The story of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

For younger readers: ages 8 to 11, read aloud if you like. Switch to for teenagers and adults.

1. 1Who was Conde Koma?A judo expert leaves Japan to fight anyone who dares, takes a new name in Spain, and sails to Brazil in 1914. · 3 min
2. 2How did a circus lead to a family of fighters?A family with a Scottish name, a boy who watched a judo show in 1917, and the brother everyone tells stories about. · 4 min
3. 3Who taught jiu-jitsu for free on the beach?A marine called Oswaldo Fadda taught anyone who came, for nothing, in parks and on beaches. · 3 min
4. 4What happened when Hélio fought Kimura?A lock named after the judo fighter who used it, a fight that lasted three hours, and the tough school of Carlson Gracie. · 3 min
5. 5How did a garage in California change fighting?Rorion Gracie teaches in his garage, the smallest fighter wins the first UFC, and the big teams are born. · 3 min
6. 6Who brought jiu-jitsu to Britain?Black belts in a Birmingham factory and a London club, a son who opened an academy in Hammersmith, and a governing body made by rivals. · 3 min
7. 7What happens on the mat tonight?A first class, a borrowed gi, the tap that ends every hold, and the belts you and the grown ups wear. · 4 min

Written from checked sources, listed on the sources page. Pictures are drawn, with computer help, under our direction; none shows a real child. Recorded chapters and words are read by a computer voice; a word not yet recorded uses your device's own voice.