In a rare historical conversation on The Deen Show, a legendary founding member of Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu — who has trained since age seven and taught future champions like Marcio Petosa and the Machado brothers when they were children — shares the untold origins of the art that changed martial arts forever. From Club Gracie in Brazil to Abu Dhabi to the United States, this is the real history straight from one of the people who lived it.
The True Origins of Gracie Barra
Before it was known as Gracie Barra, the school was called Club Gracie, founded by a small group that included Roberto Cohen, Jean Jacques Machado and his brothers, and Alfie Gracie under the leadership of Carlos Gracie Jr. Helio Gracie, the legendary patriarch, was based in Copacabana while this group built what would become one of the most recognized Jiu-Jitsu brands in the world. The names Renzo, Ralph, Rickson, and Jean Jacques Machado are now legendary — but they all trace back to these humble beginnings.
“I started at seven years old. I used to fight a lot in school — all the guys used to kick my butt. Then my uncle brought me to the gym to learn. The school was Club Gracie at that time, before it was Gracie Barra. I taught Marcio Petosa and the others when they were kids.”
The Connection Between Martial Arts and Islam
The Deen Show has consistently highlighted the deep connection between martial arts discipline and Islamic values. Many prominent figures in the Jiu-Jitsu world have spent time in Muslim countries like Abu Dhabi and have experienced the hospitality and character of Muslim communities firsthand. The discipline, respect, humility, and brotherhood found in martial arts mirror the values that Islam instills in its practitioners.
“When you train Jiu-Jitsu, you learn discipline, humility, and respect — the same values that Islam teaches. Many of the greatest martial artists have spent time in the Muslim world and witnessed the beauty of Islamic character firsthand.”
Why This History Matters
- Understanding the roots of Jiu-Jitsu helps new practitioners appreciate the lineage and legacy they carry every time they step on the mat
- The founding members of Gracie Barra were not just athletes but builders of a global movement that now touches millions of lives
- The Deen Show bridges martial arts and Islam, showing that physical discipline and spiritual discipline go hand in hand
- Learning from the pioneers reminds us that every great movement starts small — just as the Deen Center aims to build something that will impact generations
