The Academy

Welcome To Gracie La Jolla Academy

What You Will Learn

For nearly a century, the Gracie family has honed the art of Jiu-Jitsu to become the most effective real-world fighting system. Time and again, the superiority of the Gracie style has been proven in street situations and professional fighting events throughout the world. Gracie techniques are based on leverage, torque, balance and momentum. When performed correctly, these techniques can allow you to overcome much bigger and stronger opponents. They make up a self-defense system that has been proven to work for everyone, even against a real-life attacker.

Affiliation

The Gracie La Jolla Academy is affiliated with Carley Gracie‘s Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Francisco and Rodrigo Medeiros‘s Academy in Pacific Beach, CA.

Philosophy

The main goal of Clark Gracie’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy is to provide the highest level of instruction to its students. Come visit our academy and try a free class with the only member of the Gracie family teaching Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego. All are welcome to join no matter your age, athletic ability, or previous martial arts experience. You will find a clean, friendly and respectful environment. You’ll learn the exciting art and sport of Jiu-Jitsu while acquiring invaluable self-defense techniques in the process.

Below:

UFC and Pride fighter Thierry Sokoudjou with Mike Powers (left)
& Clark Gracie (right) at the Clark Gracie Academy

Training

• Jiu-Jitsu Oriented Drills
• Jiu-Jitsu Competition Training
• Self-Defense For Men, Women and Children
• Escapes and Defenses
• Stand-Up Fighting
• Kicking Techniques
• Take Downs and Throws
• Ground Fighting
• Chokes and Submission Holds
• Weapons Defense
• MMA/Vale Tudo
• Muay Thai
• Fitness, Conditioning and Flexibility

 

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Instructors

Head Instructor

Clark Gracie is a member of the family synonymous with the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He is a Black Belt under Master Carley Gracie. Clark was raised in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and trained under his father, Carley Gracie(8th degree Red-and-Black Belt and undefeated National Champion from 1969-1972). Clark is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, creator of the art known today as either “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu” or “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

From childhood, Clark was exposed to his many relatives -his father, uncles, and cousins- who were masters in the art of Jiu-Jitsu and from whom he received much inspiration, encouragement, and Jiu-Jitsu training, which gave Clark the desire to be the Champion he is today. Clark Gracie has found a new home in San Diego, where he is a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and competitor.

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Location

Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy is Located at:

 

7825 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA inside La Jolla Sports Club.

 

 

 

 

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About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

The Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early 1900’s by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda (known in Brazil as Conde Koma — the “Count of Combat”).

 

Carlos Gracie was interested in street self-defense and quickly modified the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of real, “no rules” fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos Gracie tested and refined his system through numerous matches, open to all challengers, and constantly worked to make it more effective. He advertised in newspapers and on street corners to attract new opponents upon whom to practice and further refine his art. He fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. He was a mere 135 pounds, but his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil.

Grand Master Carlos Gracie

The legacy of the open challenge is a part of the Gracie tradition. Carlos Gracie taught his style of Jiu-Jitsu to his four younger brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge and Helio) and to his older sons (including Carlson and Carley), and they in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews and cousins. After Carlos retired from the ring, he managed the fight careers of his brothers and sons, who challenged fighters of all styles throughout the world. This tradition has been adopted by his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students, who continue to showcase the superiority of the Gracie style in self defense situations and professional fights.

 

Carlos & Younger Brother Helio

 

 

 

 

 

Carlos Gracie had 21 children and his youngest brother Helio had 7 sons, creating a virtual dynasty of Gracie fighters and instructors who have become ubiquitous in the world of Jiu-Jitsu competitions and “Mixed Martial Arts” events today. Gracie representatives continue to demonstrate Jiu-Jitsu’s effectiveness, and it’s no surprise that it has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

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