Early Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

The origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lie in classical Japanese jiu-jitsu, a collection of martial traditions dating back centuries. Originally developed by samurai, jiu-jitsu (meaning “gentle art”) emphasized techniques for defeating armed and armored opponents without weapons. These included throws, joint locks, pins, and chokes designed for efficiency rather than brute force.

In the late 19th century, Jigoro Kano distilled elements of these systems into modern judo, placing greater emphasis on randori (live sparring) and removing many of the more dangerous battlefield techniques. Kano’s students, including Mitsuyo Maeda, spread judo internationally, carrying with them techniques and philosophies that would become the seeds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The adaptive spirit of these early Japanese systems was the spark that lit the evolution of BJJ.