Carlos Gracie Jr.

Career

Gracie is the founder of the (CBJJ), also known as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), a for-profit company that organizes BJJ and submission grappling tournaments, including the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and European Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

In 1986, Gracie founded the first Gracie Barra academy in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. Under his leadership, Gracie Barra expanded to more than 700 academies worldwide, making it one of the largest and most influential Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations.

Beyond coaching, he launched Gracie Magazine, a publication dedicated to promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu globally. He also founded GB Wear in 2002, a brand specializing in high-quality uniforms and training gear for Gracie Barra students.

Teaching philosophy

Gracie's teaching philosophy is influenced by three key figures: his father, Carlos Gracie; his uncle, Hélio Gracie; and his older brother, Rolls Gracie. From his father, he learned the importance of Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for self-improvement and health. Hélio Gracie taught him discipline and focus, while Rolls Gracie instilled in him a curiosity to integrate techniques from other grappling styles.

Gracie emphasizes an open-minded approach, the development of leadership skills within the Jiu-Jitsu community, and the role of competition in improving individual and team performance. He believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle and a tool for personal growth.

Personal life

Carlinhos is one of twenty-one children fathered by Carlos Gracie Sr. He has three children: daughter Caroline, and sons Kayron and Kyan. His son Kayron is a black belt under his father and teaches at Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita.

Gracie follows the Gracie Diet, a nutritional program developed by his father, and maintains an active lifestyle through daily training and outdoor activities, such as swimming and hiking in locations like Pedra da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro and the beaches of Laguna Niguel, California.

Legacy

Carlos Gracie Jr.’s contributions have played a significant role in the global expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His leadership in organizing competitions, expanding Gracie Barra academies, and promoting a structured approach to training has left a lasting impact on the sport. His efforts ensure that his father’s vision of Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle and self-improvement tool continues for future generations.

Instructor lineage

Kanō Jigorō → Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie Sr. → Carlos Gracie Jr.

Notes

References

References

1. (2010-03-19). "Carlos Gracie Junior, Carlinhos Gracie".
2. (2022-07-06). "A Brief History of IBJJF and What It Helped To Establish For Jiu-Jitsu".
3. "Founder of Gracie Barra".
4. "The Legacy of Carlos Gracie Jr.".
5. "The Three Great Influences on Carlos Gracie Jr.".
6. "Gracie Family Tree".
7. "Charles Gracie Family Tree".
8. "Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita".
9. "The Gracie Diet".
10. "Legacy of Carlos Gracie Jr.".