Do you know the story behind the origins of modern Jiu-Jitsu?
The legend goes that Hélio Gracie – the man who created the system of Jiu-Jitsu we train today – suffered a lot of illnesses when he was young.
This made training more difficult for Hélio than for his brothers.
He spent much of his time watching his brother Carlos teach. But he couldn’t train at the same intensity.
One day Carlos didn’t show up for class at the expected time.
So Carlos’s students were left waiting for him to show up.
Hélio decided to teach them what he knew.
Just from watching his brother’s classes, Hélio was able to perform and teach the techniques he had watched Carlos teach over the years.
However, because he was weaker than Carlos, he modified them to make them more efficient and easier to perform.
This – according to the legend – is how modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was created.
It’s an inspiring story.
Literally, the origins of modern Jiu-Jitsu!
What strikes me most is how Hélio learned just by watching.
Over many years, he absorbed the details and was able to adjust it to his body type and strength.
That’s why I believe in studying Jiu-Jitsu off the mats.
Because so many students come to me with this very question:
“How do I get better at Jiu-Jitsu when I’m not on the mats?”
When I started training, I studied video tapes and books.
I even wrote one of these books after I became a World Champion, Drill to Win.
These days, there are a lot more resources online to help you.
But you need to structure your learning.
Atos BJJ On Demand is designed to help you with that structure.
The search filters can give you extremely specific results.
We release weekly series (basically a masterclass instructional every week on one topic.)
And we also have series which are specifically designed for different levels (such as “White Belt – The Path to Stripe #1”)
Play around with the search filters, check out the videos specific to your level and have a look at our weekly series.
Remember: just by intentionally sitting down for 15-30 minutes a day, you can improve SO MUCH.
Just like Hélio Gracie watching his brother Carlos one hundred years ago.
And just like me watching VHS tapes and reading books in the early 2000s.
Oss
Andre
P.S. This week I’m celebrating two big occasions…
First, the anniversary of our academy – 14 years in San Diego!
And second, it’s my birthday on Sunday!
