Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in the early 1900s when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu master, brought the art to Brazil. There, he taught Carlos Gracie, who passed his knowledge to his younger brother Helio Gracie.

Helio’s smaller frame led him to adapt traditional Judo techniques into a system based on leverage, timing, and technique over strength — creating what we now know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

One of Helio’s most dedicated students, Grand Master Francisco Mansor, carried on this legacy and founded Kioto Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1965. His vision was to create a clear, step-by-step system for students to progress through BJJ with structure and discipline.

Today, Kioto BJJ continues to share this lineage of discipline, respect, and technical excellence throughout the United States and around the world.