top of page

Forgotten Lineages & Regional Styles: The Overlooked Roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu



Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is synonymous with the Gracie family, whose name has become almost inseparable from the art’s global narrative. Yet, the true history of BJJ is far richer and more complex, woven from the contributions of forgotten lineages, regional innovators, and international influences that predate the UFC and the internet era. This investigative dive uncovers the lesser-known branches and figures that shaped BJJ’s evolution, revealing a tapestry far broader than the standard Gracie-centric story.




Beyond the Gracies: Unsung Pioneers and Parallel Lineages

While the Gracie family’s impact is undeniable, early BJJ was a product of multiple teachers and schools, many of whom operated outside the Rio de Janeiro spotlight. Japanese masters like Mitsuyo Maeda, Takeo Yano, Geo Omori, and Soshihiro Satake were foundational. Maeda, often credited as the Gracies’ teacher, was just one of several Japanese judoka and jiu-jitsu experts who settled in Brazil, each planting seeds that would grow into distinct lineages[1][2][3][7].


- Takeo Yano: Yano’s influence is particularly notable in Pernambuco, where he taught students like Jurandir Moura and Ivan Gomes. Gomes would later fight Carlson Gracie Sr., symbolizing the interconnected yet independent evolution of BJJ in Brazil’s northeast[2].

- Geo Omori and Soshihiro Satake: These instructors, less celebrated than Maeda, developed their own schools and students. The Satake-Vinicius Ruas-Marco Ruas lineage, for example, eventually contributed to the hybridization of BJJ and Vale Tudo, paving the way for modern MMA[2].





Regional Styles: BJJ Outside Rio and São Paulo

Before the internet and the UFC, BJJ’s development was deeply regional. While Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo became epicenters, other areas fostered unique adaptations:


- Pernambuco and the Northeast: Under Takeo Yano, BJJ in Pernambuco developed distinct technical preferences, influenced by local culture and the challenges of spreading a new martial art far from Brazil’s urban centers[2].

- Amazonas and the North: The Amazon region saw jiu-jitsu’s introduction during World War I, with a cosmopolitan blend of Japanese martial arts and local fighting traditions. This area’s practitioners often faced different opponents and conditions, resulting in stylistic variations that were overshadowed as the Gracie brand grew[5].



Pre-UFC Japanese Influences: The Kosen Judo Connection

Long before BJJ became a global sport, Japanese judo—especially the ground-fighting-heavy Kosen style—played a crucial role in shaping early Brazilian practice. Kosen judo, with its emphasis on newaza (ground techniques), provided a blueprint for the positional control and submission focus that would define BJJ[1].


Maeda and his contemporaries brought not only techniques but also a philosophy of adaptability and innovation. This spirit allowed Brazilian students to experiment, leading to the art’s transformation from traditional judo into something uniquely Brazilian[3][7].


Forgotten Innovators: Oswaldo Fadda and the Non-Gracie Schools

Not all BJJ innovation came from the Gracie family. Oswaldo Fadda, a student of Luiz França (himself taught by Maeda), established a parallel lineage in the suburbs of Rio. Fadda’s schools became known for their proficiency in footlocks—a technique the Gracies initially disdained—and for bringing jiu-jitsu to working-class communities[1][6]. Fadda’s students famously challenged and sometimes defeated Gracie practitioners, proving that technical evolution was happening outside the family’s sphere.


One Last Word : A Tapestry Woven from Many Threads

The real history of BJJ is a mosaic of regional styles, forgotten teachers, and cross-cultural exchanges. The art’s journey from Japanese roots, through the hands of multiple pioneers, and into the diverse communities of Brazil and beyond, demonstrates that innovation often thrives on the margins.


Today’s global BJJ scene owes as much to the unsung heroes and regional innovators as it does to the famous Gracie clan. By remembering these forgotten lineages and unique regional styles, we gain a fuller appreciation for the art’s depth, resilience, and endless capacity for reinvention[2][3][5].


If you’re ready to dive into the world of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, consider visiting The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at 72-C, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501. Embrace the challenge, improve your skills, and discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your martial arts journey!


Be good!


Sources

[1] Brazilian jiu-jitsu - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu

[2] Know Your Jiu-Jitsu Lineage, & Non Gracie Lineages https://www.bjjee.com/articles/know-your-jiu-jitsu-lineage-non-gracie-lineages/

[4] BJJ Training while traveling South America https://bjjcampxp.com/bjj-training-while-traveling-south-america/

[5] Modernization, nationalism and the elite: the Genesis of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, 1905-1920 https://www.redalyc.org/journal/3381/338130377006/

[6] Does Belt Lineage Matter in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? - Elite Sports https://www.elitesports.com/blogs/news/does-belt-lineage-matter-in-brazilian-jiu-jitsu

[8] Different Types of Jiu Jitsu Styles | Gracie Barra Tyler https://graciebarra.com/tyler-tx/types-of-jiu-jitsu/

[12] Brief history of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu - The Gentle Art Academy https://thegentleartacademy.com/brief-history-of-brazilian-jiu-jitsu/

[15] Jujutsu - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jujutsu

[16] The Rise and Fall of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu : r/bjj - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/wv0vz0/the_rise_and_fall_of_brazilian_jiujitsu/

[19] Tracing the Origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Samurai Warriors to ... https://bjjblog.ca/blog/jiu-jitsu-origins

[20] TYPES OF JIU JITSU – BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/news/types-of-jiu-jitsu

[22] What was the BJJ culture really like back in the day? How many ... https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/2ex90r/what_was_the_bjj_culture_really_like_back_in_the/

[23] Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Explained - Great Britain Top Team https://www.gbtt.co.uk/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-explained/

[24] Most Influential Athletes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - SportsBoom https://www.sportsboom.com/mma/most-influential-bjj-braziliian-jiu-jitsu/

[25] The History Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Untold Story) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiVyUQqkWro

[26] Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) - British Judo Club Finder https://clubfinder.britishjudo.org.uk/martialarttypes/brazilian-jiu-jitsu/

[27] What do Japanese think about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? : r/bjj - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/5rkwfo/what_do_japanese_think_about_brazilian_jiu_jitsu/

[29] The Origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Fascinating Journey https://www.bjjee.com/articles/the-origins-of-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-a-fascinating-journey/

[30] [PDF] Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as a Marker of Whiteness and Anti-Blackness https://mecila.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WP-Schapira-Online.pdf

[31] the Genesis of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, 1905-1920 - Redalyc https://www.redalyc.org/journal/3381/338130377006/html/

[33] The Complete History Of BJJ: A Roll Through Jiu-Jitsu's Timeline https://www.tapnapandsnap.com/c/the-complete-history-of-bjj

[34] Jujutsu - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jujutsu

[35] Jiu Jitsu Culture - BJJ Heroes https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-culture

[36] Jiu Jitsu History: Origin, Evolution, and Future https://www.10thplanetpoway.com/jiu-jitsu-history/

[37] History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - 360 BJJ https://www.360-bjj.com/jiu-jitsu-history/

[38] History & Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in the World Gracie Barra https://graciebarra.com/why-gracie-barra/heritage/

[39] Jiu Jitsu's First Brazilian Competition - BJJ Heroes https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-culture/brazilian-jiu-jitsus-first-competition

[40] HISTORY OF JIU JITSU - BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/news/history-of-jiu-jitsu

[42] The history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is fascinating - NeoGAF https://www.neogaf.com/threads/the-history-of-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-is-fascinating.1242735/

[43] The Chewjitsu Podcast #136 - The Surprising History of BJJ (Part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL60Q1CV3aA

[44] Combining BJJ & Wing Chun — Martial Arts Illustrated Interview https://kamonbjj.com/news/combining-bjj-wing-chun-martial-arts-illustrated-interview/

[45] Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Deep Dive into the Gentle Art https://puremartialarts.ca/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-a-deep-dive-into-the-gentle-art/

[47] 15 Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners of All Time https://sportsfoundation.org/best-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-athletes-of-all-time/

[48] Masters of the Mat: The Gracie Legacy and the Global Spread of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu https://blog.spartacus-mma.com/gracie-legacy-bjj/

[50] Sao Paulo: The best jiu jitsu spot in the world (?) - Train in Brazil https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5zJbOS2Z88

 
 
 
Featured Posts
Check back soon
Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.
Recent Posts
Archive
Search By Tags
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square
Follow our journey 
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
72-C, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Uptown,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
011-1151 0501 (WhatsApp)
bottom of page