Mitsuyo Maeda
Maeda was fundamental to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including through his teaching of Carlos Gracie and others of the Gracie family. He was also a promoter of Japanese emigration to Brazil. Maeda won more than 2,000 professional fights in his career. His accomplishments led to him being called the "toughest man who ever lived" and being referred to as the father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“Slow is Smooth
Smooth is Fast”
- Mitsuyo Maeda
Carlos Gracie
Gracie helped develop Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based on knowledge from Mitsuyo Maeda, and is widely considered to be the martial-arts patriarch of the Gracie family. He acquired his knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu by studying in Belem under Maeda and his students. As he taught the techniques to his brothers, he created a martial arts family with Hélio and with other members of the Gracie family who provided key contributions to the style.
“There is no Loosing in Jiu-Jitsu.
You Either Win or You Learn”
- Carlos Gracie
Carlos Gracie Jr.
The son of Carlos Gracie, and first cousin to the Machado family brothers. Gracie is the founder of the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ), also known as International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), which runs multiple jiu-jitsu tournaments around the world, including the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan American Championship and European Championship. He is also a co-founder of the well-known Gracie Barra team.
“I’ve Always Been a Fan of The Basics.
After You Have a Solid Foundation of Jiu-Jitsu,
The Rest Comes by Instinct”
- Calos Gracie Jr.
