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The Gracie Barra HistoryRio de Janeiro, Brazil. I want to share a few words about the early days of the school and how it was created. The history of Gracie barra is directy related to my life, and as a result, the story of teh school is also the story of my life, past, present, and future.The principal goal of my family of atheletes and fighters, lead by my father Carlos Gracie, hasn always been to spread jiu jitsu, and to share the art whcih brings enormous benefits to one's life. My father was a naturalist and a very spiritual perosn,ho had a great desire to pass on his knowledge to others, so that they could receive the benefits of jiu jitsu as well. Growing up in this environment, I learned the art of jiu jitsu is actually a method through wich one striv for self-perfecction. My fater's original academy was in the center of Rio de Janeiro,lead by my uncle Helio Gracie. It was there that I began my studies in jiu jitsu, becoming an instructor there, and finally,a professor. During this time, I worked alongside y brother Rolls and my cousi Rorion Gracie, who were also professors there. Eventually, Rorion decided to live in the United States, and Rolls established a school in Copacabana together with my other older brother, Carlson Gracie. Thus, I was calle upon to assume the responsibilities of running the academy together with my cousin Rickson. I was there for approximately two years, but during this time I went to study nutrition at a University and was living in Copacabanna. During this time, I decided to work with Rolls. In the meantime, Carlson and Rolls had separated teir schools but wer still located in the same building, with th students training with either teacher on alternating days. Afer working together for seven years, Rolls passed away in a hang gliding accident. All of the students reunited and together with Rolls'wife, asked me to assume the responsibility of continuing the path that my brother Rolls began. We stayed in Copacabana for another four years, after whcih I decided to move to Barra da Tijuca, a promising newer neighborhood in the western part of the city which was growing. It was here that we became known as the "Gracies of Barra," and eventually, as we are called, simply, "Gracie Barra." The first seeds of Gracie Barra were planted inside a small house almost twenty years ago. The first school had approximately 20 students, and grew to almost 200 after just one year. We then moved the school to larger space inside of a gym, where we are still located today. Since establishingthe school, we have consistenly produced jiu jitsu instructors with high qualifications, as well as distinguishing ourselves in international competitions in Brazil and around the world. Today, Gracie Barra has the biggest jiu jitsu teams in the world. Still, I feel very proud that my life's work has been to create an institution whcih is not focused on building athletes or professors, but instead, in helping to build one's character. Repeating the words which my father told me: "...each person who puts on the kimono and beleives in Jiu Jitsu that my self and my family teacher is the realization of my life's work."- Carlos Gracie (1902-1994)
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