About Us

SOME HISTORY

The Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early 1900’s by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda (known in Brazil as Conde Koma — the “Count of Combat”).

Carlos Gracie was interested in street self-defense and quickly modified the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of real, “no rules” fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos Gracie tested and refined his system through numerous matches, open to all challengers, and constantly worked to make it more effective. He advertised in newspapers and on street corners to attract new opponents upon whom to practice and further refine his art. He fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. He was a mere 135 pounds, but his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil.

The legacy of the open challenge is a part of the Gracie tradition. Carlos Gracie taught his style of Jiu-Jitsu to his four younger brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge and Helio) and to his older sons (including Carlson and Carley), and they in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews and cousins. After Carlos retired from the ring, he managed the fight careers of his brothers and sons, who challenged fighters of all styles throughout the world. This tradition has been adopted by his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students, who continue to showcase the superiority of the Gracie style in self defense situations and professional fights.

Carlos Gracie had 21 children and his youngest brother Helio had 7 sons, creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie fighters and instructors who have become ubiquitous in the world of Jiu-Jitsu competitions and “Mixed Martial Arts” events today. Gracie representatives continue to demonstrate Jiu-Jitsu’s effectiveness, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

OUR INSTRUCTORS



CLARK GRACIE, HEAD INSTRUCTOR


Clark Gracie is a member of the family synonymous with the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He is a Black Belt under Master Carley Gracie. Clark was raised in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and trained under his father, Carley Gracie (8th degree Red-and-Black Belt and undefeated National Champion from 1969-1972). Clark is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, creator of the art known today as either “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu” or “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

From childhood, Clark was exposed to his many relatives -his father, uncles, and cousins- who were masters in the art of Jiu-Jitsu and from whom he received much inspiration, encouragement, and Jiu-Jitsu training, which gave Clark the desire to be the Champion he is today. Clark Gracie has found a new home in San Diego, where he is a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and competitor.

Clark’s recent competition record includes:

  • 2005

    1st Place American Nationals 2005
    1st Place American Nationals 2005
    1st Place Champion in the San Diego Open in 2005
    1st Place South Bay Jiu-Jitsu Tournament 2005

  • 2006

    1st Place California Classic International 2006
    1st Place Arizona State Grappling Challenge 2006
    1st Place American Nationals 2006
    Pan American Medalist in April 2006

  • 2007

    2nd Place No-Gi Worlds 2007
    2nd Place American Nationals 2007
    1st Place Fabio Santos Open 2007
  • 2009

    1st Place World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2009
    1st Place US National No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2009
    1st Place Grapplers Quest 2009

  • 2010

    1st Place American Nationals 2010
    2nd Place Pan American Championship 2010
    1st Place World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup – Abu Dhabi Trials 2010

  • 2011…

    3rd Place World Championship Jiu-Jitsu 2011
    1st Place Samurai Jiu-Jitsu Pro 2011
    3rd Place Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2011
    3rd Place Abu Dhabi Trials 2011
  • 2011 cont…

    2nd Place Chicago Open 2011




MIKE POWERS


Mike Powers grew up in San Diego, surfing and enjoying the beach. After graduating from La Jolla High School, Mike became a local pro-surfer for Rusty, DC shoes and other sponsors.

He started training in Jiu-Jitsu because the Brazilians were very aggressive in the water when surfing, so he wanted to know how to defend himself in case he was to ever get into a fight with one of them. After he tried a few classes, he realized that the Brazilians were like family to him and Jiu-Jitsu became one of his passions. He also realized that Jiu-Jitsu was not a way to learn how to fight people, as much as it was a way to live a disciplined life style of respecting others.
“The way I see Jiu-Jitsu is like surfing, except you’re doing maneuvers and tricks on a people instead of a wave. Instead of a cut back, I do an arm bar, instead of a tube ride, I do a choke”, says Mike. “The philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu and surfing are essentially the same. You’re constantly in an unpredictable situation where you need to react with the perfect amount of timing, speed and balance in order to submit your opponent.”

Mike is a three-time National and Pan American champion and holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is proud to have received all his belts from world champion, Rodrigo Medeiros. Mike is grateful to God for his health, friends, family and Jesus.

Mike’s competition record includes:

  • 2000

    2nd Place – California State Championship 2000

  • 2001

    1st Place – Grappling Games 2001

  • 2002

    1st Place – Joe Moriera International Championship 2002
    2nd Place – U.S. Nationals 2002
  • 2003

    1st Place – Pan American Championship 2003
    1st Place – Ouano International 2003
    2st Place – Copa Pacifica Jiu-Jitsu 2003

  • 2004

    1st Place – Copa Pacifica Jiu-Jitsu 2004
    1st Place – So. Cal Summer Open #3 2004

  • 2005

    1st Place – U.S. Nationals 2005
    2nd Place – Pan American Championship 2005

  • 2009

    1st Place – U.S. Nationals 2009




FRANCIS KELLER


Born in New York in the 70’s and moved to France at a very young age. Francis grew up between both continents.
He has studied Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense for several years. Through out his travels, Francis has had the opportunity to study other martial arts as well, such as Combat Sambo, Thai/English Boxing and Weapons defense.

Francis loves and whole-heartedly believes in the martial arts lifestyle because it makes one feel strong, confident, assertive and aware. These traits are essential in our every day life.

Francis is a Brown Belt BJJ practitioner who holds the following titles:

  • 2005

    3rd place San Diego open 2005-Absolute
    1st place San Diego open 2005
    2nd place U.S. Nationals 2005

  • 2006

    1st place American International open 2006
    2nd place U.S. Nationals 2006
    2nd place San Diego open 2006

  • 2007

    3rd place U.S. Nationals 2007-Absolute
    1st place U.S. Nationals 2007
    1st place World No Gi 2007
  • 2008

    3rd place U.S. Nationals 2008-Absolute
    2nd place World No Gi 2008-Absolute
    1st place World No Gi 2008
    2nd place Pan American open 2008

  • 2009

    3rd World No Gi 2009
    2nd Del Mar Grappler’s Quest 2009
    1st Del Mar Grappler’s Quest 2009




José Lopez


José is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He moved to San Diego in 1997 with his wife and his newborn son Justin. Growing up, his two sons had seen the UFC shows on television and, when they were ages 4 and 6, they wanted to try it out. So, José enrolled them in a BJJ academy. After a few months of observing the practive of this great art, his kid’s instructor coaxed him to try it out and the rest is history.

He has been training for 8 years with BJJ Revolution team under Master Rodrigo Medeiros in San Diego and has been teaching for 5 years for Clark Gracie, his friend and teammate.

“Since being introduced to this wonderful Martial Art my view on life has changed for the better”, says José. “I have become a better father, husband and person. My body, mind and soul are as one. I think Jiu-Jitsu teaches character, respect, self-confidence and most of all sportsman ship.”

José is a Brown Belt BJJ practitioner holding the following titles:

  • 2003

    2003 1st place Inland Empire Lt. Hvy Adult Champion
  • 2004

    2004 1st place Copa Pacifica Lt. Hvy Adult Champion-Purple
    2004 1st place West Coast BJJ Champion Lt. Hvy Adult-Purple

  • 2005

    2005 1st Place United Gracie Open Champion-Purple
    2005 1st Place United Gracie Lt. Hvy Masters Champion-Purple
    2005 1st Place Copa Pacifica Lt. Hvy Adult Champion-Purple
    2005 1st place National Lt. Hvy Adult Champion-Purple
  • 2006

    2006 1st Place United Gracie Hvy Masters Champion-Purple
    2006 1st Place Copa Pacifica Open Masters Champion-Purple
    2006 1st Place Copa Pacifica Lt. Hvy Masters Champion-Purple

  • 2007

    2007 1st Place So Cal BJJ Hvy Masters Champion-Purple


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