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The
Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early part of this century by
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese
jiu-jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda
(known in Brazil as Conde Koma -- the "Count of Combat"). Carlos Gracie,
who was interested in streetfighting and was also a boxer, quickly modified
the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands
of real, "no rules" fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos
Gracie then tested and refined his system through constant matches, open
to all comers, constantly working to make it more effective. At one point,
he even advertised in newspapers and on street corners for new opponents
upon whom to practice and further refine his art. He fought anyone and
everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style.
Even though he was a mere 135 pounds, his style was so effective that
Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil. This tradition
of open challenge is a part of the heritage of the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu.
Carlos Gracie taught his style of jiu-jitsu to his four younger brothers
(Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge, and finally Helio) and to his older sons (including
Carlson and Carley), and they in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews
and cousins. After Carlos retired from the ring, he managed the fight
careers of his brothers and sons, continuing to challenge fighters of
all styles throughout the world. This tradition of open challenge has
been continued by his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students,
who have consistently demonstrated the superiority of the Gracie style
in real fights and minimum-rule matches in rings throughout the world.
Carlos Gracie had 21 children and his youngest brother Helio had 7 sons,
creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie fighters and instructors who dominate
the world of "no rules" fight contests today. In these events, Gracie
representatives have consistently demonstrated, in open competition against
title holders from other martial arts styles, that the Gracie style of
Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective fighting art in the world today. No small
wonder that the Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu is the "hottest" item in martial
arts today.
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