Jiu-Jitsu, one of the oldest forms of martial arts, is thought to have originated in India more than 4,000 years ago before spreading through China and eventually settling in Japan. Maeda, a Japanese jiu-jitsu champion, moved to Brazil in 1914 and helped establish a Japanese immigration colony. A Brazilian named Gastao Gracie befriended Maeda and helped to get the Japanese established. To show his gratitude, Maeda taught the basic secrets of jiu-jitsu to Gastao's son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos taught Maeda's techniques to his brothers; Oswaldo, Gastao, Jorge and Helio, and in 1925 they opened their first academy in Botalogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pictured Left: Mitsui Maeda, Carlos Gracie Jr.


Helio Gracie History

Helio, the youngest brother, got involved in this martial art at the age of 16 when he began substitute teaching for Carlos. Despite a small frame and weight, he became the mastermind behind the development of jiu-jitsu, creating an art that depended entirely upon technique, rather than strength and speed.
One of Helio's proudest accomplishments as a fighter was his match with undefeated Japanese judo champion Masahiko Kimura. Confident of victory, Kimura told the press that if Helio lasted longer than three minutes he should consider himself the winner of the bout. Helio lasted 13 minutes and was still fighting when his older brother and mentor, Carlos, threw in the towel, afraid the arm lock Kimura had caught his younger brother in would shatter Helio's arm.
Helio Gracie went a step further than his teachers by introducing techniques that required less strength than the Japanese style. Daring to break away from the traditional Japanese style, they began experimenting, modifying and perfecting simple techniques that would be effective regardless of stature. Though Jiu-Jitsu descended from the ancient Japanese style, the differences are quite apparent. Many of the Japanese facets of the art that depend on physical prowess and stiff motion were tossed aside, leaving only pure technique.

Relson Gracie History

Reslon Gracie, the second oldest son of Helio Gracie, moved to Hawaii in 1988. He began learning jiu-jitsu at 2 and entered his first competition at the age of 10. He was the Brazilian National Champion for 22 years straight, and during this period went undefeated. He became so popular that he attained the nickname "Campeao" or "Champion" among his friends and fans. Upon his arrival to Honolulu, it was with great pleasure that Relson introduced the art of Gracie Jiu-jitsu to the Aloha State. Relson along with his brothers Rorion, Rickson, Royler, and Rolker help prepare their younger brother Royce for the first several Ultimate Fighting Championships. This no-holds-barred competition was formed by Rorion Gracie to showcase the brilliant fighting and self-defense style of Gracie jiu-jitsu to the world. What had already been developed and tested in real life competition and fighting since the 1920’s in Brazil has now changed main stream martial arts in the U.S. and the rest of the world forever. Relson Gracie in his early years was known for his many street fights and the brutal and relentless style in which he engaged those fights. Now many years retired from competition Relson’s philosophy reflects his Father’s, “train for self defense and personal advancement”. Relson currently hold the rank of 8th degree red and black belt under Helio Gracie. Relson enjoy teaching classes in Hawaii and has become quite fond of the island life. Relson travels often to the mainland to visit his training associations, conduct seminars and hold competition tournaments including the Gracie Nationals, Gracie World Submission Championships, and the Gracie Fighting Championships