time.

A century later a Japanese jiu-jitsu instructor moved to Brazil and introduced Carlos Gracie to the principles of that ancient system. Carlos passed his knowledge down to his brothers. By the mid 1930's, the Gracies were teaching jiu-jitsu and issuing challenge matches to gain credibility in their profession.

Helio, the youngest of the five brothers, had difficulty using the Japanese techniques because they required certain physical attributes and due to his frail build, he could not make them work. Because of that, he went on a quest to modify the traditional system. His relentless dedication to the refinement of the ancient art of jiu-jitsu and his willingness to prove his theories by fighting all comers in sensational no-holds-barred matches made him the first sports legend in the history of Brazil.

His improvements upon the traditional Japanese techniques were so impact full that when associated to his unique teaching methodology the art took on a new significance, and a new name — GRACIE JIU-JITSU.

For many years in Brazil, an ever growing number of Gracies taught classes and fought challenge matches in order to carry on the family tradition.

In the late 70's Rorion Gracie, Helio's oldest son, relocated to North America with the objective of establishing his family's system in the United States.

After struggling for many years while teaching thousands of private classes in his garage, Rorion created in 1993 the most controversial event in martial arts history: "The Ultimate Fighting Championship." The concept of pitting representatives of different martial arts in a no-holds-barred fight to the finish, inside an octagon shaped cage, with no time limit, no weight classes and literally no rules, shook the core of the martial arts community worldwide. Millions of people watched live on pay-per-view, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu overcome all other styles with amazing simplicity and undeniable effectiveness.

Founded in 2004, Gracie Publications is committed to set the standards on subjects related to the rich heritage of the Gracie Family, the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and much more. Not only we pride ourselves with regards for the quality of the contents but also with the high level of our book designs and production.

Our first book, "GRACIE JIU-JITSU," is a compilation of the most simple and effective self-defense techniques in the world. Perfected by Grand Master Helio Gracie and for the first time ever available in print, these moves are explained and demonstrated in an easy to follow, step-by-step instruction by the creator of the system himself! Beautifully photographed by the talented Thomas De Soto, this masterpiece has over 1,200 full color photos.

Besides the stunning photography, the book also presents a chapter on the history of the Gracie system, an explanation on Helio Gracie's teaching methodology and an introduction to the Gracie Diet.

This classic will be one of the most sought-after books in the martial arts world for years to come. Don't wait, place your order today for "GRACIE JIU-JITSU" — The Master Text.