Powers' Isshinryu Karate

Powers' Karate
34425 Lorain Road #3
North Ridgeville, OH 44039
440-327-3688
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Programs Available:
Isshinryu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Lil' Dragon
Cardio Kick-Boxing
Therapeutic Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - History

History        Description        Affiliation
      In Japan in the mid 1880’s, Jigoro Kano, founded and created the martial art Judo (aka Kano-ryu jiu-jitsu). One of Kano's primary insights was to include full-power practice against resisting, competent opponents.

      One of Kano's top students was Mitsuo Maeda, who was also known as Count Koma ("Count of Combat"). Maeda emigrated to Brazil in 1914. Maeda was befriended by the Brazilian politician Gastão Gracie, whose father George Gracie had emigrated to Brazil himself from Scotland. Maeda taught jiu-jitsu to Gastao's son Carlos Gracie. Carlos in turn taught his brothers Osvaldo, Gastão Jr., Jorge, and Helio.

      In 1925, Carlos and his brothers opened their first jiu-jitsu academy, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was born. At this point, the base of techniques in BJJ were vaery similar to Kano's Judo. As the years progressed, however, the brothers (notably Carlos and Helio) and their students refined their art through fighting in public challenges and street fights. The Gracie’s relied on leverage in stead of strength and were able to defeat much larger opponents.

      The Gracie’s began to concentrate more and more on submission ground fighting, especially utilizing the guard position. This allowed a weaker man to defend against a stronger one, bide his time, and eventually emerge victorious. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve with new fighting techniques being added as the art is tested in sport competition and full contact mixed martial arts.