Tag: jiu-jitsu

Master Helio Gracie is one of the people responsible for developing the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He dedicated his life to the martial art he created and lived to see it become internationally practiced.

Here is the story of the co-creator of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Master Helio Gracie. We’ll start with how Helio’s brother, Carlos, showed him Judo techniques and how they developed BJJ. Then we’ll get into how Helio and the Gracie family fought to prove the martial art’s legitimacy.

Helio Gracie’s Early Life

Helio Gracie grew up in Belem, Brazil, and was the youngest son of Gastao Gracie. A wealthy businessman and politician who was the son of Scottish immigrants.

His brother Carlos Gracie Sr. began taking Judo classes from Mitsuyo Maeda, who befriended their father. Carlos would show Helio and his brothers the techniques Maeda showed him in class.

The Gracie would finally go through some financial trouble that forced them to move to Rio de Janeiro. While in Rio, Carlos would continue practicing Judo with his brothers.

Helio Gracie Begins Learning Judo

Carlos would continue training Judo with his other brothers, George, Gastao Jr, and Oswaldo. He would also allow their youngest brother Helio to train, but only techniques and no sparring. Afraid that his brother would get hurt.

Helio would begin sparring with his other brothers in secret, along with training techniques. When Carlos saw Helio didn’t get hurt and was improving, he permitted him to continue sparring.

Helio Gracie Begins Learning Other Grappling Techniques

Contrary to the popular narrative, Helio and Carlos Sr. didn’t just start developing Jiu Jitsu after Carlos trained with Maeda. Helio and Carlos Sr. trained with various more experienced grapplers during this era.

He would practice catch wrestling under Orlando Americo “Dudu” da Silva. An innovator in wrestling within the country that would fight Helio and his brother George later on.

Gracie would also learn under Judokas Sumiyuki Kotani and Chugo Sato for a short time. He was said to have actually held a 6th-degree black belt in Judo, according to Masahiko Kimura in 1951. 

Carlos and Helio Gracie Develop Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Helio began to notice that the techniques of Judo were effective but sometimes hard for him to execute. He began tweaking the ground techniques or “newaza” that his brother learned from Maeda.

Carlos and Helio would begin developing their own style, where a smaller person could fight off their back. Using leverage and timing to be able to sweep and submit larger opponents.

The brothers felt confident in what they were developing and would soon put it to the test.

Helio Gracie’s Early Fighting Career 

Helio would begin his fighting career at the young age of 18 in 1932. For his first Vale Tudo match, his brother Carlos set him up to fight a boxer named Antonio Portugal.

The young Helio would submit the boxer in just forty seconds of the bout. Spectators were quite impressed by the young grapplers fighting skills.

His next bout would take place that same year against a Judoka named Takashi Namiki. They would fight to a draw after neither Helio nor Namiki could get an advantage over the other.

For his last bout of 1932, Helio would face a world champion wrestler named Frank Ebert. The wrestler was said to have outweighed Helio by at least 50 lbs.

Gracie and Ebert would fight for nearly two hours until the police stepped in and stopped the fight. Citing that they legally couldn’t let the fight continue, which resulted in the fight being a draw.

Two years later, Gracie would step back into the ring to fight a Polish catch wrestler and strongman named Wladek Zbyszko. The two would fight for twenty minutes where Zbyszko stayed in Gracie’s guard for the entire bout.

Helio Gracie’s Unbeaten Streak

After four fights, Gracie had still not been defeated in a fight. In the same year after fighting Zbyszko, would fight a Japanese Judo champion named Taro Miyake. Submitting the Judoka by cross choke.

A year later, Gracie would challenge his former instructor Dudu Silva. This fight would be Helio’s one and only win by strikes.  He would hit Silva with a kick to the spleen, which forced him to quit.

His next pair matches would be heated grudge matches against two champion Judokas. The first would be against Yassuiti Ono, who had previously beaten Helio’s brother George.

Ono would throw Gracie 32 times in their bout but never quit. Attempted arm locks and chokes of his own before time in the bout expired. Resulting in a draw.

Shortly after this bout, Helio would face Ono’s training partner named Takeo Yano. Another bout that ended in a draw.

Gracie would then meet a Japanese fighter named Massagoichi, who was billed as a sumo and Judo black belt. Gracie’s previous opponent Ono disputed that Massagoichi ever trained Judo.

Helio would win the bout by armbar, but the Brazilian press heavily criticized this bout and called it a farce. The Brazilian Federation of Pugilism was so upset with Massagoichi’s performance that they suspended him.

This would lead to Gracie fighting Ono in a rematch that would once again end in a draw. His last match of the 1930s would be a win by arm lock against boxer/wrestler Erwin Klausner.

After this bout, Helio would announce his first retirement from fighting.

Helio Gracie Comes Out of Retirement

Helio’s first retirement would last thirteen years after being challenged by a young fighter named Landulfo Caribe. Landulfo was also a grappler that traveled from Bahia to Rio to challenge Gracie.

He would accept the young Caribe’s challenge and beat him in just four minutes of his comeback fight. Passing Caribe’s guard and locking in a cross choke from the mount.

Shortly after this bout, Gracie would face another opponent named Azevedo Maia. A match that would result in another quick win for Gracie by cross choke.

The Helio Gracie vs Kimura Match

In 1951, the legendary Judoka Masahiko Kimura was doing a Judo tour through South America. The company Kimura was working for booked multiple stops within Brazil.

When Kimura arrived in Rio de Janeiro, he was immediately challenged by Helio Gracie. Kimura would refuse the challenge, citing that he didn’t believe Helio or his family were credible grapplers.

Helio and Carlos would continue to harass the Judoka with their challenges. The Japanese champion then made an offer to Helio. He would accept his challenge, but only if he could beat one of his team members.

Gracie accepted, which set up a match against Yukio Kato.

Helio Gracie vs Yukio Kato

The first match between Helio and Kato would take place on September 6, 1951. They would fight for hours, but neither fighter could finish the fight.

Helio would demand an immediate rematch, which was accepted, and took place on September 29th. This time, Helio would get the better of the Judoka and win by a choke.

Kimura would then grant Helio his wish.

Helio vs Kimura

The historical match between Helio Gracie and Masahiko Kimura occurred on October 22, 1951. According to the Gracie’s, Kimura said he would consider it a loss if he didn’t beat Helio in 3 minutes. There is no account of that quote ever being said by Kimura.

Many older Gracie members claimed that Kimura had an 80 lb(36 kg) advantage over Helio. It was more like 20 lbs(9 kg), but members of the Gracie family have been to embellish stories.

This match was recorded, and you can see that Kimura dominated every moment of their fight. Throwing around the smaller Gracie with ease and controlling him on the ground.

Kimura would lock in reverse ude-garami and Helio refused to submit. Resulting in Kimura breaking his arm and winning the match.

BJJ practitioners have renamed the submission “the kimura” out of respect for the Judoka.

Helio and Carlos Opens Gracie Humaita

After the loss to Kimura, Helio would retire from fighting a second time to focus his energy on teaching. This would lead to Helio and his brother Carlos opening their Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school in 1952.

They would call their school the “Academia Gracie”(Gracie Academy). The school would later be renamed Gracie Humaita years later when the school became an affiliation.

From the year the academy opened in 1952, Helio would teach there for the next 57 years until his death.

Helio Gracie’s Bout with Valdemar Santana

Just four years after his second retirement, Helio would be coaxed out of retirement. A former student named Valdemar Santana was 16 years younger and greatly outweighed his opponent.

Helio would accept the challenge, and the fight would take place in 1955. According to spectators, the fight went nearly four hours, with both men battered and beaten.

Gracie being older at this time, would get tired first. Leading to Santana knocking him out with a vicious soccer kick. After a second loss, Gracie would retire one more time.

Heróis do Ringue(Heroes of the Ring) 

Decades before the Ultimate Fighting Championship was established, Helio created his own early version Herois do Ringue (Heroes of the Ring). The very first no-holds-barred fighting event ever put on television in Brazil in 1960.

This event was an early advertisement for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, much like the UFC would be in the future. Carlson Gracie, who was the family’s best fighter during the era, would fight in the main event.

Herois do Ringue would only air one time on Brazilian television before being abruptly canceled by the TV station. Citing that it was far too violent to show the general public.

The particular moment that would lead to this decision was when future UFC ref Joao Alberto Barreto broke his opponent’s arm.

Helio Gracie’s Last Match

Twelve years after losing to Santana, Helio would once again be challenged to a match. This time, at 54 years old, the leader of the Gracie family would come out of retirement one more time.

He would face a younger grappler named Valdomiro dos Santos Ferreira. Helio would end his fighting career 35 years after debuting with a submission win.

Helio Gracie’s Sons and Daughters 

In Helio Gracie’s life, he had been married twice. The first was to Margarida Gracie, which lasted fifty years until she passed away. His second marriage was to a woman named Vera Gracie, who he married in 1992.

Gracie would have nine children in total between his two wives and another woman named Isabel “Belinha” Soares.

Helio and Margarida’s Children

• Rorion
• Relson
• Rickson

Helio and Belinha’s Children

• Rolker
• Robin
• Royce
• Royler

Helio and Vera’s Children

• Rerika
• Ricci

Helio Gracie Coaching Royce Gracie at UFC 1 and 2

In the early 1990s, Helio Gracie’s son Rorion would co-create the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A no-holds-barred tournament that was created as an advertisement for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

The family would choose Royce Gracie to represent the family in the event. Helio Gracie would corner and coach Royce in UFC 1 and UFC 2, which Royce easily won.

Helio Gracie’s Death

On January 29th,2009, Helio Gracie took his final breath and passed away after suffering from an illness. He lived to be 95 years old. Before Helio became ill, he was still teaching and training every day well into his nineties.

The Legacy of Helio Gracie

There isn’t much to say about Grandmaster Helio Gracie. Without Helio, modern BJJ or MMA may not have existed, and definitely not the UFC.

He dedicated his life to developing a martial art that is now practiced by millions worldwide. Thankfully, Helio lived to see the martial art that he helped create become internationally practiced. 

If you love modern-day MMA or grappling, one of the people you can thank is Grandmaster Helio Gracie.

Carlos Gracie Jr is one of the most important figures in modern-day Jiu Jitsu. He has done everything from growing the world’s biggest BJJ affiliation to the biggest BJJ federation.

Here is the full story on Carlos Gracie Jr and how he grew his Jiu Jitsu empire. Starting from his early training with his half-brother Rolls, taking over the academy, and creating Gracie Barra.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Growing Up in Jiu Jitsu

Carlos “Carlinhos” Gracie Jr is the twenty-first child of BJJ co-founder Carlos Gracie Sr. From an early age, he started training Jiu Jitsu with his Uncle Helio Gracie until he was a teen.

One of the people that Carlinhos looked up to the most was his brother, Rolls Gracie. He adopted Rolls’ views on the importance of cross-training and always improving his abilities.

This would lead to Carlos Jr. also learning amateur and Sambo along with his Jiu Jitsu. Gracie would even take part in those competitions to improve his Jiu Jitsu.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Becomes Rolls’ Assistant Coach

When Carlinhos was a teen, he was already running classes at the Gracie Academy. His Uncle Carlson also ran classes within the academy but kept them separate from Jr.’s classes.

He would continue running his class while he enrolled in college. This was when his brother Rolls would come to him with an off.

Rolls had opened his own Jiu Jitsu school in Copacabana and asked Carlinhos for help. Since the university was near the school, Carlos Jr. gladly accepted his brother’s offer.

Whenever Carlinhos wasn’t studying, he was on the mats teaching and training. In 1977, Rolls would ask their Uncle Helio to do the honors and promote Carlos Jr. to black belt.

Carlos Gracie Jr Takes Over Rolls’ Academy

The Gracie family would suffer a tragedy in 1982 when Rolls Gracie passed away in a hand gliding accident. Carlos Jr. and the rest of his family were devastated by the loss of the then spiritual leader of the family.

After the funeral, Rolls Gracie’s wife approached Carlos Jr to take over Rolls’ academy. Encouraging Carlos that Rolls would’ve wanted him to keep the gym running.

A distraught Carlinhos would take over his brother’s academy and grow it exponentially.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Creates Gracie Barra

After taking ownership of his brother’s Jiu Jitsu school, he decided to open a gym in another location. He would choose the then small suburb Barra da Tijuca in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro.

At the time, Barra da Tijuca was still developing and had poor access to central Rio. Everyone in Carlinhos’ life told him this was a bad idea, but he continued with his plan.

He would not come alone as many of the students from Rolls’ school would follow him. This included the Machado brothers and various other future BJJ legends.

Gracie would receive help from numerous family members and friends to start his new school. Most notably, Crolin, Rillion, and their friend “Ze Beleza” Jose Teixeira.

In 1986, the first Gracie-Barra Jiu Jitsu school opened in Barra da Tijuca in 1986. Carlos chose this name to differentiate his school from the other Gracie Jiu Jitsu schools.

People would also refer to him and those that train there as the “Gracies da Barra.” Carlinhos liked the name and would call the school Gracie Barra.

The Early Expansion of Gracie Barra

The gamble to put a Jiu Jitsu school in Barra da Tijuca quickly paid off for Carlos Jr. The suburb became one of the fastest growing areas in Rio de Janeiro, and Gracie Barra grew along with it.

When Carlinhos first opened his school, he barely had 20 students. A year after opening Gracie Barra, he would have over 200 students in his academy.

These first students of Carlos Jr. would later help Gracie Barra become the biggest Jiu Jitsu affiliation in the world.

By the early 1990s, more Gracie Barra schools would open all around Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. Places like Belo Horizonte would be home to Gracie Barra schools that would become known for producing talented BJJ athletes.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Creates the CBJJ

By the early 1990s, Carlos Gracie Jr. had become one of the most prominent members of the Jiu Jitsu community. He would even begin organizing his own BJJ competitions in Barra.

This would lead Carlinhos, along with Ze Beleza and Jean Jacques Machado, to create their first Jiu Jitsu situation. They called it the “Associação de Jiu Jitsu da Barra”(Jiu Jitsu Association of Barra).

Their association would run numerous successful competitions at the Veiga de Almeida campus in the suburb.

The organization would rapidly expand and become a national Jiu Jitsu organization. Carlinhos and his partners would call their new national federation the Confederacao Brasileira de Jiu Jitsu(CBJJ).

Gracie would make himself the president of the CBJJ, becoming Brazil’s main Jiu Jitsu federation.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Creates Gracie Mag

In 1994, Carlos Gracie Jr. would help create a Jiu Jitsu magazine called Jornal Gracie. The magazine was a way to advertise upcoming competitions and bring Jiu Jitsu to a bigger audience.

Gracie made this magazine with the help of his student Luca Atalla. Jornal Gracie was well received and quickly grew in popularity through its first few years of printing.

The magazine would later change its name to Gracie Mag to appeal to an international audience. Since being established in  1994, Gracie Mag is considered the premiere magazine for Jiu Jitsu-related content.

Today, Gracie Mag is still the most bought magazine and is now available online.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Co-Founds the IBJJF

During the early 2000s, the CBJJ was the biggest Jiu Jitsu federation in the world. They organized the first official BJJ World Championship events and the Master’s World Championships.

Carlinhos and the CBJJ board wanted to take their federation to an international level. This would lead to the creation of the International Jiu Jitsu Federation in 2002.

Thanks to the creation of the IBJJF, the organization was able to organize international events. Leading to major championship events in the US, like the Pan Championship games.

The Jiu Jitsu World Championship would be held in Long Beach, California. At the famous Walter Hall Pyramid, which has held every world championship event since the late 2000s.

The IBJJF Expands To Europe and Asia

Soon after the IBJJF began holding events in the US, they would also begin holding events in Europe. The biggest being the IBJJF European Championship.

Now that Jiu Jitsu has grown to an international level, people are training in every country within Europe this has led Carlnhos’ IBJJF to create even more events to meet the demand.

There is now a huge Jiu Jitsu boom happening within Asia. Leading to the IBJJF creating various championship events in different countries around the continent.

The growth of the IBJJF has been massive, and it’s head and shoulders above all other Jiu Jitsu federations worldwide.

The Growth of Gracie Barra

In the thirty-six years of Gracie Barra’s existence, Carlos Jr. could’ve never imagined his school’s growth. It is by far the biggest Jiu Jitsu affiliation in the world. 

There are currently over 800 Gracie Barra schools on six continents worldwide. By 2025, there will likely be 1000 Gracie Barra schools worldwide.

Nearly bigger than all other Jiu Jitsu affiliations combined.

Carlos Gracie Jr. Receives His Coral Belt

Twelve years ago, Carlos Gracie Jr. received his black and red coral belt in Jiu Jitsu. A Jiu Jitsu rank signifies that he has spent over forty years as a black belt.

Carlinhos’ cousin Renzo Gracie would do the honors of preceding over the graduation and awarding him with his coral belt.

Carlos Gracie Jr Receives His Red and White Belt

Just a few years after receiving his coral belt, Carlinhos would receive another honor. He would receive the extremely rare 8th-degree promotion to the red and white belt.

Gracie was given this honor during his 48th year as a BJJ black belt. The second highest rank in Jiu Jitsu that anyone can receive.

The Legacy of Carlos Gracie Jr

Carlos “Carlinhos” Gracie Jr. is arguably the most important ambassador for Jiu Jitsu in the history of the martial art. Not only for creating Gracie Barra but for co-founding the IBJJF.

Through the IBJJF, Jiu Jitsu competitions were able to be taken to an international level. Exposing not millions but billions of people to the martial art.

No one else has done what Carlos Gracie Jr. has done for Jiu Jitsu, and we all owe him our respect.

Carlos Machado is the oldest and highest ranked of the famous Machado brothers. He played a vital role in bringing Jiu Jitsu to the US and helping it grow.

Here is the complete story on Master Carlos Machado. Going through his journey to opening the Machado Jiu Jitsu Academy and creating his own school and affiliation.

Carlos Machado’s Entry Into Jiu Jitsu

Being related to the Gracie family through his Aunt Lior, Carlos grew up around Jiu Jitsu. He first started training with the co-creator of the martial art, Helio Gracie at the original Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

When Carlos’ family moved to southern Rio de Janeiro, he began training at Rolls’ Gracie’s academy. There, he would develop a close bond with Carlos Gracie Jr.

A few of his younger brothers would join him at Roll’s school and train there before Rolls passed away. Carlinhos(Carlos Jr) would take over Rolls’ school after his death.

Gracie would then move the school to the Barra da Tijuca region of Rio de Janeiro. Carlos and his brothers would be part of the group that followed Jr. to the new location.

During this time, many prominent members of the Gracie family began taking the Machado brothers under their wings. Teaching them everything they knew about the family martial art.

Carlos especially credits Crolin Gracie for helping develop his early Jiu Jitsu skills.

Carlos’ Time Living With Carlos Gracie Sr

After Carlos finished grade school, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and study to become a lawyer. The law school campus was near the home of Carlos’ Great Uncle Carlos Gracie Sr.

He would move into the home of Carlos Sr. from 1982 to 1987 while in law school. Whenever he wasn’t studying, Carlos would spend time with his uncle.

Carlos Sr. would tell Machado everything about the martial art that he helped create. These conversations with his uncle gave Carlos a deeper understanding of the martial art and its meaning.

Carlinhos would later do the honor of awarding Machado with his black belt. Being the first of the Machado brothers to earn the rank of black belt.

Carlos Machado Moves To The US

Carlos’s brother Rigan moved to the US in 1988 to help grow Jiu Jitsu along with his relatives. When Rigan returned to visit his family, he convinced his brothers to join him in the US.

By 1990, all of the Machado brothers had made their way to California to start their own academy. Initially, they wanted to open a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu affiliate school to keep it within the family.

Carlos and Rigan actually taught at the Gracie Academy when they first arrived in the US.

Unfortunately, this would not be how things would go when they got to the US. Rorion Gracie, the co-owner of the original Gracie Academy in Torrance, struck down the Machados idea.

As a lawyer himself, Rorion told the brothers that they could not use the Gracie name. Threatening legal action if they attempted to open a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school.

Disappointed, the Machado brothers would move to Redondo Beach and begin teaching Jiu Jitsu from their home.

Chuck Norris Helping Carlos Machado and His Brothers

One day when the brothers were sitting in their home, they had an unexpected visitor. Famous actor and martial artist Chuck Norris showed up at their home to train.

Norris had initially trained at the Gracie Academy a few years before but stopped. He heard about the Machado brothers teaching Jiu Jitsu and wanted to get back into training.

Chuck quickly became good friends with Carlos and his brothers. Training with them all day at their home and eating lunch with them. He would frequently invite the brothers to his home to eat and watch movies.  

Then one day before training, Chuck said he had a surprise for the Machado brothers. They got in his car and drove to a shopping center on Tarzana near Ventura Blvd.

Once there, he took the brothers to a unit that was filled with thousands of dollars in Jiu Jitsu mats. He threw them the keys and said this was their new BJJ academy.

The brothers told him they’d never afford rent, but Chuck told them he was the owner of the shopping center. He didn’t charge them rent and enabled them to grow an incredible academy.

Chuck also said jokingly that he gave them the academy because he was tired of driving to Redondo Beach.

The Machado Brothers Open a Second School

Carlos and his brother’s school was so popular that they were overloaded with new Jiu Jitsu students. This would lead them to open a second Machado Brother Jiu Jitsu Academy quickly.

Their new academy would be located near Carlos’s home in Redondo Beach. The brothers agreed that Carlos, Rigan, and Roger would run the new school, while Jean Jacques and John ran the original.

Carlos Machado Moves To Texas

After years of growing successful academies with his brothers in California, Carlos made a decision. He wanted to branch out and start his very own Jiu Jitsu academy. With his brother’s blessings, Carlos would make his way to Texas.

Chuck Norris Helps Carlos Machado Open His Academy

Once again, Carlos’ friend Chuck Norris would help him get started building his Jiu Jitsu school. Norris would allow Carlos to run classes at the studio where Walker: Texas Ranger was filmed.

To further help Carlos and his brothers grow their schools, Chuck would make them guest stars in the show multiple times. Carlos would find a location for his academy and open the Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Becomes an Affiliation

After opening his Jiu Jitsu academy in 1995, Carlos Machado’s academy would explode in popularity. His school would quickly become a full-fledged Jiu Jitsu affiliation.

Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu affiliate schools are now in over twenty US states and four countries worldwide.

Carlos Machado’s Competition Career

Carlos is more known as an instructor, but at one time, he was a top BJJ competitor. Before moving to the US permanently, Carlos Machado was an impressive competitor.

He won the Rio de Janeiro State Championship ten years in a row, along with winning the national title. When moved to the US, he would briefly stop competing to focus on growing his brother’s academy.

Later on, when Jiu Jitsu competitions began to be organized, Carlos would return to competition. Winning the Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 1997 and 1998.

During this time throughout 1999, Carlos would also compete in numerous superfights during this time. 

His last competition win was the Master’s World Championship that took place in 2000. Carlos would win double gold at the event and announce his official retirement from competition.

Carlos Machado Promoted to Coral Belt

In 2012, at an annual Machado Brothers Jiu Jitsu Camp, Carlos would receive a surprise. To mark his 28th year as a black belt, he would have the honor of receiving his coral belt.

Becoming one of the very few in the world to become a 7th-degree black belt. He received this belt with all of his brothers in attendance to congratulate him.

Carlos Machado Promoted to Red and White Belt

Ten years after receiving his coral belt, Carlos would be in for another surprise. Marking nearly forty years as a black belt, Carlos would receive his white and red belt.

The 8th degree BJJ black belt is the second highest rank that anyone can achieve in the martial art.

Carlos Machado’s Most Prominent BJJ Students

In his nearly forty years as an instructor, Carlos Machado has taught tens of thousands of students. Including thousands of black belts from all over the world.

Some of his most prominent students include

• Chuck Norris
• Travis Lutter
• Anthony Perosh
• Elvis Sinosic
• Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson

He also originally taught former BJJ world champion Rafael Lovato Jr before he switched to Saul Ribeiro’s Jiu Jitsu school.

The Legacy of Carlos Machado

Carlos Machado has done just about everything one can do in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He won numerous championships and opened a successful school, which became an international affiliation.

But what he most important did above all of that was be an incredible ambassador for the martial art. Without Carlos Machado and his brothers, Jiu Jitsu may not have become as popular as it has become today. Master Carlos is not only a great martial artist, but also an incredible person.

Jean Jacques Machado is one of the most beloved members of the Jiu Jitsu world. One of the five Machado brothers that helped establish and grow BJJ in the US.

Here is everything you need to know about the legendary Jean Jacques Machado. Going over how he got started learning Jiu Jitsu with his brothers and how they opened their first US academy.

We’ll also go over Jean Jacques’ competition career and his underappreciated BJJ skills.

Jean Jacques Machado’s Start in Jiu Jitsu

Jean Jacques is the fourth born of his five brothers that all became champions in BJJ. His family is related to the Gracie family through his Aunt Lair, who is Carlos Gracie Sr.’s daughter.

Machado first began training with his cousin Carlos Gracie Jr at Rolls Gracie’s academy. When Roll’s died, Carlos Jr. moved the academy to Barra da Tijuca region of Rio de Janeiro and Machado followed him.

He had a close bond with his cousin that led Carlos Jr. making Jean Jacques an assistant coach. Along with Carlos Jr, Jean Jacques helped teach other future BJJ legends.

Jean Jacques Machado’s Early Success in BJJ Competition

Machado and his brother found success early on in BJJ competition. During the 1980s, Jean Jacques would win the biggest BJJ tournaments of the era at the lower ranks.

Winning the Rio de Janeiro state championships multiple times from blue belt to brown belt. His hard work would pay off as his cousin, Carlos Jr. would promote him to black belt.

Jean Jacques Machado Moves to the US

After being promoted to black belt, Jean would join his brother Rigan Machado in California. Rigan was the first of his brothers to move to the US and try to help build a Jiu Jitsu scene.

He initially wanted to open a Gracie Jiu Jitsu affiliate school, but Rorion Gracie threatened to sue him. Soon enough, all five Machado brothers would move to the US and teach Jiu Jitsu out of their home.

Jean Jacques and His Brothers Teach the Gringos

When the Machado brothers began teaching out of their home in the US, they received criticism from Brazilian practitioners. Like when Chinese Kung Fu masters had problems with instructors teaching westerners, Brazilians didn’t like “gringos” learning Jiu Jitsu.

They felt that Jiu Jitsu was a strictly Brazilian martial art that only Brazilians should learn. The Machado brothers received a lot of flak for teaching gringos back in Brazil. But they ignored this criticism and continued to teach American students.

The Machado Brothers Friendship with Chuck Norris

There is one famous martial artist that played a big role in establishing the Machado brothers first BJJ academy. That person was Chuck Norris.

Jean Jacques’ brother Roger had actually befriended Chuck Norris years before. Taking part in a Jiu Jitsu demonstration at a self-defense convention put on by Norris in Vegas.

Once Roger arrived in the US, he got in contact with his old friend Chuck Norris. Inviting him to his brother’s Redondo Beach home to come train with them.

The brothers were kind of taking a back when Roger walked through the door with Chuck Norris. He was in between making movies, so he would spend all day training with the Machados.

Chuck Norris developed a close bond with all of the Machado brothers. So much so that he had a huge surprise for them. He drove the brothers to a shopping center on Ventura Blvd and showed them a unit filled with Jiu Jitsu mats.

Norris was the owner of the shopping center and told the brothers that this was their new academy. Without Chuck Norris, the Machado brothers may have not helped spread Jiu Jitsu the way they did.

Jean Jacques Machado’s Competition Career in the US

Even though Jean Jacques was helping his brothers build their academy, he still found time to compete. Traveling back to Brazil on occasion to compete in the Rio de Janeiro state and Brazilian National BJJ Championships.

He won the cruiserweight championships for eleven years running from 1982 to 1992. Machado stopped at eleven to stay in the US and focus on his academy.

Jean Jacques Machado Win in Sambo

Due to BJJ still being very young in the US, there were no competitions running when Jean Jacques moved there. This would force Machado and some of their brothers to try their hands at Sambo.

There was a more established Sambo scene in the US at the time and the brothers wanted to continue competing. It wasn’t Jiu Jitsu, but the brothers(including Jean Jacques) would still exel at this form of grappling.

Jean Jacques would win a National Sambo championship and a Pan Am Championship. This entry into Sambo would help expand his game. Exposing him to new techniques and submissions that he added to his game.

Jean Jacques Wins Multiple BJJ Titles Throughout the 1990s

As the 1990s rolled on, Jean Jacques would get more opportunities to compete in BJJ. In 1995, a now defunct organization started the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu American Championships.

Machado would easily beat the competition and win the organization’s first national championship. He would win this title three more times in a row from 1996 to 1998. Jean would also compete in a large grappling event put on in Japan in 1995, which he also won.

Jean Jacques Competes in MMA

Machado did compete in an MMA event in 1998. It was in the Vale Tudo Japan promotion against UFC veteran Frank Trigg early in his career.

Jean Jacques suffered a cut from a knee going in for a single leg takedown. His corner would stop the fight after seeing the cut.

Jean Jacques Competing at ADCC

Machado would participate in the second ever ADCC tournament held in 1999. He would take home by beating Japanese MMA legends Hayato “Mach” Sakurai and Caol Uno.

Jean would return in 2000 to defend his title and would be his first three opponents, which included  Leo Veira. But Machado’s distant relative Renzo Gracie would dethrone Jean Jacques by an advantage.

In 2001, Machado would return to ADCC and lose in the quarterfinals by penalty to Matt Serra. But he would bounce back in the absolute division and earn a silver medal.

He made his last appearance at ADCC in 2005, where he lost in the opening round to Dean Lister.

Jean Jacques Jiu Jitsu Style Notable

Machado suffers from a birth defect called amniotic band syndrome. He was born with only a thumb and little finger on his left hand.

This disability would force Jean to make improvisations to his Jiu Jitsu game. Since he couldn’t take Gi grips, he began using wrestling hand locks and framing.

Jean Jacques was also known for his aggressive style. He would also be attacking and never let his opponent breathe. Sweeping them from guard and constantly looking for the submission.

Particularly variations of the butterfly sweep before taking his opponent’s back to lock in an RNC.

His style was one of the most effective of his era, which helped him win numerous championships in grappling.

Jean Jacques Machado Students

Machado has been teaching Jiu Jitsu since the late 1980s. This long tenure as an instructor has led to Jean having tens of thousands of BJJ students. Including a wide variety of MMA fighters and celebrities. 

Two of his most notable and famous students would have to be Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo. The two would meet each other training at Machado’s school in the late 1990s.

Both would go on to become black belts under Machado and they always give the utmost praise to him. Eddie Bravo gives credit to Jean Jacques for allowing him to be creative and come up with the 10th Planet system.

The Legacy of Jean Jacques Machado

Jean Jacques Machado is one of the most respected members of the BJJ and grappling community. Machado’s dedication to the martial art has led to him earning his 7th degree coral belt.

His resume speaks for himself and anyone who knows Master Jean Jacques is one of the best people they ever met. He has done so much for the martial arts world and we can’t thank him enough for what he’s done.

Before Gordon Ryan became the king of grappling, the person that everyone considered the best modern grappler was Roger Gracie. Roger created an incredible legacy in Jiu Jitsu that will never be duplicated.

Here is the full story on Roger Gracie and how he became one of the all-time greats. Going over his domination in the sport of Jiu Jitsu, transitioning to MMA, and opening his own academy.

Roger Gracie Growing Up in the Gracie Family

Roger was born into the Gracie’s, who are the founding family of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His mother, Reila Gracie, the daughter of Carlos Gracie Sr. and his father, Mauricio Gomes. A black belt under the late Rolls Gracie.

Being a Gracie, Roger was born on the mats and would go into the family trade. Although, Roger wasn’t fully committed to Jiu Jitsu until he was a teenager.

He credits training with his uncle, Rillion Gracie in southern Brazilian for giving him the focus to become a BJJ athlete. But an issue with Brazilian police would force Roger to leave the country for a short time.

Forcing him to leave his father, Mauricio Gomes in London for a short time. Despite the change of scenery, Roger would continue training with his father.

After the heat in Brazil dissipated, Roger would return to Brazil and continue to train under Carlos Gracie Jr.

Roger Gracie Dominates the Lower Ranks

As expected, Roger dominated the lower BJJ ranks from blue belt to brown belt. Winning world championships at all three of these ranks and double gold at brown belt before his black belt promotion. 

His uncle and teacher, Carlos Gracie Jr would award Roger with his black belt in 2004.

Roger Gracie’s Early Domination of Grappling

Roger would begin his domination in 2004. He would cruise to winning his first world BJJ title in 2004.

Winning in the super-heavyweight division and coming up just short of double gold. Losing to another legendary athlete in Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza by points.

This was one title earned with several more on the way in the coming years.

Roger Gracie’s Historical Win at the 2005 ADCC Tournament

In 2005, Roger would take his second shot at winning an ADCC championship. He first competed for ADCC when he was a brown belt and would earn bronze in the 99+ kg division.

Roger would put on one of the all time great performances in ADCC history that year. He fought eight opponents and submitted eight opponents to win double gold at the tournament.

The very first athlete to accomplish this feat in the history of the organization. This performance cemented Roger as the greatest grappler of his era.

Roger Continues Winning Championships

Roger would follow up his ADCC performance with another stellar performance at the 2005 IBJJF World Championships. Earning another gold medal in the super heavyweight division and submitting six of his eight opponents.

In 2006, it would be the same story for Roger. He would dominate nearly all of his opponents and win his third world title in the super heavyweight division.

The only blemish was that he was once again thwarted from winning double gold at worlds for a third time. Gracie’s old rival Alexandre Ribeiro, who he beat multiple times before would beat him in the absolute finals.

Roger Gracie’s Historic Double Gold Streak at Worlds

After being denied of winning double gold in his first three tries, Roger would not be denied in 2007. He would finally get over the hump and earn double gold at worlds. Submitting seven of his eight opponents on the way to winning both the super heavy and absolute divisions.

This first double gold performance would be the beginning of an unbelievable streak for Roger. After being denied of double gold again in 2008 by Alexandre Ribeiro, Roger would win double gold in 2009 and 2010.

In 2009, he won all six of his matches at the world event by submission. Four cross chokes and two Ezekiel chokes.

Gracie competed in his last BJJ championship event in 2010. Putting on another spectacular performance by submitting seven of his eight opponents. 

Roger Gracie’s Transition to MMA 

While Roger was winning BJJ championships, he did dabble in MMA. Winning two matches by submission against MMA veterans Ron Waterman and Yuki Kondo.

After retiring from IBJJF competition in 2010, Gracie would transition to MMA full-time. Signing  with promotion Strikeforce to a multi-fight deal.

His first match would be a successful debut by submitting MMA legend Kevin Randleman by RNC. He would follow this win up with another submission win over Trevor Prangley.

In his third fight with Strikeforce, Roger would taste one of the rare defeats in his athletic career. Muhammed Lawal would knockout Roger in the first round of their bout.

Roger would bounce back with two wins against Keith Jardine and Anthony Smith before Strikeforce was bought by the UFC. He would fight one time in the UFC, which would be a loss to Tim Kennedy.

Roger Gracie in ONE Championship

After his one and only fight in the UFC, Roger would sign a lucrative contract with ONE Championship. Debuting for the promotion in the Philippines in December of 2014.

His ONE debut one was a successful one as he beat UFC vet James McSweeney by TKO. The only TKO win of his career. 

Roger’s last MMA bout would be a submission win against Michal Pasternak. Winning the inaugural ONE Cruiserweight Championship in 2016, which would later be rebranded as the light heavyweight championship.

After this bout, Roger would announce his retirement from MMA competition. Finishing his MMA career with a record of 8-2.

Roger Gracie’s Retirement Match 

While Roger retired from IBJJF competition in 2010, he did compete in a handful of superfights afterwards in the 2010s. Fighting another BJJ legend in Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida at the inaugural Metamoris event in 2012.  Also beating Rodrigo Comprido in a superfight at a UFC Expo event in 2015. 

In 2017, a year after retiring from MMA, Roger announced he was having a retirement match in BJJ. Competing against Marcus Buchecha in a superfight at a Gracie Pro event.

This match was built as a generation vs. generation bout. Roger being the best heavyweight of his generation and Buchecha being the best of his generation.

It was also a match to settle their previous match that ended in a draw. In their bout, Roger proved why he was one of the greatest BJJ athletes of all time.

For the first eight minutes, the two would grip fight from standing until Roger finally pulled guard and hit a sweep. He immediately went to Buchecha’s back and grabbed hold of his collar.

Quickly locking in a choke and forcing Buchecha tap. The crowd went wild as Roger won by submission in his final bout.

He was carried off the mat on the shoulders of his teammates as he said goodbye to the fans.

Roger Gracie Moves to London

Once Roger officially retired from athletic competition, he would move back to London. A place he’s always been passionate for and wanted to open an academy in.

He would realize his dream of opening an academy in London along with his father. Roger has built his academy into one of the best academies in the city. Also helping the UK become a hub for Jiu Jitsu within Europe.

Roger Gracie and Old School Jiu Jitsu

Roger Gracie is a master of old school Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Everything Roger does is textbook fundamentals with no wasted movements.  

Even though Gracie’s game consists of basic techniques, he does all of them to perfection. His technique is flawlessly perfect and mixed with his athleticism was a recipe for an all-time great BJJ athlete.

All of Roger’s past opponents will attest that competing against him was one of the most difficult tasks in their careers. They knew what he was going to do, but they couldn’t do anything to stop him. He was just that good.

The Legacy of Roger Gracie

No athlete in the history of Jiu Jitsu has been as dominant as Roger Gracie was during his prime. Roger didn’t just win, but submitted the majority of his opponents. Giving him the highest submission rate of any grappler in the history of the sport.

He is no doubt one of the greatest BJJ athletes to ever live and a credit to the martial art. Proving the power of fundamental BJJ every time he stepped on the mat or in a cage.

Rafael Mendes is one of the greatest BJJ athletes that has ever competed. He along with his brother Guilherme dominated the sport for nearly a decade.

Here is the complete story of Rafael Mendes. Detailing how he became one of the world’s best grapplers and later opened the world class AoJ academy.

Rafael Mendes’ Start in Jiu Jitsu

Rafael Mendes grew up in Rio Clara within the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. He and his brother Guilherme first started learning Jiu Jitsu after an invitation from their cousin Thiago Mendes.

Thiago was a purple belt and would show his cousins techniques that he learned in class and realized they were talented. This would lead Thiago to take the Mendes brothers to his academy that was run by Leonardo Santos and Ramon Lemos.

Gui and Rafa were only thirteen at the time, but picked up the techniques very quickly. Developing the skills of practitioners twice their age within their first year of training.

Ramon Lemos would take the Mendes brothers under his wing. Not only teaching them everything he knew about BJJ, but also became a father figure.

Rafael Mendes’ Early Competition Experienced

From the time that Rafael Mendes began to formally train, he found success in Jiu Jitsu competition. Winning just about every competition that he and his brother entered.

By the time Rafa became a blue belt, he would travel to the US to compete at worlds. There, he would win his very first world title and when he turned seventeen, Lemos promoted him to purple belt.

By this time, Rafa had been training and competing for four years. Training exclusively in the Gi.

That was until Lemos entered Rafael into the ADCC Brazilian trials as a purple belt. Even though he had never trained No-Gi, Mendes would do very well.

Making it all the way to the finals before losing a close match. This experience made him realize that he needed to train in both Gi and No-Gi.

He would continue to train and add two more world titles to his resume at purple belt and brown belt.

Rafael Mendes’ Early Career as a Black Belt

Before Rafa turned twenty and won multiple world titles, he and his brother would be promoted to black belt. At the time, he was one of the hottest prospects in Jiu Jitsu and people expected big things from him.

Mendes would meet just about everyone’s expectations having a stellar year as a rookie black belt competitor. His first big test would be at the 2009 World Pro event.

There, Rafa would be some of the top athletes like Rubens “Cobrinha” Charls, Renato Tavares, and Robson Moura.

Two years after his first attempt to qualify for ADCC, Mendes would win passage to the 2009 ADCC tournament. At just twenty, he was one of the youngest competitors to ever compete at the event.

Rafael would show that his No-Gi game had become just as effective as his Gi game. Beating three of his four opponents by submission and by points in the finals to win his first ADCC title.

He almost won the IBJJF Worlds that year, but Cobrinha would avenge his ADCC loss to Mendes in the finals.

Rafael Mendes and the Creation of Atos Jiu Jitsu

During his year as a black belt, Mendes’ coach and mentor Ramon Lemos became close with Andre Galvao. The two began to discuss a possible business relationship to start a new Jiu Jitsu team.

Their collaboration would result in the creation of Atos Jiu Jitsu, which would become one of the biggest affiliations in BJJ. Rafa and his brother Gui being Lemos’ students would also become part of the Atos team.

They along with Galvao himself would be the most talented athletes of the new affiliation. Helping establish Atos and later making it one of the best Jiu Jitsu affiliations in the world.

Rafael Mendes Wins His First World Title at Black Belt

Aside from becoming part of a new Jiu Jitsu affiliation, not much else changed for the Mendes brothers. Gui and Rafa continued to dominate the BJJ world for years to come.

In 2010, Rafael would be on a mission to win his first world title at black belt. He would make his bid that year to become a triple crown champion.

First winning the European title and Brasileiro before competing at Worlds. This year, Rafa would not be denied.

He would go on to win his first world title at black belt at 70 kg.

Rafael Mendes Wins More World Title

Mendes would continue to add to his legacy for the next six years. In 2011, Rafael Mendes would be arguably the best grappler in all of Jiu Jitsu.

That year, Rafa would win another world title in dominant fashion. He would then follow up that win by winning his second ADCC title. Becoming one of the few grapplers to ever repeat as champion.

2012 would be another successful year for Rafael as he won his third world title along with a Pan title.

Then in 2013, he barely missed becoming an ADCC triple crown champion. Losing to his rival Cobrinha Charles in the finals. He would also suffer a rare loss at that year’s World Championship tournament.

This loss motivated Rafael Mendes as he came back in 2014 and submitted every single one of his opponents. He would nearly accomplish this feat again in 2015, winning his fifth world title.

Then in 2016, Rafael would end a stellar career by capturing his sixth and final world title.

Rafael Mendes Establishes the AoJ Team

During the prime of Rafa’s career and the early days of Atos, he and Guilherme were already making future plans. The brothers wanted to open their own academy and build their own team.

In 2012, Gui and Rafa were approached with a business proposal from RVCA founder and black belt, PM Tenore. The three had a similar vision for what they wanted in a BJJ academy.

Wanting to create a positive and unique atmosphere where they could grow the world’s best Jiu Jitsu team. After laying the groundwork and looking for a location, the three settled on a spot in Costa Mesa, California.

They would call their new academy the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy of AoJ for short. This academy isn’t like your normal Jiu Jitsu academy.

Tenore being a clothes designer added more flare to the academy by blending with an arthouse style. The entire academy is white from the walls, floors, and mats.

Students are also only allowed to wear white Gis while training at the academy. At an early age, Rafael and Guilherme had already accomplished everything in the Jiu Jitsu world.

The Atos Affiliation and Split

Even though the Mendes brothers established AoJ in 2012, they were still affiliated with Atos. This affiliation would continue for years to come.

Although, the affiliation was rather a loose one where the Mendes brothers focused on their academy. The affiliation would last until 2020 when the Mendes brothers announced they were going out on their own.

Most of the BJJ world already assumed that the two were no longer working together, but the announcement proved suspicions. Both sides were respectful during the split with neither side saying anything bad publicly about the other.

Now, AoJ has gone from an academy to a full-fledged Jiu Jitsu affiliation since the split.

Rafael Mendes the Coach

After Rafael and Guilherme retired from competition, their sole focus has been on teaching Jiu Jitsu. They have spent years developing one of the youngest and technically gifted teams in the world.

AoJ has numerous young and talented members on their team that are destined to become future world champions. Just like their coaches, Rafael and Guilherme.

Some of the most notable members of the AoJ team are Taian Dalpra, Jonathan Alves, and Cole Abate. 

Rafael Mendes’ Jiu Jitsu Game

Rafael Mendes is one of the most innovative and influential BJJ practitioners of the last decade. He and his brother Guilherme are responsible for bringing in a new era of Jiu Jitsu.

They are responsible for innovating numerous techniques like the berimbolo and leg drag passes. Also being two of the grapplers responsible for innovating the 50/50 position.

A position that had gone unused and written off in Jiu Jitsu for decades before. Now thanks to Rafael and his brother, the 50/50 position has become a position with numerous attack options.

You can find the Mendes brothers demonstrating these techniques with numerous videos on Youtube. They have also released countless instructional videos that you can easily find.

The Legacy of Rafael Mendes

It is an unarguable fact that Rafael Mendes is one of the greatest Jiu Jitsu practitioners that has ever lived. He and Guilherme have won a combined 10 world titles and 2 ADCC titles.

Now, they have gone from world class BJJ athletes to world class coaches. Rafael and his brother have accomplished all of this while still only being in their early thirties. Both the Mendes brothers are truly all-time greats.