Mitsuyo Maeda

Mitsuyo Maeda, also known as Conde Koma (Count Combat), was a Japanese martial artist and prizefighter who is credited with bringing Judo to Brazil and ultimately founding what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Born on November 18, 1878, in Hirosaki, Japan, Maeda trained at the Kodokan Judo Institute under Jigoro Kano before embarking on an international career as a professional fighter. Maeda traveled the world from 1904 to 1914, participating in thousands of challenge matches across America, Europe, and eventually South America. His matches against wrestlers, boxers, and fighters from various disciplines helped prove the effectiveness of ground fighting techniques. In 1914, Maeda settled in Belém, Brazil, where he would meet Gastão Gracie, a local businessman who helped Maeda establish himself in the region. In gratitude, Maeda taught Gastão's eldest son, Carlos Gracie, the art of Judo/Jiu-Jitsu. This knowledge transfer, beginning around 1917, would lay the foundation for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Maeda's emphasis on ground fighting, submissions, and practical combat effectiveness would be refined and expanded by the Gracie family over subsequent generations.