In 1914, a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo master named Mitsuyo Maeda, (AKA Count Koma) stopped in Brazil during his World Judo tour. Maeda decided to prolong his stay and help a Japanese colony settle in the North of Brazil.

A Brazilian diplomat named Gastão Gracie helped the colony with land and cattle. In return Koma, went against the Japanese tradition and volunteered to teach real Jiu-Jitsu to a non-Japanese, Gastão's son Carlos.