In 1914 Japanese Jiu Jitsu Champion Esai Maeda migrated to Brazil where he was instrumental in establishing a Japanese immigrant community. His efforts were aided by Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish descent. As an expression of his gratitude, Maeda taught the Brazilian's oldest son Carlos the essential secrets of the ancient martial arts technique. Carlos taught Maeda's techniques to his four brothers, and in 1925 they opened the first Jiu Jitsu academy in Brazil. For the Gracie brothers teaching the art was more than an occupation. It was their passion.

One of the brothers, Helio Gracie paid special attention to leverage within the art, making it possible for a smaller opponent like himself (135 lbs) to defeat a larger one. He and his brothers began experimenting, modifying and enhancing the basic techniques to make them effective for a person regardless of his/her stature. Thus began the development of a new and more effective art - Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Over the years in Brazil and in the US there have been a number of Gracie affiliated schools that have also tried to modify and enhance the techniques of the sport and in turn the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has evolved very quickly.

Today Gracie Jiu Jitsu is more popular than ever as the family continuously strives to teach and spread the art throughout the world. Much has been learned since the beginning when the Gracie's began developing the sport. With 7 Schools in California Ralph continues the loyalty, strength and wisdom that has been passed down to him from his grandfather, father and family members.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came to international prominence in the martial arts community in the 1990s, when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the first, second and fourth Ultimate Fighting Championships, which at the time were single elimination martial arts tournaments. Royce fought against often much-larger opponents who were practicing other styles, including boxing, shoot-fighting, karate, judo, tae kwon do and wrestling. It has since become a staple art for many MMA fighters and is largely credited for bringing wide-spread attention to the importance of ground fighting. Sport BJJ tournaments continue to grow in popularity worldwide and have given rise to no-gi submission grappling tournaments, such as the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.