GB Explanation

The first Gracie Barra school was first founded in the upper-class Barra da Tijuca (Brazilian neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro).

Master Carlos, who was born in 1956, grew up heavily influenced by his family, especially his father Carlos Gracie Sr. and his brother Rolls Gracie. Master Carlos was working as Rolls' assistant instructor when Rolls died in a hang-gliding accident in 1982; Carlos was asked to assume the head instructor role. Gracie Barra have graduated more than 700 black belts all over the world.

In a few years Carlos Gracie Jr. was able to turn Gracie Barra into one of the most dominant teams in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu winning many consecutive world titles. Despite the outstanding results in tournaments, Carlos Gracie Jr. worked hard to create a positive learning environment where all kinds of people could learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At the school, people can see world champions training with lawyers, doctors, businessmen, etc. on a mutual supportive environment dedicated to development of the individual and strengthening of the team spirit.