Famous Brazilian Martial Artists

Carlos Gracie was a Brazilian martial artist known for his significant contributions to the development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Alongside his brother Hélio Gracie and other students, he helped refine the martial art based on the teachings of Mitsuyo Maeda. Through his studies and collaboration with his family members, he established Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, a self-defense system that emphasized grappling techniques over striking elements. Gracie is recognized as a key figure in the evolution of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the patriarch of the Gracie family's martial arts legacy.

Rolls Gracie was a Brazilian martial artist and a prominent member of the Gracie family, known for founding Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Considered by some as the family's best fighter, he trained several renowned martial artists. He had a significant impact as a teacher, mentoring influential figures in the martial arts world. The Famous Five, a group of his original black belt students, were highly respected for their fighting skills. Despite his untimely death in a hang-gliding accident, Rolls Gracie's legacy continues through his teachings and the achievements of his students.

Leonardo Santos is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist and 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. He is a highly accomplished competitor with multiple championships, including four CBJJO World Cup titles and two World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship medals. Santos transitioned to MMA in 2006, competing in the Lightweight division of the UFC. Throughout his professional career, he also fought for organizations like World Victory Road and BAMMA. Santos notably won The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2 welterweight tournament, showcasing his skill and talent in the sport.

Márcio "Macarrão" Stambowsky is a highly accomplished Brazilian martial artist, known for his expertise in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. With an impressive 8th degree coral belt in the discipline, he stands out as one of the esteemed "Famous Five" Rolls Gracie black belts. Throughout the 1980s, he established himself as a formidable competitor within the Brazilian martial arts scene. His professional legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the sport and his reputation as a top Brazilian martial artist of his era.

Kyra Gracie Guimarães is a highly accomplished Brazilian submission grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. She holds a 4th-degree black belt in BJJ and has an impressive track record as a competitor. Gracie is a four-time World Jiu-Jitsu champion and a three-time ADCC Submission Fighting World champion. Her expertise in these disciplines has solidified her reputation as one of the top practitioners in the world. Gracie's professional career is marked by her numerous championship titles and her continued dedication to honing her skills in the realm of grappling and submission fighting.

Pedro Rizzo is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist and kickboxer known for his impressive career in organizations such as UFC, PRIDE, M-1 Global, and Affliction. Despite not winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship, Rizzo fought for it three times and was considered a top contender for many years. With a background in Muay Thai, he transitioned into MMA and gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in heavyweight history. Rizzo holds victories over notable fighters like Mark Coleman, Dan Severn, Josh Barnett, Andrei Arlovski, Ricco Rodriguez, and Ken Shamrock.

Fábio Maldonado is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and boxer with a career spanning over two decades. He began his professional MMA journey in 2000 and has showcased his skills in various high-profile competitions, including the UFC. Known for his striking abilities and toughness inside the cage, Maldonado has earned a reputation as a formidable fighter. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated resilience and determination, captivating audiences with his thrilling performances and becoming a respected figure in the world of combat sports.

Relson Gracie is a prominent figure in the martial arts world, known for his expertise in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He has been a successful competitor in combat sports for several decades, showcasing the effectiveness of his family's self-defense system in various events. Gracie's professional journey also includes involvement in the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) alongside other key figures. As a respected martial artist, he has contributed significantly to the promotion and development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, leaving a lasting impact on the combat sports community.

Paulo Henrique Bordignon Miyao is a Brazilian BJJ black belt known for his notable competitive record. He and his brother João Miyao have a competitive rivalry with Keenan Cornelius. Paulo achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Cornelius at the 2013 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the brown belt absolute division. He trains under Cicero Costha alongside his brother João and world champion, Leandro Lo. Paulo's professional life is marked by his dedication to training, competitive spirit, and impressive victories in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

Geo Omori was a Japanese-born Brazilian martial artist known for his significant contributions to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He played a key role in the development and popularization of this martial art form, earning recognition as one of its creators. Omori's expertise and techniques have had a lasting impact on the world of martial arts, particularly in Brazil where he became known for his innovative approaches. His legacy continues to influence and inspire practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu worldwide.

Valdemar Santana, also known as Adema Santa, was a prominent Brazilian martial artist with a diverse training background. He studied Capoeira under Mestre Bimba and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Hélio Gracie, showcasing his expertise in both disciplines. Additionally, Santana was skilled in Luta Livre and boxing, further expanding his combat capabilities. Throughout his professional life, he demonstrated a strong commitment to martial arts, honing his skills and knowledge under the guidance of renowned masters in various disciplines.