Browse BJJ Gyms

Carlson Gracie Ipanema

Mauro Ayres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (MABJJ) is an official licensed school of the Carlson Gracie Team, representing the legendary lineage under the command of Mestre Carlson Gracie Jr. Located in the heart of Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, this academy embodies the philosophy of "Equilíbrio através do Esporte" (Balance Through Sport), focusing not only on technical excellence but also on developing well-rounded individuals through martial arts training. The academy is led by Mauro "Maurinho" Ayres, a highly accomplished 5th degree black belt with 29 years of jiu-jitsu experience and 20 years as a black belt. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Mauro began his jiu-jitsu journey in 1995 and became a black belt in 2004 (officially recognized by CBJJ/IBJJF in 2006). His competitive record is exceptional, with numerous IBJJF World Master Championships including gold medals in 2023, multiple Pan-American titles, and European championships. Most recently, he won the 2025 World Master silver medal and earned the #2 ranking worldwide in the Master 4 All Weights division. His teaching philosophy emphasizes simplifying the learning of the gentle art and making jiu-jitsu accessible to all ages, fitness levels, and experience. The instructing team includes Alex "Lekinho" Gonzaga (4th degree black belt, 25 years experience, 2014 CBJJO World Champion) and Antônio "Toninho" Martins (1st degree black belt, 2017 IBJJF International Masters bronze medalist, 2024 FJJRIO Ranking Champion). Together, they provide expert instruction for all programs from kids to masters, competition training to self-defense. The academy maintains high standards with a welcoming environment, pristine white mats, professional equipment from partner Atama Kimonos, shower facilities, and a strict white gi policy to maintain the team's identity while respecting visiting students' affiliations.

Carlson Gracie Joseph Costa Jiu-jitsu

Carlson Gracie Joseph Costa Jiu-jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Pacatuba, Ceará, Brazil. As part of the prestigious Carlson Gracie lineage, the academy carries forward the legacy of one of BJJ's most influential figures, known for producing world-class competitors and champions. The gym operates as a coworking space for physical activities ("Coworking de atividades físicas"), offering a collaborative training environment where practitioners can develop their skills in various martial arts disciplines. The academy's approach emphasizes both technical development and the competitive spirit that the Carlson Gracie team is renowned for worldwide. Head Coach Joseph Costa (IBJJF registration 221374, @josephcostaaaa) leads the instruction at the academy. Under his guidance, students receive training in the Carlson Gracie system, which is known for its emphasis on practical, effective techniques and a strong competitive mindset. The academy welcomes practitioners of all levels to come and develop their martial arts skills in a supportive and challenging environment.

Carlson Gracie Lewisville

Carlson Gracie DFW is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Lewisville, Texas, offering comprehensive martial arts training for all ages and skill levels. As part of the legendary Carlson Gracie lineage, the academy provides authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction rooted in a rich tradition spanning over 30 years of teaching excellence. With 4,256 square feet of mat space, the facility provides an optimal training environment for students to develop their skills in BJJ, No-Gi grappling, and Muay Thai. The academy's training philosophy emphasizes consistent progression from white belt to black belt through a structured curriculum designed to keep students motivated and engaged. Programs include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals for beginners, Advanced Jiu-Jitsu, and Expert Jiu-Jitsu programs that expose students to various training dynamics including MMA, No-Gi, and high-level Gi training. Classes cater to children (ages 3-6 and 7-12), youth, adults, and women, ensuring specialized attention for each participant. Head Professor Andre Gomes, a third-degree black belt, leads the instruction at Carlson Gracie Lewisville. His lineage traces through Carlos Gracie Sr > Helio Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Otavio "Peixotinho" > Alvaro Gonçalves "Ganso" > Andre Gomes. Professor Gomes has achieved numerous competition accolades including 3rd place at the World Master IBJJF Championship 2021, 2nd place at the World IBJJF No-Gi Championship 2021, and multiple IBJJF tournament victories. The coaching team also includes Professor Lucas Garcia (black belt), Professor Gary Deutschendorf (black belt and co-owner), Camila Souza (blue belt, program director and co-owner), and Coach Wagner Prado "Caldeirao" (Muay Thai coach and former UFC fighter).

Carlson Gracie Napa Valley / Marinho Jiu-Jitsu

Carlson Gracie Napa Valley, led by Professor Marinho Vauvenargues Vicentini, is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Napa, California. Located at 901 Trancas Street, the academy offers top-notch training for children, youth, and adults of all ages and skill levels. Professor Marinho is a 6th-degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt who earned his rank directly from Master Carlson Gracie in April 1999, a rare honor reserved for only a select few athletes. From 1993 to 2000, he taught at the renowned Carlson Gracie Club in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, and served as Head of Defense Tactics and Jiu-Jitsu at the Federal Police Academy in Rio de Janeiro from 1999 to 2015. With over 30 years of expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, Judo, and MMA, Professor Marinho has coached numerous MMA and BJJ champions around the globe. The academy provides a clean and welcoming environment with high-quality Fuji mats and ample parking space. Programs are available for children as young as 4 years old through adult classes, all emphasizing authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense techniques, and core values of discipline and respect. The academy is committed to fostering a positive learning environment that emphasizes self-empowerment, family values, and a genuine homage to authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Carlson Gracie New Zealand

Carlson Gracie New Zealand Queenstown is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy specializing in self-defense martial arts and combat sports based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. Part of the renowned Carlson Gracie lineage, the academy offers top-notch BJJ classes for both beginners and experienced practitioners in a supportive environment. The academy provides comprehensive training programs including Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, women-only classes, fundamentals courses, and specialized kids programs for ages 5 and up. Their expert instructors focus on building strength, improving technique, and boosting confidence through high-quality training in world-class grappling. Led by head instructor Jose Gomes, the academy maintains the Carlson Gracie tradition of technical excellence and competitive spirit. The facility offers classes seven days a week, with programs tailored for different age groups and skill levels, from beginner fundamentals to advanced competition training.

Carlson Gracie North Shore

Staley Martial Arts is a proud member of the Carlson Gracie Team, one of the most respected names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As an official Carlson Gracie Team school, Staley is directly sponsored by Carlson Gracie Jr., grandson of the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The academy benefits from periodic seminars taught by Carlson Gracie Jr. himself at no additional cost to students, providing direct access to world-class instruction and the prestigious Carlson Gracie lineage. Located in Wilmette on Chicago's North Shore, Staley Martial Arts offers comprehensive training programs for both youth and adults. The academy specializes in Carlson Gracie Team Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a curriculum rooted in the renowned Gracie family tradition, emphasizing effective techniques for real-world application. In addition to BJJ, the academy offers Muay Thai training, known as the "Art of Eight Limbs," which blends striking techniques with clinching and grappling. All BJJ instructors are high-level Carlson Gracie Team athletes with extensive teaching experience. The academy's training philosophy blends physical fitness with mental fortitude and practical self-defense skills, fostering confidence, discipline, and personal growth. Staley provides a supportive environment where practitioners of all levels can thrive, from beginners building their foundation to advanced students honing competition skills. Programs include youth leadership development (ages 4-13), adult fundamentals classes, unlimited martial arts access, women's self-defense seminars, and birthday party options.