The Journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Japan to Port Coquitlam
When you walk into our mats at Frontline, you’re stepping into a living legacy, a lineage of technique, perseverance, and evolution spanning continents. In this post, we’ll trace the fascinating history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and invite you to join us in person at our Port Coquitlam facility.
Origins: The Roots in Judo and Jiujutsu
The story of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu begins in Japan. In the late 19th century, Jigoro Kano founded judo by adapting classical Japanese jujutsu schools, emphasizing throws, ground control, safety, and a systematic approach.
One of Kano’s students, Mitsuyo Maeda, traveled the world in the early 1900s, demonstrating and teaching judo/jujutsu techniques. In 1914, Maeda landed in Brazil, and over time taught his system to locals.
One of his key students was Carlos Gracie. Carlos passed these techniques to his brothers, especially Hélio Gracie, who, due to his smaller build and weaker physical stature, began modifying techniques to rely less on strength and more on leverage, timing, and positional control. This adaptation became the foundation of what we today call Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Gracie Era & The Birth of Modern BJJ
By the 1920s–1930s, the Gracie family was actively promoting the art throughout Brazil, often via challenge matches (vale tudo) that pitted their style against boxers, wrestlers, or fighters from varied backgrounds. These matches showcased how, from the guard position and with good technique, a smaller, well-trained grappler could neutralize bigger, stronger opponents.
As more practitioners emerged, different branches started forming. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu name began to distinguish this uniquely adapted grappling art from its Japanese roots.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Gracies and their students continued refining the system, developing more guard work, sweeps, submissions, and strategies focused on ground fighting.
BJJ Goes Global, The UFC & International Spread
The real turning point came in the 1990s when Rickson Gracie, Royce Gracie, and other family members took part in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events (especially UFC 1 in 1993), demonstrating how effective BJJ could be in no-rules, mixed-style fighting. Royce’s success in the early UFCs forced the martial arts world to acknowledge the importance of ground fighting.
From there, BJJ schools began appearing globally, in North America, Europe, Asia, etc. Seminars, tournaments, and practitioners proliferated. Over time, BJJ developed both Gi (kimono) and No-Gi styles, competition rulesets (IBJJF, ADCC, etc.), belt systems, and a vibrant sport culture.
Philosophy, Culture & Training
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than physical technique, it carries a philosophy of efficiency, adaptability, and humility. Some guiding principles often mentioned:
Leverage over strength: technique and timing beat raw power.
Position before submission: control your opponent’s position first.
Continuous learning and experimentation: no matter how advanced, a black belt is still a student.
Respect and community: tapping = sign of respect, not defeat.
Each gym develops its own culture, lineage, and identity. That’s what makes training at a local academy so special: you become part of a community, not just attend classes.
BJJ in Canada & Cascading to Port Coquitlam
Canada has had a robust BJJ community for decades, with major academies in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and more. As the art grew in popularity, more people in BC started seeking high-quality instruction, local tournaments, and accessible dojos.
That’s where Frontline comes in. Our Port Coquitlam location is proud to carry on this tradition of excellence: combining world-class technique training, seasoned instructors, and a welcoming environment for beginners to advanced alike.
Whether you’re curious, a complete beginner, or already have experience, our doors are open.
Why Train BJJ at Frontline in Port Coquitlam?
Expert coaching & lineage: Our instructors are dedicated practitioners who bring both technical depth and teaching ability.
Safe, modern facility: We maintain clean mats, safety protocols, and a training environment conducive to growth.
Community & support: You’ll train with teammates who push you, support you, and make you better.
Flexible class schedule: We offer classes to fit a variety of lifestyles (morning, evening, weekend).
Beginner-friendly entry: We welcome newcomers with open arms; no previous martial arts experience required.
If you’ve ever wondered how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu evolved from Japanese judo to the dynamic ground system we see today, or if you simply want to try something new, we’d love to have you at Frontline’s Port Coquitlam location.
Come see for yourself: take a free trial class or stop by for a gym tour. Feel the mats under your feet, watch a class in session, meet our coaches and students.
Visit us at:
Frontline Functional Training & Martial Arts
110/111 – 1320 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6P4
Phone: (778)-866-6453
Hours:
5:30 am – 9:00 pm Mon–Fri
8:30 am – 11:00 am Sat & Sun
We can’t wait to roll with you.
