At New Mexico Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we teach Brazilian or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This is a fighting style developed in the 1920s by Grand Master Helio Gracie and refined through generations of practitioners in the Gracie family and their pupils.
In the last 90+ years of its history, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has proven itself as the most reliable martial art for a smaller, weaker person to defeat a more powerful opponent. This makes it the most effective martial art for practical self-defense purposes.
The Origins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Helio Gracie was a Brazilian martial artist who practiced judo and jiu-jitsu. As a small man, only 5’9” and with a slight build, Helio sought ways to adapt his technique to provide a greater advantage against larger, stronger opponents. These modified techniques became the foundations of today’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Gracie family became well-known for their achievements in martial arts, thanks in large part to the success of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Helio’s son Rorion Gracie went on to become co-founder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for Self Defense
BJJ is popular in the UFC and other competitive venues, but its greatest value is in practical self-defense. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is currently taught to the U.S. Military for hand-to-hand combat training, and it’s the most effective technique for women, children and others at a physical disadvantage to gain the upper hand in a real combat situation against a more powerful opponent.
If you’re interested in learning more about our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program or would like to enroll in a free 10-day trial, contact us today!
