FargoBJJ is very proud of our authentic Brazilian Jiu-jitsu lineage. We are the only academy in the region with Champion BlackBelt and BrownBelt instructors!
Mitsuyo Maeda
Responsible for spreading ‘Kano Jiu-jitsu’, later to be known as Judo, around the world and eventually to Brazil
Carlos and Helio Gracie
Carlos was the first to learn from Maeda and went on to teach his 4 brothers, most notably Helio. Together Carlos and Helio made changes to the Japanese style to accommodate for there small stature and lack of strength, thus creating ‘Gracie Jiu-jitsu’
Carlos Gracie Jr.
Carlos Jr. or ‘Carlinhos’ is a 7th degree Red and Black belt master under his Father Carlos and Uncle Helio and is the founder of the first Gracie Barra Academy in Brazil. Carlinhos is also the founder/president of the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (CBJJ) in Brazil, and the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (IBJJF). These Organizations run the largest BJJ events in the world including the Mundials (World Championship), Pan-American and European Championships
Renzo Gracie
Blackbelt under Uncle Carlos Jr. Renzo is often referred to as the champion of the family for having the most successful fighting career as well as creating one of the most successful teams in all of fighting. Having created many champions in Gi, without the Gi and Mixed Martial Arts and known for never backing down from a challenge he is the ‘Lion of the Gracie Family’
Amal Easton
The 7th Blackbelt under Renzo Gracie. Amal is one of the first American Blackbelts, a world class competitor and one of very few Americans with direct ties to the Gracie Family in Brazil. Amal is known for not only being one of the elite on the mat, but also creating elite competitors and instructors. His method of instruction is sought out by the very best. Having trained many Gi, No Gi and MMA champions he is also Jiu-jitsu coach to the Pro fighters at the Grudge Training Center in Denver.
George and Sarah Andersch
Blackbelt George and Brownbelt Sarah are a husband and wife team under Amal Easton dedicated to continuing there proud Jiu-jitsu history and lineage here in Fargo. For more info about George or Sarah please refer to the ‘Instructors‘ page.
