What Brazilians did to jiu-jitsu is like what Americans did to British punk rock:

They adopted it, tweaked it, then mainstreamed it. And it's never been the same.

Brazilian-style jiu-jitsu turned the traditional Judo-based martial art into more of a combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground-fighting with the goal of getting the opponent to submit.

But thanks to the popularity of mixed martial arts competitions — and the Ultimate Fighting Championships — interest in this style of jiu-jitsu has exploded worldwide, with thousands of people participating in the sport today.

The widely televised, no-holds-barred contests are what attracted 22-year-old Russell Saito of Liliha to pick up Brazilian jiu-jitsu six months ago.

He's not looking to compete in the next MMA match, but he is a big fan of the sport and wanted to see for himself what it was like.

So he browsed the Internet for a school that met his criteria — near the University of Hawai'i campus, where he was a student, and affordable. He signed up with Relson Gracie's academy at University Square in Mo'ili'ili, which offered the cheapest rate at $40 a month for four classes.

(The only gear needed is a gi, or kimono, which can cost between $60 and $300. Saito spent $150.)

"I really didn't know what to expect," said Saito, who graduated last month with a degree in art. "But I knew it was going to be tough."

Saito, who surfs but has never participated in any other martial art, was surprised at just how tough it actually was.

"After that first day of class, my body was super sore," he said, laughing. "You're using a whole bunch of muscles you don't always use ... I was pretty much dead."

For many — especially women — the attraction to the sport centers on the philosophy that size doesn't matter.

"Because it's ground-based, (the sport) is based on leverage and technique, not strength," said Todd Tanaka, 31, a Relson Gracie jiu-jitsu instructor who picked up the sport 17 years ago. "That was the appeal to me, that a smaller, less physical person could defend himself against a larger opponent."

Not all schools — including Relson Gracie — train people to fight in MMA competitions. This style of jiu-jitsu is often taught for self-defense and sport grappling tournaments.

Still, most come for the physical workout, feeling the burn in their legs, hips, shoulders and back.

"If you want to get in shape before taking your first class, that's a plus," Saito said, laughing. "Having your cardio up a bit would help."

And, like other martial arts, jiu-jitsu requires self-discipline, focus and dedication. It works out your mind just as much as your body, Tanaka said.

"It gives you confidence and you get mentally tougher," Tanaka said. "It's as physical as you want it to be. And sometimes it takes your heart to pull you through."