In addition to classes for adults, we offer a kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class specifically for children ages 5-12. See our Kids BJJ page for more information.
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Jiu-Jitsu style has been around for centuries. Originating in India more than 2,000 years ago, it spread through China and eventually settled in Japan . In 1914, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu champions, Esai Maeda and Inomata arrived in Brazil to assist the Japanese immigration colony. They were aided by Gastao Gracie, a scholar and politician of Scottish decent. To show Maeda’s gratitude, the oriental master taught secrets of that ancient fighting style to Gastao’s son, Carlos Gracie.
Jiu-Jitsu, which translates into "gentle art", is the most efficient in realistic ground combat. Based on leverages, chokes, various sweeps, throws and opponent manipulation it combines the effectiveness of understanding of the human body and training with true knowledge of self-defense.
In 1925 the Gracies opened the first Jiu Jitsu academy in Brazil . One of the brothers, Helio Gracie, began studying Jiu Jitsu at the age of 16. At only 135 pounds and very frail in both health and physique he found the techniques difficult to do and was unable to participate in the classes. Helio wanted to learn so badly that he came to every class and watched till he knew every move that his brothers were doing. One day his brother Carlos called and told him that he would not be able to teach class that day and asked Helio to teach in his stead. That day Helio, while showing techniques, found that by using leverage from the ground he was able to perform more efficient feats of strength. Afterwards Helio redesigned the techniques for him to be done mostly from the ground and showed it to his family - hence the birth of Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu .
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes to Tucson
Chuck Norris brought the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar to the U.S. in 1988. Mr. Norris had just returned from a trip to Brazil where he trained with Rickson Gracie and Rickson’s father Helio Gracie, the Grand Master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mr. Norris was so impressed with their style and technique that he invited them to conduct a seminar in Las Vegas for his Karate Black Belts. This seminar brought about an enormous amount of publicity and thanks to Mr. Norris, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu found its place in the United States. Charles Allen, owner of Foothills Karate, in west Tucson , was one of the Karate Black Belts present who attended these seminars.
Mr. Allen was equally impressed and continued his training with these techniques and began sharing them with his students at his studio in Tucson, Foothills Karate (now known as The Ultima Martial Arts Center). Though living in Arizona , he had to travel to California to learn more skills. In 1991, Mr. Allen brought the Machado Brothers to Arizona to hold seminars.
The Machado brothers promoted Charles Allen to Blue Belt in 1993. Since that time, Mr. Allen has traveled to Brazil several times to train under Master Pedro Hemetrio who was Mr. Helio Gracie’s first Black Belt. Master Hemetrio is an undefeated "Vale Tudo" (No holds barred fighting) fighter and has never lost a match in his career. Today, Master Hemetrio is 79 years old and still operates a studio in Sao Paulo , Brazil. Mr. Allen attained a Blue Belt from Master Hemetrio in 1995. Mr. Allen attained his Purple Belt from Professor Pedro Sauer. On March 16, 2002 Mr. Allen received his Brown Belt from Professor Pedro Sauer. In October of 2003 Mr. Allen and family moved to Orlando , Florida where he started his training with Marcio Simas.
We offer a kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class specifically for children ages 5-12. See our Kids BJJ page for more information.
