Mitsuyo Maeda
Mitsuyo Maeda was a Japanese martial artist born on November 18, 1878. He is best known for his role in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and for being one of the first to teach this martial art outside of Japan. Maeda trained in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and he traveled extensively, showcasing his skills in various countries.
In the early 20th century, Maeda moved to Brazil, where he began teaching martial arts. He became a significant influence on the Gracie family, who later popularized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Maeda's contributions helped shape modern martial arts, making him a key figure in their global spread.