Jiu Jitsu arrived in Brazil with the Japanese immigrants who moved to Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century. The Brazilian connection happened when some of the immigrants were helped by Carlos and Helio Gracie's father to acclimatize themselves to life in Brazil. In repayment for this kindness Carlos Gracie was taught Jiu Jjitsu by one of these new arrivals a Jiu Jitsu master. Carlos in turn taught his brother Helio. Together they created the roots of what eventually became known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

One way that the Gracie's were able to get better and improve their technique was to accept any and all challenges. This was the beginning of what we know now as Vale Tudo or "Anything Goes" fighting. The Gracies would accept these challenges and use them to improve.

One of the most famous of these battles was Helio Gracie's fight against the Japanese Jiu Jitsu Champion Kimura. Even though he did not win this match, his indominable spirit and courageous refusal to quit even while being out weighed has affected Jiu Jitsu play to this day.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu became Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when the Gracie family felt it could no longer control the quality of the output and when a significant number of the top players no longer carried the Gracie name.

Classes are available 5 days per week at the academy. Seminars and private training is also available by appointment.

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