The period from 1925 to the present has been a crucial time in the evolution and global dissemination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art that originated from Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Here's a brief overview of the history of Jiu-Jitsu during this period:
1925-1970s: Early Development and Spread in Brazil
- In the 1920s, Judo (then known as Kano Jiu-Jitsu) was introduced to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese martial artist.
Maeda taught Carlos Gracie, 
who then shared his knowledge with his brothers, including Helio Gracie. 
- Helio Gracie adapted the techniques to suit his smaller stature and weaker physical condition, leading to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family became pioneers in the art, establishing the first Jiu-Jitsu academies in Brazil.
- The Gracie Challenge matches and the establishment of the Gracie Academy helped to popularize BJJ, demonstrating its effectiveness in real combat situations.
1970s-1990s: Expansion and Internationalization
- The Gracie family continued to promote BJJ in Brazil, and the art gained prominence through televised fights and competitions.
- In 1980, the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship (Mundials) was held in Rio de Janeiro, organized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). This marked the beginning of a more structured competition scene.
- BJJ began to spread internationally as practitioners traveled abroad, teaching and competing. Key figures such as Rolls Gracie, Carlson Gracie, and others played essential roles in promoting BJJ outside Brazil.
2000s: Rise of MMA and Global Popularity
- The emergence of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the 2000s, notably with the success of the UFC, showcased the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in real fights. BJJ practitioners like Royce Gracie gained widespread recognition for their success in the cage.
- BJJ academies and competitions multiplied globally, with practitioners from various martial arts backgrounds embracing BJJ for its ground-fighting and submission skills.
- The development of no-gi Jiu-Jitsu and submission-only tournaments further diversified the sport, appealing to a broader audience.
2010s-Present: Mainstream Recognition and Sport Evolution
- BJJ continued to grow in popularity, with numerous academies and practitioners worldwide.
- The rise of social media and streaming platforms facilitated the sharing of techniques and matches, contributing to the global community.
- BJJ became more recognized as a sport, and elite practitioners gained sponsorship and endorsement deals. The distinction between self-defense-oriented traditional BJJ and the sportive aspect became more pronounced.
In summary, the period from 1925 to the present has seen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu evolve from a local martial art in Brazil to a global phenomenon. Its effectiveness in real combat, coupled with its development as a sport, has led to widespread popularity and a dedicated international community of practitioners. The ongoing growth of BJJ shows no signs of slowing down, with an ever-expanding presence in both traditional martial arts and modern combat sports.