The Toughest Man Who Ever Lived
Who is the Toughest Man Who Ever Lived? Coach Firas Zahabi of Tristar gym Montreal Canada looks into this question. And also tries to untangle the origins of the name Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We all know Mitsuyo Maeda about training the Gracies and that the Gracies later gave the world the style of Jiu-Jitsu. Known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu among other names. In this amazing book “The Toughest Man Who Ever Lived” we take a brief look into that history.
And coach Zahabi gives us his insight into this book about the Judo masters life. Born in Japan Maeda went on to train under the creator of Judo Jigoro Kano. After training under Kano for many years, Maeda then travelled the world bringing Judo wherever he went. Along his Journey would challenge and be challenged by other fighters, to see how his Judo stood up to other martial arts.
Maeda Never Lost A Fight
It’s recorded that in over 1000 contests, Maeda never lost a fight. Some estimates even have it at 200 plus fights, without a single loss. With all of these fights taking place over a twenty years period. Now Maeda’s mater Kano had the opportunity to study Jiu-Jitsu under Shihan Hachinosuke in Tokyo. Learning from his master Maeda incorporated those Jiu-jitsu moves into his own arsenal.
Now as master Kano banned any fighting for money, Maeda had to find a way to both fights and make a living. And so he decided to change the name of his art from Judo to Jiu-jitsu and fight under an alias. This meant that he could now make a living and would not be kicked out of the Kodokan school of Judo.
He also threw out many of what master Kano had decided were illegal moves. Including wrist lock, foot locks and scissor throws, allowing him to apply them in his matches so that he could win. Maeda’s success inside the ring would eventually lead him to Brazil where he would become friends with the Gracie family and the rest s they say is history. Some very interesting information from coach Zahabi on one of the founding fathers of modern-day Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
