Gracie Barra Formation

Gracie Barra was founded in 1986 by Carlos Gracie Jr. in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. What began as a single academy quickly became one of the most influential teams in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under Carlos Jr.’s leadership, Gracie Barra emphasized both technical excellence and organizational growth, producing champions while also expanding its reach through a strong affiliation model.

By the 2000s, Gracie Barra had become a global powerhouse, with affiliated schools on nearly every continent. Its athletes collected numerous world titles, while its standardized curriculum and professional structure helped shape the modern academy model. Today, Gracie Barra represents one of the largest and most recognizable networks in the BJJ world.