The origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have long been a topic of fascination and debate. While conventional history places its development in Japan during the 15th to 17th centuries, an intriguing perspective suggests its roots trace back much further—to ancient India. Prominent figures like Francisco Mansor and Relson Gracie have shared compelling theories linking the art of Jiu-Jitsu to the self-defense practices of Buddhist monks over 10,000 years ago.
Buddhist Monks and Grappling Techniques
According to Relson Gracie, Buddhist monks traveling between temples to spread their teachings faced constant threats from bandits. Unarmed and vulnerable, these monks developed leverage-based grappling techniques to protect themselves. Gracie asserts, “Instead of using weapons, they would take [attackers] down, get on their backs, and strangle them. They could kill much faster this way.”
This form of combat, Gracie claims, predates the Japanese adaptation of Jiu-Jitsu by millennia. The monks’ techniques, rooted in non-violence and practical self-defense, may have laid the groundwork for what later evolved into the martial arts of East Asia, including Jiu-Jitsu and even Shaolin kung fu.
Kamasutra: A Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu?
Francisco Mansor provides a unique perspective by drawing parallels between the ancient Indian text Kamasutra and Jiu-Jitsu. Mansor remarks, “All the positions that Kamasutra has… there are in Jiu-Jitsu.” Though he humorously calls the text a “black belt in Jiu-Jitsu,” Mansor uses this analogy to underscore India’s influence on the art’s development.
He elaborates that the martial art spread across Asia, with Japan refining and expanding its techniques. Japanese emperors recognized the value of Jiu-Jitsu, sending masters to secluded mountains to further develop the art while preserving its essence as a form of self-defense.
Helio Gracie’s Legacy and Modern Jiu-Jitsu
Both Relson Gracie and Francisco Mansor express concern over modern Jiu-Jitsu’s shift away from its self-defense roots. Helio Gracie, one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, implemented strict rules in his competitions to prioritize active movement and positional dominance. Relson recalls, “In Helio Gracie’s rule, if you passed the guard, you had to hold for three seconds. And if you stayed on top, you could only stay for 30 seconds.”
Relson laments the rise of stalling tactics and the increasing focus on leg locks, which he views as impractical for real-world self-defense. “How are you going to apply a kneebar or twist an ankle in a street fight?” he questions, advocating for a return to techniques that emphasize control and positional dominance.
The Case for Standardized Rules
One of Relson’s key critiques of modern Jiu-Jitsu is the lack of standardized rules across competitions. He argues that fragmented regulations hinder the sport’s growth and its Olympic aspirations. Comparing Jiu-Jitsu to judo, which operates under a unified rule set, Relson calls for consistency that favors effective techniques and aligns with the martial art’s self-defense origins.
A Return to Self-Defense and Personal Growth
For both Mansor and Relson, Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport. Mansor highlights its transformative power, sharing, “God put Jiu-Jitsu in my life.” He emphasizes that Jiu-Jitsu should remain a personal defense system, capable of changing not just a person’s physical abilities but also their character.
Relson echoes this sentiment, suggesting that self-defense requirements should be integrated into belt promotions. “How can an instructor not know how to disarm a knife or a gun?” he asks, advocating for a curriculum that bridges the gap between sport and practicality.
Preserving the Legacy
While mainstream history credits Japan with the development of Jiu-Jitsu, the theories put forth by Mansor and Relson Gracie invite a broader exploration of its ancient roots. From Buddhist monks in India to the mountains of Japan and the mats of Brazil, Jiu-Jitsu’s journey is a testament to its enduring adaptability and relevance.
As modern Jiu-Jitsu evolves, figures like Mansor and Relson Gracie remind us of its origins as a practical and transformative practice. Their vision for the art—a blend of self-defense, discipline, and personal growth—ensures that its legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
