The Origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art focused on leverage, technique, control, and self-defense. Unlike striking martial arts that rely primarily on punches and kicks, BJJ emphasizes close physical contact, positioning, balance, and submissions designed to control an opponent rather than injure them.

The core idea behind BJJ is simple but powerful:

A smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent through proper technique, timing, and leverage.

Training in BJJ typically includes:

• Learning positions and movements 
• Practicing techniques with a partner 
• Controlled sparring, known as “rolling” 
• Developing awareness, timing, and problem-solving under pressure 

Because grappling relies heavily on touch, pressure, balance, and physical connection, BJJ can be uniquely accessible for visually impaired and adaptive athletes. Once physical contact is established, athletes learn to “feel” movement and react through sensitivity and experience rather than relying solely on vision. Many great BJJ practioners even train blindfolded!

The Origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The roots of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu trace back to Japan in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

A Japanese martial artist named Mitsuyo Maeda — also known as “Count Koma” — was a student of Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. Maeda traveled the world demonstrating and competing in grappling arts, eventually arriving in Brazil in the early 1900s.

While living in Brazil, Maeda taught grappling and self-defense techniques to Carlos Gracie, who later shared what he learned with his brothers, including Hélio Gracie.

Hélio Gracie, who was physically smaller and less athletic than many fighters of his time, began adapting the techniques to rely more on leverage, timing, positioning, and efficiency rather than strength and explosiveness. These refinements became the foundation of what is now known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Over time, the Gracie family helped spread BJJ throughout Brazil through challenge matches, self-defense demonstrations, and competition. Decades later, BJJ gained worldwide recognition when members of the Gracie family showcased its effectiveness in early mixed martial arts competitions, including the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is practiced around the world by:

• Hobbyists      
• Professional athletes 
• Law enforcement and military personnel 
• Children and adults 
• Adaptive and visually impaired athletes 
• People seeking fitness, confidence, self-defense, and community 

More Than a Martial Art

For many people, BJJ becomes more than learning techniques or winning matches.

It becomes:

• Confidence in difficult situations 
• A way to manage fear and stress 
• A supportive community 
• A form of self-defense 
• A lifelong path of growth and discipline 

On the mats, respect matters more than ego. Every training session is an opportunity to learn, improve, and help each other grow regardless of background, ability, or disability.

At Adaptive Grappling, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience those benefits and to know there is a place for them in the grappling community.

Adult Belt System (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)

Adult belts are generally for ages 16 and above.

1. White Belt

• Everyone starts here 
• Focus: survival, basics, learning positions 
• You’re learning how to move, defend, and stay safe 

2. Blue Belt

• First “real milestone” belt 
• Focus: fundamentals + basic attacks and escapes 
• You start understanding how BJJ actually works 
• Most people stay here the longest 

3. Purple Belt 

• Intermediate level 
• Focus: strategy, chaining techniques together 
• You begin developing your own style 

4. Brown Belt

• Advanced practitioner 
• Focus: refinement and efficiency 
• You can teach and troubleshoot most situations 

5. Black Belt 

• Expert level 
• Focus: mastery, adaptation, teaching, evolution 
• Still learning—just at a very high level 

Kids Belt System (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)

Kids belts are more detailed and motivational. They apply roughly ages 4–15.

Core Kids Belts:

• White (beginner) 
• Gray (progress beginner stages) 
• Yellow (intermediate beginner) 
• Orange (advanced kid level) 
• Green  (pre-adult transition level) 

Kids belts often have stripes between ranks to show progress.

Key Differences (Important)

• Adults progress slower and have fewer belts 
• Kids have more steps to keep motivation high 
• Promotions are based on: 
  • time training 
  • skill level 
  • consistency       
  • attitude and discipline 

    

Simple Way to Understand It

• White belt → “I’m learning how not to get submitted” 
• Blue belt → “I understand the game” 
• Purple belt → “I can play the game” 
• Brown belt → “I can control the game” 
• Black belt → “I understand and evolve the game”