There are many accounts on where the art Ju Jutsu originated. Some state that it started in India, while others talks about Chinese influences. One thing is certain, the art of 'Ju Jutsu' (as it was previously named) evolved during the Feudal period in Japan in the early 17th century. Before that period Japan was in constant civil war and the martial art systems were practised and performed on battlefield and designed for warfare. With the abolition of the Feudal system in Japan and more peaceful times laying ahead, further exploration of weaponless combat was explored and practised. And since Jiu Jitsu was not longer needed to be used in a war setting, it became clear that the art had to find its way out to be introduced to people to be able to practise and this is how Jigoro Kano, a keen practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, developed his own version of the art in the late 1800s, which he called Kodokan Judo. The style gained much popularity, was used by law enforcement and was named a national martial art of Japan. One of the reasons it became popular and safe was the implementation of rules and safety measures by Kano. The bouts weren't as bloody and deadly as the original Jiu Jitsu tournaments centuries before. It was Kanō Jigorō, the founder of Judo, who introduced the use of belts and gi (judogi). At that time, Kanō used only white and black belts and the other belts were introduced at a later date. 

Mitsuyo Maeda, another prominent figure in the sport of Jiu Jitsu and one of Kano's best students, was sent overseas to spread the knowledge of Judo, taking parts in various tournaments. Maeda was giving demonstrations of Judo and accepted challenges from various martial artists, such as wrestlers and boxers. During one of the demonstrations in Brazil, Maeda was spotted by Carlos Gracie. who offered him a teaching position. In that way Carlos started to study under Maeda and passing the knowledge onto his family, including Helio Gracie (his brother) who considerably contributed to developing the ground aspect of the martial art.

It is considered that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed around 1920 by Brazilian brothers: Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George and Hélio Gracie.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (nowadays referred to as BJJ) has become one of the most popularised combat sports by proving its effectiveness in the Mixed Martial Arts tournaments across the globe and is now a substantial part of any MMA training.