In the late 19th century, the world gained recognition for Jiu-jitsu thanks to the migration of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu masters to other continents, taking part in tournaments and spreading their teachings.

The history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began with the arrival of Mitsuya Maeda, also known as "Conde Koma", who is among these masters, the greatest and last Jiu-jitsu fighter ever, to Brazil in 1915. During this period, Mitsuya Maeda's path crosses with Gastao Gracie. Gastao Gracie, who has 8 children, becomes a fan of Jiu-jitsu and delivers his eldest son, Carlos, who is 15 years old, to the hands of the Japanese master. During this period, Jiu-jitsu has become not just a martial art but a method of personal growth for Carlos. Being small and weak, Carlos has developed Jiu-jitsu techniques and succeeded in defeating opponents that are much bigger and stronger than his own weight category.

He opened the first Jiu-jitsu school in Rio in 1925 under the name Academia Gracie de Jiu-Jitsu. The effective defense system created by Carlos Gracie is known as "gentle art". This name was coined because it raises tolerant, respectful and self-confident individuals. By defeating all the champions of the time and defeating opponents 50-60 pounds heavier and stronger than himself, Gracie's name became famous and gained prestige.

Carlos, along with all the techniques he has changed and created according to his own structure, has conveyed his philosophy of life and the nutrition method known as the Gracie Diet, which he adapted according to athletes, to both his siblings and all his students over the years. For this reason, in the world Jiu-jitsu has become not only a combat sport, but also a term associated with health.

The Gracie brothers have completely changed the Japanese Jiu-Jitsu techniques based on leaps and falls, creating a completely different defense sport for ground fighting, grappling and giving up. This sport, which has become famous in line with its Brazilian identities, has spread all over the world as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu over the years.

Thanks to the contributions of our mentor Master Carlson Gracie Jr., the grandson of Carlos Gracie, the founder of BJJ, and through the international IBJJF and CBJJ federations, the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) rapidly spread across the continents of America, Asia, and Europe. It is a sport recognized worldwide, organized with official tournaments. BJJ practitioners are considered some of the world's top athletes. At Ground and Pound Istanbul / Carlson Gracie Istanbul, we aim to instill discipline, self-confidence, and tolerance in the new generations we nurture, as well as teach them to protect themselves and their families.