What is mitsuyo maeda?

Mitsuyo Maeda, also known as Conde Koma, was a Japanese martial artist who is considered one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was born on November 18, 1878, in Funazawa, Japan. Maeda was a student of Judo founder Jigoro Kano and was awarded his black belt in 1897.

Maeda traveled to the United States in 1904 as a member of a Japanese delegation to demonstrate Judo. He eventually settled in Brazil, where he met and taught Carlos Gracie, who later founded the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu martial arts school. Maeda taught Gracie and his brothers the techniques of Judo, which they adapted and refined to create Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Maeda's influence in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is significant, as he is credited with bringing Judo to Brazil and laying the foundation for the creation of the now-popular martial art. He is also known for his role in promoting Jiu-Jitsu through challenge matches, which helped establish the effectiveness of the martial art.

Mitsuyo Maeda died on November 28, 1941, in Belem, Brazil. He is remembered as a skilled martial artist and a key figure in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.