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History

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was invented by Helio and Carlos Gracie, who were introduced to Jiu Jitsu in the early 1900’s. They grew up as the sons of a wealthy family and met a Japanese man called Maeda (a judo and jiu jitsu champion at that time). In that period the only known martial arts in Brazil were Boxing and Capoeira. The brothers were interested in the effectiveness of neutralizing heavier opponents with the techniques they saw.

Helio, Carlos and their brothers, Oswaldo, Gastao and Jorge , made their name by giving demonstrations and winning street fights. After only one year instruction by Maede (who went back to Japan), Helio (the weakest brother) developped the highly effective martial art that we now know as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

The Gracie’s challenged other martial artitst to try their skills. Helio, again the weakest of the Gracie’s, defeated all his opponents, even the ones weighing twice as much as Helio. The fights were held without any rules or limitations, to equal the chances for everybody. Helio passed all his knowledge on his sons, who continued the development of the ‘Gentle Art’. You might know Royce Gracie from the UFC and Rickson Gracie from Pride.

Rickson Gracie.

Rickson is mentioned as the most succesfull son of Helio regarding Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Since his 18th birthday he never lost any fight. Rickson’s Jiu Jitsu stands out because of the way he applies the principles of the basics and connection, also known als the invisible aspect. In the eyes of Rickson, you should be able to control every fight from every situation, both on the streets and in competition. This is why Rickson’s Jiu Jitsu is acknowledged as the highest standard. Today his son Kron Gracie follows the footsteps of his father.

Rickson Gracie is seen as a living martial art legend. All over the world people ask him to organise seminars and competitions. Team Babytank is very proud of the direct lineage towards Rickson Gracie. Therefore our head instructor Michel ‘Babytank’ Verhoeven is able to train with Rickson on a regular base.

To learn more about Rickson, see his wikipedia. To learn more about his vision and contribution to the community, visit the Jiu Jitsu Global Foundations’s website.

© 2015 Babytank
KVK nummer: 56718640
Bank nummer: NL57RABO0117474274
Incasso-id: NL10ZZZ567186400000
Michel Verhoeven: 06-43 54 48 14 / michel@babytank.nl