First in line, Mitsuyo Maeda, the Japanese with unparalleled skill, brought the gentle art to Brazil. Next, Carlos Gracie Sr., Maeda’s first student and the first Gracie to ever learn Jiu-Jitsu. Third, Hélio Gracie, Carlos’ brother and the best Gracie fighter of his time. Fourth, Rolls Gracie, is a true jiu-jitsu innovator and champion of Brazilian jiu jitsu philosophy. And finally, Carlos Gracie, Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra and the visionary of the JIU-JITSU FOR EVERYONE® project. It's our tradition of recollecting the lives of great Masters and practitioners, both as a mark of gratitude and appreciation and as a source of inspiration from which we may still learn.
Don't miss this opportunity to explore the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra. We welcome you to join us for a complimentary trial class to experience the magic of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu firsthand. Regardless of your age, fitness level, or previous experience, we are confident you'll find your place in our close-knit community.
Wrote several articles about Jiujitsu
Published several instructional videos
Referee in several international tournaments
Teaching seminars all around the world
Cover of several Martial Arts magazines
Certified self-defense instructor for Law Enforcement
Law degree
Master in Law
PhD in Political Science
USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Member of Gracie Barra Legacy Hall
IBJJF World champion 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006
IBJJF World Master champion 2020
IBJJF World No Gi champion 2021, 2023
IBJJF Pan Ams champion 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2021, 2023
CBJJ Brazilian National champion 1998, 2002
CBJJ Brazilian Teams champion 2001, 2002
FJJRIO Rio de Janeiro State champion 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
UFC veteran
UAEJJF Legends heavy weight champion
ADCC Brazil champion 2006
athlete/celebrity renowned for his versatility
and captivating performances at IBJJF. With
a strong background in BJJ, Tae Kwan Do,
and Hapkido, James has built a
distinguished reputation and a following
across various demographics for combat
sports.
His charismatic personality, professionalism,
and commitment to excellence make him an
ideal collaborator for projects seeking to
make a lasting impact.
• #1 Ranked Master 7 Black Belt In the World 2020-2021
• 3X IFBJJ Master 7 Black Belt Worlds Masters Ultra
heavyweight gold champion GI.
• 3X IFBJJ Master 7 Black Belt Open Class Worlds Master gold
champion GI.
• 3X IFBJJ Master 7 Black Belt PAN Ultra heavyweight gold
champion GI.
• 3X IFBJJ Master 7 Black Belt PAN Open class gold champion
GI
• 2X European IFBJJ Master 7 Black Belt Ultra heavyweight
Champion GI
• 2X European IFBJJ Master 7 Black Belt Open weight
Champion Gi
4th Degree Black Belt Tae Kwan-Do Full Contact
• Three-Time National Champion
2nd Degree Black Belt Hapkido
Combat hand-to-hand training instructor in UAE for 6 years
• UAE Military (Consultant)
I would like to start off by saying how grateful for this academy I am.
World class instructors who believe in excellence and bring a great authentic feel to BJJ
My children and I greatly benefit from the instruction of the professors and coaches here.
Great place for kids and adults of all ages seeking to gain mental strength and a physical education in applied Juijitsu
Gracie Barra is a good place to learn the fundamental techniques of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and train. Everyone here is friendly and quick to help regardless of athletic ability or age. They live up to their slogan of “Jiu-jitsu for everyone”, you can tell it is built into their culture. Try a free class and see for yourself.
I can’t recommend Gracie Barra enough! The staff is stellar. Not only do they teach self defense techniques and jiu jitsu, but they also teach skills that are integral in character development. They are consistent in their student expectations as well as their instruction methods.
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