A list of important figures and their respective biographies from the first decade of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gracie Jiu Jitsu), the 1920’s.
One of the first Brazilian men to learn Jiu Jitsu in Brazil, Luiz França became one of Mitsuyo Maeda’s top students, and much like the Gracies, he continued the work of his Japanese instructor in the state of Rio de Janeiro where he started his own, non Gracie, BJJ lineage. This lineage can be seen in some of the biggest teams in the world today.
Gastão Gracie Filho was a red belt in BJJ and the brother of Carlos, Oswaldo, George and Helio Gracie, all of which form the founding members of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu style. He moved to Sao Paulo where he helped further develop the sport there in the 1930’s.
Oswaldo Gracie was one of the founding members of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, whom together with brothers Carlos, Gastao, George and Helio, transformed the landscape of martial arts forever in Brazil. Oswaldo is often seen as the better fighter of the original 5 brothers, he went on to promote Gracie Jiu Jitsu in the state of Minas Gerais.
George Gracie was the most important Gracie fighter in the 1930’s. The true family champion he held the Gracie Jiu Jitsu flag high for many years, competing throughout 3 decades.
Carlos Gracie was the founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the ruling figure of the Gracie family as well as a successful entrepreneur. He reached the “Decimo Grau” 10th Dan in Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (AKA BJJ/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) a degree only given to the founders of the gentle art.