Ralph Gracie Association, Sacramento CA

Jiu-Jitsu originated in India more than 4000 years ago. It was created by monks who could not use weapons to defend their lives against barbarian attacks. It spread through China, and eventually took root and was built upon in Japan becoming the first martial art style. Samurai clans in Japan adopted Jiu-Jitsu as their own traditional style to defeat an opponent via striking, throwing and/or grappling. With the passing years, they split the techniques and developed other martial arts styles, such as Judo, Aikido and Karate.