Gracie Academy Founding

The first official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1952 by Hélio and Carlos Gracie. While the family had been teaching informally for decades, the establishment of a dedicated academy marked a milestone in formalizing the art. The academy became the headquarters for spreading Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, offering classes, private instruction, and serving as the venue for many of the famous Gracie Challenge matches.

Over time, the academy became a symbol of the Gracie philosophy and methodology, with a focus on self-defense and effectiveness in real combat situations. Branches and affiliated schools later spread across Brazil and internationally, carrying the Gracie Academy banner and helping to establish BJJ as a distinct martial art rather than just a branch of judo.