Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a sport/martial art that originated in Latin America. It involves lots of grappling work and takedowns. It really has shaped Latin America and has spread change throughout the world. It involves Japan as well and includes aspects from lots of regions in the world.
The origin of Brazilian Jiujitsu was a martial art called Ju Jutsu. This martial art was used by the Japanese Samurai during war for hand to hand combat. It wasn't until combat Judo and Jiu Jitsu were shown to the Gracie family in Brazil. This happened at around 1914, and since that experience the Gracie family started to adapt Jiujitsu to a more street effective version. That even normal citizens could practice easily to protect themselves in the streets of Latin America. Sadly many people were very skeptical about this new martial art. So the Gracie’s challenged any martial artist to fight them and beat almost everyone, proving the effectiveness. Masahiko Kimura beat Helio Gracie, but was so impressed that he had Helio start teaching in Japan. Therefore causing a spread of Brazilian Jiujitsu throughout the world. http://www.gracieacademy.com/history.asp
Brazilian Jiujitsu is a martial art that involves lots of grappling and controlling of your opponent. It teaches you how to keep you opponent at bay using painful techniques, or soft holds and takedowns. It contains lots of slams,choke holds,and jointlocks. Which can disable an attacker quickly and effectively. Brazilian Jiujitsu doesn't include to much strikes but does include basic elbow strikes,knees,and strikes from different clinched positions. This martial art also teaches weapon disarms and defense against multiple attackers. It truly is a very effective martial art that can be used brutally of can be used as a soft attack.
Latin America has been greatly affected by this new martial art. For example it has helped the government economical It has done this by having a lot of taxes from the new MMA and Brazilian Jiujitsu stores. This help the government because it can keep them from having an economic collapse. It also has a positive affect on the citizens. Now people can learn this martial art to keep themselves safe on the street. It also gives the students a new sense of self confidence. http://www.charlesgracie.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=47
Overall Brazilian Jiujitsu has affected Latin America in very effective ways. It has helped to save lives,get people in shape, and make people have better attitude. The Gracie’s truly changed Latin America, and the world for that matter a different place, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.