Lineage & Legacy

Carlos Machado's Jiu Jitsu History

Hello, I'm Carlos Machado, the owner and chief instructor of Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters.

In addition, I serve as the founder and president of the Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Association, a globally recognized and ever-expanding BJJ organization. As one of the pioneers who introduced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the United States, I am part of a rich lineage of BJJ legends – I am the eldest among the Machado brothers and have familial ties with the Gracie family, the creators of this art form.

I currently hold the esteemed 8th Degree Coral Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a recent honor that I am delighted to share. My goal is to pass on my passion and wealth of experience to you, and I look forward to welcoming you on the mat soon.

I firmly believe that while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a comprehensive and effective martial art in its own right, it also beautifully complements other martial arts. My training spans various disciplines including Greco-Roman wrestling, sambo, and stick fighting, each providing invaluable skills and techniques. This has led me to advocate for a subtle fusion of compatible arts that can enhance your growth. Hence, my teaching philosophy is rooted in open-mindedness towards Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and respect for other art forms.

Beyond martial arts, I pride myself on my humility, respectfulness, and generosity. I find immense joy in imparting my knowledge and skills to students and followers alike. As a well-respected figure in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wider martial arts community, I've been fortunate to achieve numerous accolades throughout my career. Off the mat, I'm a dedicated family man, deeply devoted to my wife and children. My approach to life is optimistic and grateful, and I strive to inspire others to embrace the same positivity.

Thank you for considering Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu in Dickinson. I eagerly await the opportunity to meet you.

Lineage

Kano > Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Machado

My Journey: From the Heart of Rio to the Forefront of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

I, Carlos Machado, first opened my eyes to the world on November 9, 1963, in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As the eldest amongst the Machado siblings - Roger, Rigan, Jean Jacques, and John - I share a deep-rooted bond with the legendary Gracie family through our cousinhood, tracing back to Luiza Machado, sister-in-law of Carlos Gracie Senior.

From our earliest years, the revered legacy of the Gracie family's fighting tradition was woven into the fabric of our lives. My journey was no different from my Gracie kin, growing, learning, and training alongside them.

My introduction to this art began at the renowned Gracie academy under the watchful eye of my uncle, Grandmaster Carlos Gracie. The Machado brothers and the Gracie children were inseparable, sharing countless hours at the Gracie Compound. In that nurturing environment, we played, ate, trained, and essentially grew up together.

Upon relocating to the southern part of Rio, Copacabana, I was blessed to be mentored directly by the illustrious Rolls Gracie. Our bond was profound, and his sudden and tragic passing was a hard blow to the Gracie and Machado families, leaving a lasting impact on me, a then young and impressionable blue belt.

Deciding to tread in my father's footsteps, I pursued law studies at university, which led me to reside with Uncle Carlos Gracie Senior. I spent five transformative years, from 1982 to 1987, under his roof. During this time, Carlos Gracie Sr. became a monumental influence on my life, allowing me to drink from his vast well of knowledge and wisdom at every opportunity.

Setting Roots in America: The Machado Brothers' Journey in 1988

Our journey to the United States began in 1988 when my brother Rigan Machado, imbued with our family's rich Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legacy, set foot on American soil. He laid the foundation by teaching BJJ alongside the Gracies in the now-legendary "Gracie Garage."

The Arrival of the Machado Brothers

Two years later, in 1990, my brother John and I followed Rigan's footsteps, venturing to Southern California to add our strength to his. Together, we embraced the opportunity to assist Rorion Gracie and the Gracie clan in the establishment of their academy. Here, Rorion, Rickson, and Royce Gracie were the torchbearers, leading the way as the primary instructors.

Carving Our Own Path

However, after all five of us Machado brothers had firmly planted our roots in the USA, we realized it was time to carve out our own path. We desired to create a legacy separate from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu banner, a legacy uniquely ours. We relocated from Torrance, California, to the nearby Redondo Beach, transforming our garage into a private training ground.

A New Chapter Begins

As we embarked on this new chapter, we had the honor of welcoming a particularly special future student through our doors. This was none other than Hollywood and Martial Arts Legend, Mr. Chuck Norris. His arrival marked a significant milestone in our journey, one that would not only impact our personal lives but also the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A Friendship Forged in Combat

Chuck Norris wasn't just another student; he became a dear friend and a member of our extended family. His involvement with us, the Machado brothers, played a pivotal role in promoting and spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu far and wide. And so, our journey continues, a journey of legacy, brotherhood, and the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Chuck Norris & the Machado Brothers: A Bond Beyond the Mat That Transformed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

As an integral part of spreading the love and knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, my journey with Chuck Norris has been one of the most significant. Chuck's celebrity status brought unprecedented recognition to our beloved martial art, benefiting us Machado brothers and BJJ as a whole. Here's a glimpse into our journey together.

The Meeting of Legends

Chuck Norris crossed paths with us, the Machado brothers, back in the early 1990s when he was searching for a new martial art to master. Impressed by our skills and deep knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he soon became not just our student but also a dear friend.

The Growth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & the Machado Brothers Academy

Chuck played a crucial role in helping us establish our first academy in Tarzana, California. He also featured us on his popular TV show, "Walker, Texas Ranger," introducing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to a broader audience beyond the U.S. borders. As our academy thrived, we opened a second location in Redondo Beach, where responsibilities were divided among us brothers.

Chuck Norris and the Machado Brothers, a True Brotherhood

Two years later, in 1990, my brother John and I followed Rigan's footsteps, venturing to Southern California to add our strength to his. Together, we embraced the opportunity to assist Rorion Gracie and the Gracie clan in the establishment of their academy. Here, Rorion, Rickson, and Royce Gracie were the torchbearers, leading the way as the primary instructors.

Carlos Machado: The Jiu-Jitsu Legend of Texas

In 1995, Chuck offered me a remarkable opportunity to move to Dallas, Texas, to start filming "Walker - Texas Ranger." Seeing this as a chance to spread Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Texas and surrounding areas, I gladly accepted. While in Texas, I taught Jiu-Jitsu at the very studio where "Walker - Texas Ranger" was filmed. Eventually, I opened a larger academy of my own, and today, most of the Jiu-Jitsu lineage in Texas and the Southwest can be traced back to me - Master Carlos Machado.

The Machado Brotherhood: How My Move to Texas Didn't Break My Bond

Despite my move to Texas, the bond I share with my brothers remains as strong as ever. Today, John resides near me in North Dallas, while Jean Jacques, Rigan, and Roger call the Los Angeles area of Southern California home.

Beyond founding one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies in the Dallas Fort Worth area, I've found immense fulfillment in my role as a coach to athletes who compete and fight professionally in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

From Black Belt to Champion: My Legacy Lives on Through High-Profile Practitioners

I've had the privilege of promoting high-profile practitioners to Black Belt, including Rafael Lovato Junior (the current Bellator Champion as of 8/2019), Travis Lutter (The Ultimate Fighter winner and UFC Veteran), Anthony Perosh and Elvis Sinosic (both UFC Veterans and IBJJF World Champions), and dozens of other black belts who have made their mark in MMA and competitive BJJ, and now operate highly successful academies.

My Legacy in Teaching & Building Champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Teaching, mentoring, and building my legacy is more than just a job – it's my life's passion. I am known in Texas and the Southwest region of the United States as the "Godfather of Jiu-Jitsu". Before my arrival in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was virtually unheard of. Today, most of the BJJ lineage in the Southwest can be traced back to me, Carlos Machado.



My headquarters academy is nestled in North Dallas, Farmers Branch, Texas. Here, I personally teach all of my students, ranging from kids and teens to women and men. I actively train alongside all my students, especially my black belts, who continually evolve under my direct supervision and guidance.

Off the mat, I'm a proud father to four teenage children and a loving husband. As a Coral Belt, I lead one of the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world, Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Association.

At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a simple goal: to help the "Average Student" become "Above Average". My mission extends to inspiring my instructors to reach their full potential by instilling in them a solid foundation on multiple levels. This approach not only benefits their own students but also enriches their individual journeys both on and off the mats. Ultimately, this paves the way for the successful operation of numerous premium Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Academies across the United States and around the globe.