Message to Instructors

With regard to the large number of new Jiu-Jitsu academies and instructional videos that are appearing everywhere, I consider myself very flattered by the great acceptance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States. However, as the person who caused the major impact in the Jiu-Jitsu that is now practiced all over Brazil and increasingly throughout the world, I want to make clear to the practitioners worldwide that the only method of Jiu-Jitsu teaching that I endorse is the one practiced by my sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, and Royce.

Outside of my sons, the only certified instructors that I endorse are those who have earned their instructor certification from me or my son Rorion at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy® in Torrance, CA. Rorion or I are available to examine anyone's ability as an instructor of Jiu-Jitsu as well as clarify our standards.

The purpose of this declaration is to make sure my work and the effort of my sons does not provide an opportunity for unqualified people to fool the public by misrepresenting their ability as instructors. We do not want anyone to mislead the good faith of those who are interested in studying under the teaching methods of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Students can practice Jiu-Jitsu whenever they want, wherever they want, with whomever they want. That is none of my business. But I feel professionally and ethically obligated to ensure that those students who want to train under my teaching methods know that I only endorse my sons and that my eldest son Rorion has my blessing to select and prepare the instructors that will carry on the tradition and principles that I have spent my entire life upholding.

If you wish to compare our teaching methods with any other methods, please be my guest for any introductory class at the Gracie Academy. You will then have a good point of reference to make your own comparison and I am confident that you will appreciate our higher standards.

My fondest regards to our students and friends throughout the world,

Helio Gracie

Click here to learn about the Gracie Academy Instructor Certification Program

 
Helio Gracie, mastermind behind what is today known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, wears a Blue Belt in Brazil. He does this out of protest against the proliferation of Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu "experts" and self-proclaimed "Gracie" stylists who are polluting the once clear spring of knowledge that he perfected.