This is a list of highly notable Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners.
Highest graded [ edit ]
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ranking system awards practitioners different colored belts for increasing levels of knowledge and skill.
[1][2] The system shares its origins with Judo but now has its own character that has become synonymous with the art, including an informality in promotional criteria and a conservative approach to promotion in general generally resulting in a longer time to reach black belt.
While black belt is commonly viewed as the highest rank of attainment, a practitioner who achieves the rank of 7th degree in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is recognized by a belt of alternating red-and-black.
In 2013, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation adopted the alternating red-and-white belt to acknowledge the achievement of 8th degree.
(similar to Judo's substitution of an alternating white-and-red belt at the 6th, 7th, and 8th degree).
[3] At the 9th and 10th degree the practitioner is awarded a solid red belt, identical to Judo.
[3] These exceptional belts are awarded to denote the exceptional status of their wearer and his or her knowledge and overall contribution to the art.[2]
The following individuals are particularly notable practitioners holding these respective ranks:
10th degree (10º grau) [ edit ]
The 10th degree red belt was originally only given to the pioneers of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Gracie brothers.
There are no living 10th degree red belts: [1]
Carlos Gracie – (Brazil, 1902–94) was taught judo by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese immigrant to Brazil who was then a 4th dan Kodokan judoka .
Carlos then passed the teachings on to his brothers Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., Jorge, and Hélio.
In 1925, the brothers opened their first academy in Brazil, marking the beginning of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[4]Kodokan .
Carlos then passed the teachings on to his brothers Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., Jorge, and Hélio.
In 1925, the brothers opened their first academy in Brazil, marking the beginning of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Hélio Gracie – (Brazil, 1913–2009) was a Brazilian martial artist who, together with his brother Carlos Gracie, founded the martial art of Gracie jiu-jitsu, known internationally as Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
Until his death, Gracie was the only living 10th degree master of that system, and is widely considered as one of the first sports heroes in Brazilian history.[5]
Luiz França Filho – (Brazil, 1910–1982) was a Brazilian martial artist and one of the primary founders of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, particularly the non-Gracie lineage.
Despite being a pioneer of BJJ he was never awarded with the 10th degree red belt.
Oswaldo Fadda – (Brazil, 1920–2005), a student of França, was posthumously awarded a 10th degree red belt, and is considered one of the most important non-Gracie lineage pioneers.[6]
9th degree (9º grau) [ edit ]
8th degree (8º grau) [ edit ]
7th degree (7º grau) [ edit ]
Notable competitors [ edit ]
Mixed martial artists [ edit ]
Many Mixed Martial artists are considered practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The following Mixed Martial artists are primarily known for their strong proficiency and usage of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to achieve significant results in Mixed Martial Arts bouts.
Celebrities and athletes [ edit ]
Each person listed is listed with their last known rank and coach, if either are known.
The belt rankings may be out of date for some practitioners.
Included in this list are also practitioners that have died.
Belt rankings for deceased practitioners are of the last known rank before they died.
