BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU Mid-America Martial Arts prides itself on bringing the finest instruction to our students and team members. Our lineage simple and clear: Helio Gracie Rickson Gracie Rodrigo Vaghi Ed Shobe History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Jiu-Jitsu, which means gentle art is the oldest form of martial art. It originated in India more than 2000 years before Christ. It was created by monks who could not use any type of weapons to defend their lives against barbarian attacks. It spread through China, and eventually took root and was elaborated on in Japan becoming the first martial art style. The samurai clans in Japan adopted Jiu-Jitsu as their own traditional style to defeat an opponent regardless if the situation was striking, throwing or grappling. With the passing years, they split the techniques and developed other martial arts styles, such as judo, akido, karate, etc. 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 Gastão Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish descent. As an expression of his gratitude for Gracie's assistance, 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 interest to the use of the techniques. Helio being of small frame, light in weight (only 135 pounds), and in frail health, was 16 when he began learning Jiu-Jitsu. Being unable to participate in classes, he would sit and watch his older brother teach every day. One day when Carlos was unable to make it to class, Helio was asked to instruct. Because of his size and stature, he began to work with and adapt the basic rules of Jiu-Jitsu. He introduced the application of leverage to the art, making it possible for a smaller opponent to defeat a larger one. He began experimenting, modifying and enhancing the basic techniques to make them effective for a person regardless of his or her stature. Thus began the development of a new and more effective art - Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Rodrigo Vaghi started his training in Judo at the age of 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He trained with Sensei Yamata; the Japanese champion until the age of 10. He continued training in Judo with Sensei Jorge Medhi, winner of several national and international titles, until the age of 16. Rodrigo was the Rio de Janeiro State Judo champion for 5 consecutive years, from 1979 to 1984. Rodrigo started his Jiu-Jitsu at the age of l4, in the original Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro. Vaghi's instructors were Grandmaster Helio Gracie and his sons: Rickson, Royce, Royler and Rolker. After many years of training with the Gracie Family, Rodrigo has become a family friend and black belt instructor representing the undisputed champion of the Gracie's: Rickson Gracie. Mid-America Ranking Brown Belt Ed Shobe Purple Belt Anthony Carlson Matt Lippold Kyle Nordstrom Mike Martin Blue Belt Aaron Cerrone Chuck Hill Jill Schillerberg Jess Horner Jason Minor Mark McGinn Joanna Kay Charles Morrison Drew Dober Luke Schollmeyer Mike Penny Andy Johnson Dan Stocker Scott Ferriero Keith Baladeros Brian Heavrin Marcos Marquez Mirsad Bektic Abe Wagner Justin Hamilton Nick Barelos Rob Pilcher Jesse Thomas Brandon Pfannenstiel ©2009 Mid-America Martial Arts. All Rights Reserved