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BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Nexus NYC Martial Arts Academy & Cultural Center has the honor to represent the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system of Black Belt Rocian Gracie Jr., son of 7th Degree Black Belt Rocian Gracie and grandson of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie. 

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position from which to force an attacker to submit. The system was developed from a modified version of Judo including some techniques from Japanese Jiujutsu and with a focus on Ne-Waza (ground technique).

It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant.

The art began with Mitsuyo Maeda who immigrated to Brazil in the 1910s where an influential businessman named Gastão Gracie helped him get established. In return for his aid, Maeda taught the fighting art of Jiujutsu to Gastão’s son Carlos, who then taught the art to his younger brothers, including Hélio Gracie.

The brothers trained many of their sons, who carried on the family tradition.

Grandmaster Carlos Gracie
Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Carlos Gracie (1901-1994) was taught Judo by Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese emigrant to Brazil who was then a 4th Dan Kodokan judoka. Carlos then passed the teachings on to his brothers Oswaldo, 

 

In 1925, the brothers opened their first academy in Brazil, marking the beginning of the art of modern day Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos had 21 children, 12 whom received their Black Belt rank in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

  • Carlson Gracie–  9th Degree Red & Black Belt

  • Robson Gracie — 9th Degree Red & Black Belt

  • Reyson Gracie — 9th Degree Red & Black Belt

  • Reylson Gracie — 9th Degree Red & Black Belt

  • Rosley Gracie — 8th Degree red & Black Belt

  • Carley Gracie — 8th Degree Red & Black Belt

  • Carlos “Carlinhos” Gracie Jr. — 8th Degree Red & Black Belt

  • Rolls Gracie — Black Belt

  • Carlion Gracie — 7th Degree Black Belt

  • Rocian Gracie — 7th Degree Black Belt

  • Colin Gracie — 6th Degree Black Belt

  • Rilion Gracie — 7th Degree Black Belt

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

INSTRUCTORS

Professor Leo

Head Black Belt

Professor Leonardo Kobbaz Darrigo began his practice in Jiu Jitsu in 1994 under Master Otavio Peixotinho, a great representative of the art in the 80s in Brazil. Master Otavio was student of the memorable Master Carlson Gracie, who also graduated to black belt his nephew Rocian Gracie Jr. After 19 years of training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Prof. Leonardo Darrigo has been devoted in recent years to spread the method developed by his master, Rocian Gracie Jr., for believing in the effectiveness and need to re-promote Brazilian Jiu Jitsu not only as a sport, but as a complete martial art and effective self defense.In 2004, Prof. Leo Darrigo opened his own academy in Sao Paulo, which is called Enigma Jiu Jitsu. Since then, he has been responsible for the formation of 8 Black Belts and numerous Brown, Purple and Blue Belts.In addition to the years of participation and teaching of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Prof. Leo Darrigo has in its curriculum a considerable number of courses and seminars with historical masters such as Rickson Gracie, Marco Barbosa, Otavio Peixotinho and other great names in the “gentle art”.

Erick Claros

3rd Degree Brown Belt

Erick “Ram-Man” Claros has been a dedicated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor since 2009. His bully prevention for children and self defense program is a staple in our curriculum.  Erick’s youth program focuses on respect, honor and discipline and is an important message delivered every class.  His attention to detail in every position and technique is what helps all students, both children and adults, excel in their progress.   

Prior to instructing, he was a New York City law enforcement officer for many years.  This experience is present in his teaching methods, which are very effective for kids and adults.

 

Erick teaches the Rocian Gracie Jr. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu method under Prof. Leo Dasrrigo's supervision.  He has also developed a curriculum with specific techniques for law enforcement officers and all members of service.

As a Rocian Gracie Jr. 2nd  Degree Brown Belt, under Professor Leo Darrigo, he continues to improve the quality of our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program on a daily basis.

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