Legacy

Mitsuyo Maeda, known as "Conde Koma" (Count Combat), was the legendary judoka who brought Japanese martial arts to Brazil and planted the seeds of what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His teachings to the Gracie family transformed the martial arts world forever, bridging Eastern tradition with Western innovation.

Teaching Philosophy

Maeda believed in the evolution of martial arts through real combat experience. He emphasized adaptability, efficiency, and the importance of ground fighting. His philosophy was that techniques must be tested in actual combat to be truly effective, laying the groundwork for the practical, no-nonsense approach of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Classic Techniques

• Kosen Judo Ground Fighting
• Ne-waza (Ground Grappling)
• Osoto Gari (Major Outer Reap)
• Newaza Transitions to Submissions

Notable Students

• Carlos Gracie – Founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and first major student of Maeda in Brazil
• Luiz França – Helped develop what became the non-Gracie lineage of BJJ
• Jacyntho Ferro – Brazilian martial artist and early practitioner of judo and jiu-jitsu
• Geo Omori – Influential figure in Japanese-Brazilian martial arts and judo in São Paulo
• Takeo Yano – Spread judo and jiu-jitsu in Brazil and taught many influential figures