Duisburg, Germany – Carlson Gracie Jr., a sixth-degree black belt and a scion of the legendary Gracie family, recently shared his expertise with athletes at the Strike Gym in Duisburg. The visit, part of Gracie’s global tour with the Carlson Gracie Team, offered a unique opportunity for local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners to learn from a figure deeply rooted in the sport’s history.
Born on July 27, 1969, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Carlson Gracie Jr. Began his BJJ journey at the remarkably young age of three, guided by the traditional Gracie training methodology. His early lessons were structured as playful games, gradually evolving into more formal training sessions as he matured. He is the only male offspring of Grand Master Carlson Gracie Sr. And the grandson of Carlos Gracie Sr., the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Gracie’s arrival at the Strike Gym didn’t conform to martial arts stereotypes. He greeted trainers and athletes with a warm smile and engaged in animated conversation, punctuated by humor. However, the atmosphere shifted when he stepped onto the mat in his white combat uniform, adorned with a coral belt – a prestigious award reserved for those with decades of dedication to the sport.
“I started training jiu-jitsu when I was three,” Gracie explained, acknowledging the influence of his father in popularizing the art in Brazil. He emphasized the importance of a strong foundation and the dedication required to succeed.
While not widely recognized as a top competitor during his generation, Gracie was a key member of the Equipe Carlson Gracie in the 1980s and early 1990s, earning his black belt in 1991 at the age of 22. He made his debut in no-holds-barred competition in 1995 against John Lewis, a bout that drew attention due to Lewis’s training under André Pederneiras, a former student of Carlson Gracie Sr. The fight ended in a draw, a point of contention for Gracie at the time.
In 1996, Gracie relocated to Chicago, Illinois, to study English, following his father’s move to Los Angeles to manage the career of a prominent mixed martial arts student. He soon established his own academy in Chicago, inviting his father to join him and further expand the Carlson Gracie Academy method.
Today, Gracie dedicates much of his time to traveling the world, visiting academies affiliated with the Carlson Gracie Team and coaching fighters in tournaments. His recent visit to Duisburg followed a trip to the European Championships in Lisbon.
Sascha Roth, the BJJ trainer at Strike Gym, highlighted the value of Gracie’s presence. “It’s always something special to have him here,” Roth said. “Because everyone at their level, from white belt to black belt, can learn something new.”
The training session focused on subtle yet crucial details – precise arm placement for escaping grips, optimal leg positioning, and anticipating opponent reactions. The atmosphere was one of focused attention as Gracie imparted his knowledge.
The Strike Gym, affiliated with the Carlson Gracie Team since 2021, has seen growing interest in BJJ. Roth, a trainer since 2011, noted a consistent increase in enrollment, currently serving around 60 students, including professionals from various fields like law enforcement, engineering, and medicine.
Roth attributes the sport’s appeal to its unique blend of physical and mental challenges. He described a common reaction from newcomers: some are overwhelmed and discouraged, while others are captivated and eager to learn. He noted that BJJ offers a realistic self-defense skill set and a sense of empowerment.
Patrick Gerritzen, a 24-year-old firefighter and student at Strike Gym, exemplifies this journey. He began training in 2017 and now holds a purple belt. He described his initial training as exhausting but rewarding, and now trains consistently, recognizing the benefits for his demanding profession.
“If I’m not on 24-hour duty, I’m on the mat in the evening,” Gerritzen said.
Gracie emphasized the meritocratic nature of BJJ, stating, “What you bring with you from outside doesn’t matter on the mat. What counts is hard work and ability.” He also highlighted the importance of a respectful and friendly training environment.
Gracie expressed optimism about the growth of BJJ globally and specifically praised the development of the sport in Germany. “Right now, jiu-jitsu is growing all over the world,” he said. “The level of the teachers here is getting better and the level of the students is also increasing. We are in the middle of a great development in Germany.”
The Carlson Gracie Legacy program, as offered at TUVA Jiu Jitsu, aims to preserve the original Gracie family training methods, providing personalized programs tailored to individual goals, experience levels, and age groups.
