Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that originated in Japan and was later developed and popularized in Brazil. The roots of BJJ can be traced back to Judo, which was founded by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century. Kano's vision for Judo was to create a martial art that emphasized technique and leverage over brute strength, making it accessible to people of all sizes and physical abilities.
One of Kano's students, Mitsuyo Maeda, traveled to Brazil in the early 20th century and began teaching Judo to the local population. Among his students were the Gracie family, who would go on to develop BJJ into the art it is today.
The Gracie family, led by Carlos Gracie and his brother Helio, began adapting Judo techniques to better suit the Brazilian style of fighting, which placed more emphasis on ground fighting and grappling. They also developed a unique ranking system for BJJ, with colored belts representing different levels of proficiency.
Today, BJJ is practiced and taught around the world, with The Kodokan being one of the premier schools for BJJ instruction. The Kodokan's instructors are widely regarded as some of the best in the world, with a focus on developing technique, athleticism, and mental toughness. The Kodokan's website at https://www.thekodokan.com/ provides information about their BJJ programs, as well as a history of the art and its origins.
In conclusion, while BJJ originated in Japan as an offshoot of Judo, it was further developed and popularized in Brazil by the Gracie family. Today, BJJ is practiced and taught worldwide, with The Kodokan standing out as one of the best schools for BJJ instruction. Their website provides a wealth of information about the history and development of BJJ, as well as their own BJJ programs and top-tier instructors.