100 Year Anniversary of Gracie Humaita

The year 1925 has special significance, not only for the Gracie Humaita team, but for the entire Brazilian jiu-jitsu community in general. That year, the very first BJJ academy opened its doors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

As we noted in an earlier blog post, the story of jiu-jitsu in the began many years before that fateful day in the Cidade Maravilhosa (“Marvelous City”), when a Japanese judoka by the name of Mitsuyo Maeda arrived to the country that would become his new home. This is well known, and well documented already. However, it is widely accepted by many in the BJJ world that the origins the uniquely Brazilian style of martial art was there, at the original Academia Gracie, at Rua Marques de Abrantes, in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. 

Having trained under Maeda for nearly 10 years, Carlos Gracie - the eldest of five brothers - opened the academy after the family moved to Rio from Belém do Pará. It was there that Carlos continued to teach his four younger brothers, including Helio, whose own childhood weaknesses played an outsized role in transforming the sport into what it is today. 

Over the subsequent years, the Gracie Academy moved several times, until in 1985 it finally settled in the location that birthed the name “Gracie Humaita”: the Padre Antonio Vieira High College in the neighborhood of Humaita. 

The sport has evolved dramatically over the last 100 years, but it would not be where it is today - indeed, it would not be today - had it not been for that dream that became reality in 1925.

For this reason, we commemorate the 100 year anniversary of BJJ with our very own Gracie Humaita 100 Year Collection. Here are some of our favorites: 

Gracie Humaita 100 Year Gi

Classic and timeless, with the bold yellow Gracie Humaita logo and navy blue details, the 100 Year Gi honors the legacy of the Gracie Humaita name. Features a specially-designed “100 Years” tag that makes it a true collector’s piece, now and long into the future.

Gracie Humaita 100 Year Tee

Because we can’t wear the gi all day long, the Gracie Humaita 100 Year Tee allows you to share your Gracie Humaita pride off the mat, on the streets, and wherever life takes you! Featuring the iconic image of Carlos and Helio Gracie executing a flying armbar in 1951.

Gracie Humaita First Academy Hoodie

Any jiu-jitsu wardrobe isn’t complete without a hoodie - for those cool fall evenings, warming up in the bullpen, or staying cozy at the academy post-training. Features a bold yellow and white details on a super durable and warm 80% cotton and 20% recycled polyester hoodie.

Like what you see? Check out the entire collection and celebrate your Gracie Humaita heritage!