# Zé Radiola

> Black Belt 5 Stripes

## Overview

**Name:** Zé Radiola

**Belt Rank:** Black Belt 5 Stripes


## Bio

A former professional surfer ranked among Brazil’s top 16 and a Mestre in Capoeira, Zé Radiola discovered Jiu-Jitsu in São Paulo and returned to Pernambuco as a blue belt in 1996, opening his own academy on family land when no local gyms existed. Initially leaning on Charles dos Anjos as senior instructor, he later connected with Carlos Gracie Junior at a competition, leading to regular trips to Rio and the branding of Gracie Barra Pernambuco. When dos Anjos moved to the United States, Radiola took over as a purple belt, building a fiercely loyal team known for his relentless sponsorship hustle and student development. After internal disputes with Gracie Barra management in 2016, he broke away to found ZR Team.
## Gym Affiliations

- **ZR Team Brazil HQ** (Brejo da Madre De Deus, Brazil) — Instructor
## Lineage

- Carlos Gracie (Red Belt)
- Hélio Gracie (Red Belt)
- Carlos Gracie Junior (Coral Belt)

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**Last Updated:** September 08, 2026

**Data Source:** bjj.space (https://bjj.space/people/ze-radiola)