Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been my life's passion since I first stepped onto the mats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1977. I had the incredible privilege of learning directly from Rolls Gracie, whose vision forever changed the art of Jiu-Jitsu. After his passing in 1982, I continued my journey under Rickson Gracie, and in 1984, I was honored to receive my Black Belt from Rickson Gracie alongside Grand Master Hélio Gracie.

Throughout the years, I have remained committed to preserving the traditions and values of authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In 2018, I was deeply honored to receive my 8th Degree White and Red Belt (Coral Belt) from Grand Master Carlos Robson Gracie, a milestone that represents decades of dedication to this art.

In 1999, I was invited to the United States to teach at Rickson Gracie Academy in Los Angeles. After nearly eight years there, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2007, where I continue to share the knowledge and principles that were passed down to me by the Gracie family.

I have been blessed to compete at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, teach seminars around the world, train military special operations units and law enforcement professionals, and help grow the sport through tournaments and instructional programs. However, my greatest accomplishment has always been carrying forward the legacy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with integrity, respect, and a commitment to technical excellence.

Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art it is a way of life, and I am honored to share that journey with others.

At Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, we are committed to preserving the tradition, principles, and effectiveness of authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under the leadership of Master Luiz Palhares, an 8th Degree White and Red Belt (Coral Belt) with nearly five decades of experience, our academy offers world-class instruction in a welcoming and professional environment.

Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the very first time or have years of martial arts experience, our structured curriculum is designed to help you develop confidence, improve fitness, and master proven Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques in a safe and supportive setting.

Our instruction is rooted in the original Gracie methodology—emphasizing leverage, timing, technique, and efficiency over strength and athleticism. Every class focuses on practical, time-tested techniques that have been proven through decades of competition, self-defense, and real-world application.

Master Luiz Palhares has dedicated his life to teaching authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since earning his Black Belt in 1984. His passion for sharing the art has influenced thousands of practitioners throughout the United States and around the world.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than learning how to defend yourself. It develops discipline, confidence, resilience, and mental focus while improving strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall health.

The lessons learned on the mat often extend into everyday life, helping practitioners build character, overcome challenges, and develop a lifelong commitment to personal growth.

Few instructors today can trace their training directly through the Gracie family.

Master Luiz Palhares began training in 1977 under the legendary Rolls Gracie, continued under Rickson Gracie, and earned his Black Belt from Rickson Gracie alongside Grand Master Hélio Gracie in 1984. His instruction reflects decades of experience and preserves the techniques and philosophy passed directly from the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

When asked about the greatest lessons he learned from Hélio, Rolls, and Rickson Gracie, Master Palhares often explains that there was never just one lesson.

"Jiu-Jitsu is like a game of chess. Success comes from understanding leverage, body mechanics, timing, and knowing how to use your opponent's movements to your advantage."
 

Training alongside Rolls and Rickson was both demanding and inspiring. They constantly refined their techniques, never believing they had mastered the art completely. Their commitment to continuous improvement became one of the most valuable lessons Master Palhares carries with him today.

Another unique experience was competing alongside his instructors. Rather than simply teaching from the sidelines, Rolls and Rickson actively tested their skills in competition, leading by example and demonstrating complete confidence in their Jiu-Jitsu.

Before mixed martial arts became mainstream, Master Palhares also witnessed the Gracie family's famous Vale Tudo challenges, where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu consistently proved its effectiveness against practitioners from other martial arts.

One lesson from Grand Master Hélio Gracie has remained with him throughout his career:

"The most effective submission is the choke. A person with a broken arm can still fight. A properly applied choke leaves only two choices—tap or go to sleep."
 

Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, improved fitness, or simply becoming part of a positive martial arts community, Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu offers authentic instruction from one of the most experienced Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world.

Train with tradition. Learn with confidence. Become part of the Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family.