 | This article contains promotional content. (October 2020) |
| Gracie family | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Anibal Lobo and Relson Gracie, original Gracie family members, 1980s | |
| Current region | Brazil, United States |
| Place of origin | Belém, Pará, Brazil |
| Members | |
| Connected families | Machado family |
| Traditions |
Judo Vale tudo Mixed martial arts |
The Gracie family (Portuguese: [ˈɡɾejsi]) is a family of martial artists originally from Belém, state of Pará, Brazil, whose ancestors came from Paisley, Scotland. They are known for promoting the self-defense martial arts system of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, commonly known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu,[1] originating from Kano jiu-jitsu (Judo) brought to Brazil by judoka prizefighter Mitsuyo Maeda.[2]
They have been successful in combat sports competitions for over 80 years, representing their self-defense system (Gracie jiu-jitsu) including mixed martial arts (MMA), vale tudo and submission wrestling events.[2] Several members were involved in the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), along with promoter Art Davie.
As a family, the Gracies upheld the "Gracie Challenge", a martial arts challenge intended to showcase the effectiveness of their style of grappling against other martial arts disciplines. Members have an affinity to, and are consanguineously related to, the Machado family.
- ^ "Black Belt". Active Interest Media, Inc. April 2, 1997 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Cairus, Jose Tufy. "The Gracie Clan and the Making of Brazilian jiu-jitsu: National identity, Performance and Culture, 1905-1993" – via www.academia.edu.