The Gracie family. The name resonates deeply within the world of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Synonymous with innovation, resilience, and a groundbreaking approach to combat, the Gracies have built a legacy that spans generations. However, with such a large and influential family, tracing their lineage can become quite complex. This article aims to unravel the Gracie Family Tree, providing a clear and accessible overview of this remarkable martial arts dynasty.
To simplify understanding, we will explore the family tree generation by generation, starting from the roots and branching out to the prominent figures who have shaped Gracie Jiu-Jitsu into the global phenomenon it is today.
First Generation of Gracie Fighters: The Pioneers
The Gracie story begins with George Gracie, a Scottish immigrant to Brazil. However, it was his son, Gastão Gracie, who set the stage for the martial arts revolution. Gastão played a pivotal role by facilitating Carlos Gracie’s introduction to classical Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. He arranged for Carlos to learn from Mitsuyo Maeda, a former Japanese Jiu-Jitsu champion known in Brazil as Conde Koma (“Count of Combat”). This encounter proved to be the spark that ignited the Gracie legacy.
Gastão Gracie and his wife Cesalina had a significant number of children, many of whom became instrumental in the development and spread of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. These pioneers form the first generation of Gracie fighters:
| **Gastão Gracie**w/ Cesalina (wife) |
|---|
| Carlos Gracie (born 1901, Founder of the Gracie Style of Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos, despite being the smallest of his brothers, remained undefeated throughout his fighting career.) |
| Osvaldo Gracie (Considered by Carlos to be the most naturally gifted fighter among the brothers.) |
| Gastão Gracie, Jr. (Later relocated to Sao Paulo following a disagreement between Jorge and his brothers.) |
| Jorge Gracie (Reputed to be the most physically imposing of the Gracie brothers.) |
| Helio Gracie (born 1913, The youngest brother and the last to compete publicly, Helio was known for his innovative adaptations of Jiu-Jitsu.) |
| Helena Gracie |
| Ilka Gracie |
| Mary Gracie |
This first generation laid the foundation for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos Gracie, in particular, is recognized as the founder of the “Gracie Style,” adapting and evolving Maeda’s teachings into a unique and highly effective fighting system. His brothers, Osvaldo, Gastão Jr., Jorge, and most notably Helio, also played crucial roles in the early development and dissemination of this new martial art.
Second Generation of Gracies: Expanding the Legacy
The second generation of Gracies witnessed an explosion of talent and influence. The sons and daughters of the first generation took the reins, further refining Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and expanding its reach across Brazil and eventually the world. This generation includes some of the most celebrated names in Jiu-Jitsu history.
Here’s a breakdown of the second generation, organized by their fathers from the first generation:
| Carlos Gracie (Founder) | w/ Carmen (1st wife) | Carlson Gracie (born 1932, A dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo champion, Carlson became a legendary coach and figure in the sport.) | Robson Gracie (born 1935, Currently the President of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro, continuing the family’s organizational influence.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geysa Gracie | Rose Clair Gracie | ||
| Sonja Gracie Gronning | w/ Ilda | ||
| w/ Lina | Reyson Gracie (born 1941, Established a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu presence in the Amazon region.) | w/ Genny (2nd wife) | |
| Rosley Gracie | Rolange Gracie | ||
| Carley Gracie (An undefeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo champion, Carley brought Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to Northern California, teaching in San Francisco and surrounding areas.) | w/ Claudia | ||
| w/ Genny (2nd wife) | Rocian Gracie (born 1952) | Carlion Gracie | |
| Clair Gracie (deceased) | w/ Layr (3rd wife) | ||
| Carla Gracie | Crolin Gracie (born 1958, Teaches Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Florianópolis, Brazil.) | ||
| Reyla Gracie | Rilion Gracie (born 1963, Teaches Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Curitiba, Brazil.) | ||
| Kirla Gracie |
| Osvaldo Gracie | died without children |
|---|
| Gastão Gracie, Jr. | Gastão Gracie III | Helio Fusco Gracie |
|---|
| Jorge Gracie | Leana delaCasa |
|---|
| Helio Gracie | w/ Isabel “Belinha” Soares (natural mother) and Margarida (1st wife) | Rorion Gracie (A key figure in bringing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the United States and co-founder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).) | Relson Gracie (Teaches Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Hawaii, known for his “Keep it Playful” philosophy.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rickson Gracie (Widely regarded as one of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu fighters of all time, Rickson achieved legendary status in both sport Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo competitions, primarily competing in Brazil and Japan.) | |||
| w/ Vera (2nd wife) | Rolker Gracie | Royler Gracie (A multiple-time Mundials World Jiu-Jitsu Champion in the featherweight division, Royler is known for his technical prowess and competitive spirit.) | |
| Royce Gracie (The inaugural UFC champion, Royce Gracie famously demonstrated the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu against larger opponents in the early days of mixed martial arts, catapulting the art to global recognition.) | |||
| Rerika Gracie | Robin Gracie | ||
| Ricci Gracie (“Hissy”) |
| Ilka Gracie | Ricardo Gracie (teaches in the family tradition) |
|---|
The second generation expanded upon the foundation laid by their fathers. Figures like Carlson Gracie became renowned coaches and competitors, while others like Rorion and Royce Gracie played instrumental roles in introducing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to a global audience through events like the UFC. This generation solidified the Gracie family’s place at the forefront of martial arts innovation and instruction.
Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy
The Gracie family tree is a testament to the power of family, dedication, and innovation. From Gastão Gracie’s initial support of Carlos Gracie’s Jiu-Jitsu journey to the countless members who have since contributed to the art, the Gracie family’s impact on martial arts is undeniable. While this article covers the first two generations, the Gracie legacy continues to evolve with the third and subsequent generations, ensuring that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu remains a vital and influential force in the martial arts world for years to come.
Information presented here is compiled from various sources and is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge. For inquiries or additional information, please contact GRACIE USA.
