Carlos Gracie Sr.

Carlos Gracie Sr. (1902–1994) was the eldest of the Gracie brothers and the first to study under Mitsuyo Maeda, the Japanese judoka who brought his teachings to Brazil. Carlos opened the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro in 1925, laying the foundation for what would become a global martial art.

In addition to spreading BJJ through teaching and challenge matches, Carlos developed the “Gracie Diet,” a nutritional philosophy he believed improved health and performance. His vision of martial arts as a holistic lifestyle—encompassing training, discipline, and nutrition—continues to influence many practitioners.