Yasuichi Ono arrived in São Paulo in 1934 with his brother Naoichi. Holding a 5th dan black belt from kosen judo master Yaichihyoe Kanemitsu, and weighing only 140 lbs, he threw Helio Gracie 32 times in their December 1935 match and 27 times in the 1936 rematch — both declared draws under submission-only rules. In 1937 he defeated George Gracie by choke. The brothers went 3-1-2 against the Gracies, and media considered them technically superior. Unable to match their throwing ability, the Gracies advocated rule changes favoring ground fighting. Over time, takedowns were 'all but completely removed from the BJJ curriculum.' The Ono lineage continues today through Lotus Club BJJ.