It was developed in Brazil in the early 20th century by Carlos Gracie and his brothers. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is often considered to be one of the most effective self-defense systems in the world. Having been developed in the early 1900s by Japanese immigrant Mitsuyo Maeda, BJJ is often credited as being one of the most effective martial arts, as it emphasizes technical knowledge and grappling styles that can be used to control or submit a resisting opponent without necessarily causing serious injury. BJJ is widely practiced as a sport, and competitions are held at both the local and international level. The sport aspect of BJJ focuses on passing an opponent’s guard, achieving a more dominant position, and then applying a submission hold (such as a clock choke or joint lock). You can call it “human chess” as it takes tremendous control over the body and the mind. Martial artists are awarded points for various positions and techniques, and the goal is to either score enough points to win the match outright, or to force the opponent to submit. Whether you are interested in BJJ to learn how to defend yourself, competition, or simply as a means of exercise and self-improvement, there are many benefits that can be gained from participating in this martial art.