Lineage
Helio Gracie (1913-2009)
In the early 1900s, Brazilian businessman and politician, Gastao Gracie, befriended Japanese prize fighter Mitsuyo Maeda. In exchange for his friendship and hospitality, Maeda offered to teach Gracie’s son, Carlos, the Japanese martial art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Helio Gracie learned from Carlos Gracie, who founded a martial arts academy to pass on this knowledge to his family. However, Helio Gracie, while understanding the techniques in theory, had trouble executing them due to his frail physique. He modified the martial art to place more of an emphasis on leverage and timing over strength and speed, thus creating "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu".
Helio Gracie challenged all reputable fighters in Brazil, including boxers, wrestlers, and judokas. His victories proved the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and he has often been referred to as the first sports hero in Brazilian history.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Royler Gracie.
Professor Marshall Luton
In collaboration with expert advisor Professor Marshall has been in law enforcement for 27 years. He has owned and successfully operated The Defensive Shooting Academy since 2000 and has assembled the finest instructor cadre in the industry. Together they are responsible for curriculum development and currently have 14 courses that are recognized by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (C.L.E.E.T.).
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Coach Andres Sepulveda
Born & Raised In Caguas, Puerto Rico, I began my journey with Judo at an early age of 10. Shortly after my Highschool graduation, I joined the Military, where I became a head instructor for the MACP (Modern Army Combatives Program) program. With my Military obligations and service to our great nation, I found myself traveling from one great Gracie Academy to another. From 2007 -2020 to today, living and training in Ocala, Florida, where I have the privileges to work closely with Professor Craig Sainz, a Renaldo Santos Black Belt