About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a descendent of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu that was developed by the Gracie Family and refined by Grandmaster Helio Gracie in Brazil beginning in the early 1900s. It is designed for people of any size to efficiently and effectively be able to defend themselves using leverage and technique.
The History of Pedro Sauer and the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association
Pedro Sauer was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He began training jiu-jitsu at the age of 15 along with his friend Rickson Gracie in the garage of Rickson’s family and together young Pedro Sauer and the Gracie boys learned jiu-jitsu from Rickson’s father, Grandmaster Helio Gracie. Master Sauer received his black belt from Rickson Gracie and Helio Gracie in 1985. He is one of only 16 black belts awarded by Grandmaster Helio Gracie.
In 1990, Master Sauer moved to California with the Gracie brothers as part of the first cohort of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the United States. Shortly after coming to California, he moved to Utah where he continued to make his mark in the jiu-jitsu world by teaching, and formed the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association. He remained in Utah for many years and grew his association to one of the oldest, largest, and most respected Associations in the world.
In 2006, Master Sauer moved again, this time to Herndon, Virginia, where he opened One Spirit Martial Arts Academy and set up the world headquarters for his Association. He is currently an 8th degree coral belt and travels the world teaching workshops and seminars. Master Sauer is well-known as one of the best jiu-jitsu instructors in the world.
What is lineage and why does it matter?
“The water is always purest at its source” – Grandmaster Relson Gracie
When you hear talk about jiu-jitsu lineage, it is referring to who mentored, trained, and awarded rank to a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Knowledge and training are passed down through mentors, and it is a great source of pride and accomplishment to have a lineage that is closely tied to Grandmaster Helio Gracie and the origin of authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Lineage of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Commerce: Helio Gracie & Rickson Gracie > Pedro Sauer > Andy Bryant
