"In 1914 a Japanese Judo and jiu-jitsu master named Mitsuo Maeda (called Count Koma) came to Brazil. In return for help from the Brazilian politician Gastao Gracie, Koma taught jiu-jitsu to Gastao's son Carlos. Carlos in turn taught his brothers (most notably Helio). They went on to further refine the art via constant no-rules competition, developing what is now known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu." -- bjj.org

Renato Tavares Jiu-Jitsu Association

Jiu-Jitsu is the most ancient martial art and is the most complete art of self defense. Its origin being quite controversial, it was first attributed to India, then China, Japan, and Brazil—where it became superior to all other styles of jiu-jitsu, making Brazil the world’s center of this precious art. The sport of jiu-jitsu brings out a competitive side where the athlete demonstrates his physical & psychological conditions, techniques, and abilities with the objective of rendering his opponent into submission.

The valid moves are those which seek to neutralize, immobilize, strangle and apply any kind of pressure on the twisting joints, as well as knocking down one’s opponent by take-down. But there are non-valid moves which are considered illegal: biting, hair pulling, sticking fingers in the eyes or nose of one’s opponent, striking the opponents genitalia, finger twisting, and any other move that gains unfair advantage with use of one’s fists, feet, elbows or head. Moreover, competitions are the lifeline of the sport; it is the most important aspect for all those directly or indirectly involved. However, victory will not be granted at any cost; fair-play must be the main guideline).