Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than just a martial art — it’s a journey that connects tradition, evolution, and community. When students step onto the mats at Morselli Jiu Jitsu in Taunton, MA, they become part of a legacy that began centuries ago and continues to grow today.
Where Jiu Jitsu Began
The story of jiu jitsu starts in feudal Japan. Samurai warriors needed effective unarmed techniques to defend themselves when weapons were not available. What developed was an art focused on leverage, balance, joint control, and using an opponent’s force against them — principles that still form the foundation of jiu jitsu training today.
The Brazilian Transformation
In the early 1900s, a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda traveled the world teaching martial arts. When he arrived in Brazil, he taught his knowledge to the Gracie family. Carlos and Hélio Gracie then adapted and refined these techniques into what became known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emphasized ground fighting, technique over strength, and finding leverage in every position — ideas that helped smaller practitioners succeed against larger opponents.
Modern Jiu Jitsu’s Global Growth
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continued to grow through challenge matches, tournaments, and word of mouth. In recent decades, it has become one of the most practiced martial arts worldwide, valued not only for self-defense but also for physical fitness, mental growth, and personal transformation.
Meet Professor Jair Morselli — Bringing the Art to Taunton
At the heart of Morselli Jiu Jitsu in Taunton is Professor Jair Morselli, a passionate and experienced BJJ coach. Jair began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in Brazil in 1996, and in 1998 he moved to the United States to continue his training in Boston. Over decades on the mats, he earned the rank of fourth-degree black belt and has competed extensively, earning more than 40 podium finishes, including medals at World Championships and the Pan American Games.
As the owner and head instructor of Morselli Jiu Jitsu, Professor Morselli brings a deep love of the art and a commitment to teaching. His approach blends respect for BJJ’s history with a focus on effective modern training — helping students from beginners to competitors develop real skill, confidence, and resilience.
How History Comes to Life on the Mat
When you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Morselli Jiu Jitsu in Taunton, you’re connecting to a lineage that reaches back through the Gracies, through generations of Brazilian competitors, and all the way to the original practitioners in Japan.
Under Professor Morselli’s guidance, students learn:
Foundational principles rooted in classic jiu jitsu philosophy
Practical techniques refined through decades of competition
The mindset and discipline that make BJJ more than just a sport
Professor Morselli’s personal journey — from training in Brazil to developing a thriving academy in Massachusetts — shows how the traditions of jiu jitsu continue to adapt, grow, and enrich people’s lives.
More Than Technique — A Lifelong Practice
The history of jiu jitsu is about adaptation, perseverance, and evolution. That’s exactly what students experience in every class at Morselli Jiu Jitsu. The technical roots inform every drill, every roll, and every lesson, while the supportive community helps individuals grow both on and off the mat.
If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — and how that tradition shapes modern training — there’s no better place to see it in action than right here in Taunton with Professor Morselli and the Morselli Jiu Jitsu team.
Try a class and experience the history for yourself.
