The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) traces its roots back to Mitsuyo Maeda, one of the top students of Professor Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan, the birthplace of Kodokan Judo in Japan. Maeda was chosen by Kano to help spread his martial art around the world, travelling across Asia, Europe and the Americas while demonstrating and teaching his highly effective grappling techniques.

After arriving in Brazil in 1914, Maeda taught Carlos Gracie, laying the foundation for what would later become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family adapted and refined the techniques, placing greater emphasis on leverage, timing, efficiency and ground fighting, creating a martial art that allowed a smaller person to overcome a larger and stronger opponent.

Over the following decades, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu spread throughout Brazil, becoming one of the country's most respected martial arts.

In Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a proud and deeply rooted history. The city became one of the strongest centres for the sport in Northeast Brazil, producing outstanding athletes, respected instructors and a thriving competition scene. One of the pioneers and leading figures in Natal was Master Banni Cavalcanti, who played a fundamental role in developing and expanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout the region. Among his students was Professor Itácio Lisboa, who would later become the instructor of Professor Wahib Salha, founder of WĀHIBJJ. This direct lineage represents the passing of knowledge, values and tradition through generations of dedicated practitioners.

Everything changed in 1993 with the first UFC, when Royce Gracie shocked the world by defeating much larger opponents using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His victories proved that technique could overcome size and strength, introducing BJJ to a global audience and inspiring the rapid growth of academies around the world.

Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is practised by millions of people for self-defence, competition, fitness and personal development. At WĀHIBJJ, we are proud to continue this tradition by preserving the values, techniques and philosophy passed down through generations while helping grow the art here in Aotearoa New Zealand.