American tries BJJ in Brazilian favela in Rio de Janeiro

Описание: Join me as I venture into the Vidigal Favela in Rio de Janeiro to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a local school. I test myself in a no-gi setting here, rolling with some local practitioners who call this favela home.

Jiu Jitsu has a long and storied history in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, dating back to the early 20th century. The sport was first introduced to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka who immigrated to the country in 1914. Maeda began teaching Jiu Jitsu to a young Carlos Gracie, who went on to become one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Carlos Gracie and his brothers helped to popularize Jiu Jitsu in Brazil by founding the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro. They taught the art to anyone who was interested, including police officers, military personnel, and other martial artists.

Over time, Jiu Jitsu became an integral part of the culture of Rio de Janeiro, with many favelas (slums) in the city developing their own unique styles and techniques. Today, Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the most renowned Jiu Jitsu schools in the world, including Gracie Barra, Alliance Jiu Jitsu, and Brazilian Top Team.

The city has also hosted some of the biggest Jiu Jitsu competitions in the world, including the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championship, which attracts top athletes from around the globe.

Despite its popularity, Jiu Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro has faced challenges over the years, including disputes between schools and practitioners, as well as issues with violence and crime in certain areas. However, the sport remains a beloved and integral part of Rio de Janeiro's cultural heritage, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes and enthusiasts.