Where It All Began

The story of Jiu-Jitsu begins in feudal Japan, where samurai warriors developed a system of unarmed and close-quarters combat known as Jujutsu. Designed for the battlefield, these techniques allowed a fighter to defend themselves even without weapons; using throws, joint locks and pins to overcome larger, armoured opponents. Over centuries the art was refined in dojos across Japan, eventually giving rise to Judo under Jigorō Kanō in the late 1800s.

In the early twentieth century, one of Kanō's most talented students, Mitsuyo Maeda, set out on a remarkable journey. Maeda travelled the world, testing his skills in challenge matches across Europe and the Americas before settling in Belém, Brazil, in 1914. There he befriended Gastão Gracie, a local businessman, and agreed to teach Gastão's eldest son Carlos the art of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.

When the Gracie family relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Carlos could no longer train under Maeda. Rather than give up, he and his younger brother Hélio continued to practise and adapt what they had learnt. The brothers placed a new emphasis on ground fighting and the use of leverage, enabling a smaller person to control and submit a larger opponent. This refined approach became known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and ultimately Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; a martial art that would go on to change the combat-sports world for ever.

As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grew beyond the Gracie family, one of the most influential academies to emerge was Gracie Barra, founded in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. Under the leadership of Carlos Gracie Jr, the organisation expanded to over 700 schools worldwide, helping to spread the art and its values to every continent. That global network played a huge part in making BJJ the fastest-growing martial art on the planet.

Professor Craig Tetley began his Jiu-Jitsu journey under multiple world champion Braulio Estima, relocating to Birmingham to train full-time before returning home to Bradford to open his own academy. Originally established as Gracie Barra Bradford, the academy evolved into Dream Art Bradford, a name that reflects its own identity, coaching philosophy and the tight- knit community that has grown around it.

Today Dream Art Bradford is one of the leading BJJ academies in the north of England, with competitors regularly representing the club at national and international level. More importantly, it remains a place where beginners and experienced practitioners alike train side by side in a welcoming, family-oriented environment.

Whether you want to improve your fitness, learn practical self-defence, or test yourself in competition, our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. Dream Art Bradford offers classes for all ages and abilities in a supportive, inclusive setting.

Ready to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey? Book your free trial class today. We cannot wait to welcome you onto the mat.