Jiu-Jitsu's history can be traced back to India, where it was practiced by Buddhist monks many centuries ago. The monks used the art as self-defense by relying on techniques of balance and leverage without the use of weapons. When Buddhism spread to other Asian nations, and finally arrived in Japan, it brought along the art of Jiu-Jitsu to these nations.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu masters traveled to other contries to teach and compete in competitions to help spread the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Esai Maeda Koma, also known as "Code Koma" was one master who traveled to Brazil in 1915. Conde Koma met Gastao Gracie, who assisted him in establishing a Japanese village. In return for helping him, Conde Koma offered to teach Gastao Gracie's eldest son, Carlos, the art of Jiu-Jitsu

Carlos Gracie learned the art of Jiu-Jitsu for personal improvement and self-defense. Carlos along with his brother Helio, reinvented Japanese Jiu-Jitsu into a martial art that is effective for a smaller person. This reinvention of Jiu-Jitsu has become known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 1925 Carlos moved to Rio de Janeiro where he opened his own academy and began teaching and competing. Carlos would teach and prove the effectiveness of the art by defeating opponents who were physically stronger and bigger than him. Carlos also taught his philosophies of life as well as his concepts of natural nutrition. Carlos saw the art as a way to become a man who is more tolerant, respectful, and self-confident.

Carlos Gracie Jr. son of Carlso Gracie, established the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation in the early 90's, contributing to the rapid growth of the sport by holding organized competitions. Currently the confederations holds competitions in Brazil, the United States, Europe and Asia. Carlos Gracie Jr. is helping to make his father Carlos' dream come true by spreading Jiu-Jitsu throughout the world.