Carlos Gracie Sr. QUOTES

Carlos Gracie Sr. Carlos Gracie Sr. (September 14, 1902 – October 7, 1994) was a Brazilian martial artist and a foundational figure in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Alongside his younger brother, Hélio Gracie, Carlos transformed traditional Japanese jujutsu into a distinct martial art that emphasizes leverage, technique, and ground fighting, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes.​

Born in Belém do Pará, Brazil, Carlos was introduced to jujutsu in his teens by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and prizefighter. Maeda, also known as "Count Koma," was a student of Judo founder Jigoro Kano and had traveled globally to demonstrate and teach his art. Carlos's father, Gastão Gracie, facilitated Maeda's settlement in Brazil, leading to Carlos's tutelage under him. This training laid the groundwork for what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In 1925, Carlos established the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro. He adapted Maeda's teachings, focusing on techniques that allowed smaller individuals to defend against larger opponents. Carlos also initiated the "Gracie Challenge," inviting fighters of various disciplines to test their skills against Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, thereby demonstrating its effectiveness and gaining public attention.