The Founder – Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
A Legacy of Discipline, Vision, and Service
Born on January 17, 1956, Carlos Gracie Jr. grew up surrounded by some of the most influential figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: his father Carlos Gracie Sr., and uncles Helio and Rolls Gracie. Known to those closest to him as Carlinhos, he spent his early years at the iconic Teresópolis House in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro — a communal training home where family members lived, trained, and shared knowledge.
That experience would define his life’s path. The discipline, humility, and deep sense of community he learned there became the foundation for everything he would later build.
From One School to a Global Movement
In 1986, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. founded the first Gracie Barra school in Barra da Tijuca, Brazil. From that modest location, he created the most extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world — with regional offices in North America, South America, Europe, Oceania, and over 800+ schools worldwide.
His goal remains simple but bold:
“A Gracie Barra School in every city in the world.”
To support that vision, he built a structure that preserves the quality, values, and philosophy of Gracie Barra across all schools — including instructor certification, curriculum standards, and leadership training. Today, Gracie Barra is more than a martial arts school — it’s a global network of disciplined, values-based communities.
Creating Opportunity Through Uniformity: The Birth of GB Wear
In 2002, Master Carlos saw the need for consistency not just in training — but in presentation. He launched GB Wear, Gracie Barra’s official gear division, to help unify student identity, standardize uniforms, and support growth.
What began with just 50 t-shirts has grown into a multi-division operation, now producing high-quality apparel and instructional products for students and instructors around the world. GB Wear is a key pillar of the Premium School system, ensuring that every Gracie Barra school reflects the same professional, principled experience — from California to Europe.
The Competitive Spirit: GB CompNet
Inspired by his father’s efforts in the 1920s to showcase Jiu-Jitsu through early vale-tudo competitions, Master Carlos created GB CompNet — the Gracie Barra Competition Network.
Since its first event in 2008, CompNet has grown into a highly respected international platform for athletes of all levels, from children to adults. The events prioritize:
- Safety
- Sportsmanship
- Structured competition
- A supportive team environment
Today, CompNet tournaments are hosted around the world, including in California, Texas, Australia, and Paraguay, continuing the Gracie family tradition of measured, respectful excellence in competition.
Beyond GraciexBarra: Influence Across the BJJ World
In addition to founding Gracie Barra, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. is also the founder and president of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) — the most recognized BJJ governing body worldwide.
He also launched the original Gracie Newspaper, which evolved into Gracie Magazine — the leading global voice for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu news, education, and culture.
Living the Lifestyle He Teaches
Despite his global impact, Master Carlos leads by quiet example. He trains Jiu-Jitsu daily, adheres strictly to the Gracie Diet, and often hikes Rio’s Pedra da Gávea or walks the beaches near Gracie Barra’s U.S. headquarters in Irvine, California.
His energy remains focused on one enduring mission:
Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone.
Why His Legacy Matters at Gracie Barra Katy
In addition to founding Gracie Barra, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. is also the founder and president of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) — the most recognized BJJ governing body worldwide.
He also launched the original Gracie Newspaper, which evolved into Gracie Magazine — the leading global voice for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu news, education, and culture.
- Discipline without aggression
- Structure with care
- Growth through consistency
- Leadership through humility
When you or your child trains here, you’re not just learning Jiu-Jitsu — you’re stepping into a proven system designed to shape strong minds, strong bodies, and strong character.
Start Your Journey with Us Today
Whether you’re a parent searching for structure and values, or a student looking for purpose and focus — you’ll find your place at Gracie Barra Katy. Schedule your first class and see how far your child can grow with the right support behind them.