Carlson Gracie Sr: The Simple Warrior (Part 1)

Part 2 of this film -    • Carlson Gracie Sr: The Simple Warrior...  

allthingsBJJ.com teamed up again with our good friends at MoyaBrand to present our tribute to one of the most influential Grandmasters of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in current history.

February 1st is the 7th anniversary of Carlson Gracie Sr.'s Passing. The martial art, sport and hobby we love may be very different or maybe we would all be doing something different if it wasn't for Carlson. Carlson was the family champion and avenged several losses for the family that would have otherwise cast a shadow on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu early on in Brazil.

From 2001 up until his passing in 2006, he called Chicago, Illinois his home. It is pretty well understood that most any homegrown black belt in Chicago has some ties to Carlson.

His Jiu Jitsu accomplishments are well documented, but sometimes what is overshadowed is what was most unique, special, and noteworthy in his life: how he carried himself in the warrior spirit, and his genuine kindness for everyone he met.

We spent months criss-crossing Illinois and Indiana tracking down those who were fortunate enough to share the last chapter of Carlson's life with him. What we found was that everyone had the same thing to say about Carlson... he was tough and very opinionated, but yet friendly, caring, simple, humble, and energetic. In the words of his own son Carlson Gracie Jr., "He'd give his soul to help people."

We hope this special project serves as a small token of our appreciation for everything that Master Carlson Gracie Sr. has done for the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Special thanks to those who shared their stories with us.

Carlson Gracie Jr -- Black Belt, Carlson Gracie Team -- after his father's death, he took over the reins of the legendary Carlson Gracie Team

Jeff Neal -- Black Belt, Jeff Neal MMA -- long time student, friend and instructor with the Carlson Gracie Team. His last words with Carlson were "What techniques would you like me to teach tonight?"

Daniel Wanderley -- Black Belt, Big Dog BJJ / Carlson Gracie Team -- student and instructor with Carlson Gracie Team, Carlson opened up his home to Daniel upon his arrival to the United States from Brazil.

Rudy Jimenez Jr -- Black Belt, Carlson Gracie Team -- long time student and instructor with the Carlson Gracie Team

Miguel Torres -- Black Belt, Torres Martial Arts -- long time student of Carlson Gracie Sr., traveled to Brazil with Carlson and shared many personal moments with him

Mark Vives -- Black Belt, New Breed Chicago -- student and close friend of Carlson Gracie Sr.

Jay Valko -- Black Belt, Valko BJJ -- student of Carlson Gracie Sr.

Colin Lane -- Brown Belt, New Breed Chicago -- student and close friend of Carlson Gracie Sr., traveled to Brazil and Europe with Carlson on many occasions.

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