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    Gracie Jiu JItsu West County

    Gracie Jiu Jitsu near Des Peres, MO

    Gracie jiu jitsu near Des Peres, MO is a self-defense martial art unlike any other. We at Gracie Barra West County are privileged to bring the skills and teachings of Carlos Gracie and Gracie jiu jitsu to men, women, and children in the Des Peres, MO area. With some of the top instructors in the Gracie jiu jitsu field, our Des Peres, MO programs are second to none. To learn Gracie jiu jitsu technique and skill and know the spirituality and metal fortitude of a master Des Peres, MO Gracie jiu jitsu martial artist, join us today. Sign up for a free class or learn more by calling us now at 636-544-36550

    What is Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

    The term jiu jitsu has historically been used to describe a wide range of grappling-centered practices but now refers to the grappling-style martial art based in Japan. Out of traditional Japanese jiu jitsu came Brazilian jiu jitsu, which was championed by Carlos Gracie and his descendants. The Gracie family produced several of the most skilled Brazilian jiu jitsu athletes and eventually founded the Gracie Barra school, trademarking the Gracie jiu jitsu name.

    Today Gracie Barra schools near Des Peres and throughout the United States teach the practices of Gracie jiu jitsu to children, teens, and adults}. Gracie jiu jitsu in Des Peres, MO emphasizes martial arts practices that utilize grace and practicality, including the ground grappling moves of jiu jitsu, judo throws, wrsetling take-downs, and muay thai kick boxing.

    Gracie jiu jitsu is a self-defense martial art in which a smaller person has an equal chance of defeating a larger, heavier opponent. The focus is on leverage, timing, and natural body movements. The opponent’s weight can actually be used against them}. Unlike many other commonly practiced martial arts in Des Peres, MO, Gracie jiu jitsu does not rely on striking movements, but instead on locks, chokes, and takedowns.

    Besides the techniques and types of moves used in Gracie jiu jitsu, the martial art is also distinct in its philosophy and approach to competition. The purpose of Gracie jiu jitsu is primarily for self-defense. The competitor’s goal is more about exercising confidence and poise and improving oneself than getting more points or beating your opponent. Carlos Gracie Jr. impressed upon the students of Gracie jiu jitsu the significance of a spiritual practice and other significant internal traits like confidence, humility, and self-improvement.

    Carlos Gracie Senior 12 Commandments

    To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind
    Speak to every one of happiness, health and prosperity
    Give all your friends the feeling that they are valuable
    Always look at events from a positive point of view, and turn positive into a reality in life
    Think always in the best, work solely for the best and expect always the best
    Always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own
    Forget about past mistakes and concentrate your energies on the victories ahead
    Always keep your fellow men joyful and have a pleasant attitude to all that address you
    Spend all the time you need in perfecting yourself, but leave no time to criticize the others
    Become too big to feel unrest, too noble to feel anger, too strong to feel fear and too happy to tumble in adversity
    Always have a positive opinion about yourself and tell it to the world, not through words of vanity but through benevolence
    Have the strong belief that the world is beside you if you keep true to what is best within you

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    A History of Gracie Jiu Jitsu

    Gracie jiu jitsu has deep roots and a fascinating history that spans generations and reaches across the globe. It starts with jiu jitsu. Jiu jitsu is a martial art practice that began in ancient times. The exact origins are not known, though many believe it began in India. Basic fundaments of the jiu jitsu art have been noted in the ancient cultures of Greece, China, Rome, and other regions. These elements were refined and developed into the practice we recognize today by the Japanese.

    Gracie jiu jitsu, though, does not develop until after jiu jitsu moves from Japan to Brazil by way of one exceptional student of the art named Mitsuyu Maeda (who eventually came to be known as Count Coma). Count Coma traveled the world, finally making his way to Brazil. In 1914 Coma performs a jiu jitsu demonstration in Brazil, where Carlos Gracie first sees him. Carlos Gracie, who was a small-built boy of only 14 years at the time, became Count Coma’s jiu jitsu student.

    Carlos Gracie trained under Count Coma, became a skilled martial artist, and eventually began his own school – the first Gracie jiu jitsu school. Carlos Gracie included his younger brothers and began teaching them Brazilian jiu jitsu through his school. This became known as Gracie jiu jitsu, and the family continued the tradition of teaching Gracie jiu jitsu and raising champion athletes throughout the next generations. When Carlos grew older, his younger brother Helio began taking over the Gracie jiu jitsu school, and subsequently, their sons started their own Gracie jiu jitsu schools and teachings.

    Carlos Gracie Jr. took over as Head Instructor of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu school in 1983. He was a nutrition student at university when his brother Rolls, also skilled in Gracie jiu jitsu, suddenly passed away in an accident. Carlos Gracie Jr. decided to move his school to a new neighborhood called Barra de Tijuca, which is where the name Gracie Barra jiu jitsu comes from. Gracie jiu jitsu goes from local to national to international, being introduced to countries like the US by 2000. Master Gracie Carlo Jr. moved the Gracie Barra headquarters and personally relocated to California, USA in 2005. We are proud to have Head Professor Mike Buckels with us at Gracie Barra West County, who trained under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

    Gracie Jiu Jitsu Near Des Peres, MO

    Gracie jiu jitsu is an excellent martial art perfect for every age, gender, body type, and skill level. Try Gracie jiu jitsu in Des Peres, MO on for size with Des Peres Gracie jiu jitsu classes at Gracie Barra West County. For more information or to sign up for your first class, check out our schedule or give us a call at 636-544-36550. See you on the mat!