10 years ago today marks the passing of one of the greatest figures in jiu-jitsu. Carlson Gracie was a pioneer of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA) and an influential teacher and coach to some of the sport's greatest exponents. 

Born in Rio de Janeiro on August 13, 1944, Carlson Gracie was the eldest son of Gracie jiu-jitsu founder Carlos Gracie. He began his career as a professional fighter in the 1950s, representing the Gracie Academy in bare-knuckle no holds barred bouts dubbed 'vale tudo' or 'anything goes'. His in-rang career stretched from the 1950s to the 1970s. 

Founding his own team in the 1960s after departing the Gracie Academy, Carlson Gracie began teaching people of all backgrounds, in stark contrast to the upper and middle class clientele his father and uncle Helio Gracie had courted. 



With his gym in Copacabana, Carlson formed many generations of jiu-jitsu fighters including multiple world champions and successful MMA fighters. Many would go on to forge successful careers as teachers in their own right. 

Carlson Gracie worked closely with his brother Rolls Gracie, who passed away in 1982 at only 31 years of age. Together they are credited with heralding in the ‘modern age’ of jiu-jitsu. They spearheaded a development of the art that began in the 1970s and 80s, introducing many new positions and strategies for competition. 

With a deep love of all forms of competition, Carlson was known as a fighters’ coach. His work with professional fighters even took him to the UFC, where he cornered Stephan Bonnar during the first The Ultimate Fighter finale in 2005. 

Carlson Gracie passed away on February 1, 2006. He was survived by his beloved wife Marley and his three adult children, including Carlson Gracie Junior, a jiu-jitsu black belt based in Chicago. 

Famous BJJ Practitioners Trained By Carlson Gracie: 
Mario Sperry 
Ricardo Liborio 
Amauri Bitteti 
Ricardo de la Riva 
Wallid Ismail 
Andre Pederneiras 
Vitor Belfort 

[album albumId="450075"]