2000BC – The origins of Jiu-Jitsu
It is difficult to say precisely at what point in time or where exactly Jiu-Jitsu originated. Despite the efforts of many historians and evidence pointing to Buddhist monks in India, basic elements of grappling can be traced back to places like Greece, India, China, Rome, and even Native America.
When trying to understand the ultimate source of Jiu-Jitsu, one must avoid the simplification of attributing its creation to a person, group, or period in time. Jiu-Jitsu, as we understand it today, is a natural and intuitive way of fighting that has rudimentary manifestations in various cultures in different historic moments.
But a martial art is comprised of more than just techniques or fighting strategies. The philosophy that defines the purpose of practice, and the moral code of the practitioners, is a powerful element that determines not only the direction of technical development, but the survival or death of the art itself.
2010 – Gracie Barra Franchising Program Begins
One school in each city in the world’, said Master Carlos Gracie Jr. at the end of one of the most important Gracie Barra Instructors meetings held at our Headquarters in Irvine, CA in March, 2010.
While this vision may sound ambitious today, our entire organization and its people are adapting in the pursuit of this goal for the many years to come. The Gracie Barra team is dedicated to bringing the art of Jiu-Jitsu to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide through the hands of qualified instructors.
The establishment of GB’s Franchising Program in 2010 was one of the most important accomplishments on our recent history. Through the systems and tools of this program, we will be able to provide the kind of support GB Schools and instructors need for hundreds of people within their communities with the Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle.
The Gracie Barra Franchise Program started in California and is now available throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Gracie Barra is committed in its effort to expand its reach worldwide.