Reslon Gracie

Relson Gracie

9th-Degree Red Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu | Son of Hélio Gracie

The Living Standard Behind Lineage BJJ®

Relson Gracie is one of the most accomplished and influential figures in the history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. As the son of Hélio Gracie, he represents a direct link to the original Gracie self-defense system—developed long before modern sport rules, time limits, or point-based competition.

Widely regarded as one of the most effective practitioners of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Relson Gracie was an undefeated Brazilian National Champion for more than two decades. His competitive success spanned an era when matches emphasized control, endurance, and real effectiveness rather than points or spectacle.

What separates Relson Gracie from many champions, however, is not just his personal record—but the generations of students he has produced.

A Teacher Who Creates Champions

Relson Gracie is known throughout the Jiu-Jitsu community for developing highly technical, disciplined practitioners. He was among the first Gracie instructors to bring non-Brazilian students into high-level competition, where his students consistently placed—and won—against seasoned opponents.

Coaches, referees, and senior practitioners have repeatedly noted the technical precision, positional awareness, and composure demonstrated by Relson Gracie’s students. His influence is seen not only in competition results, but in the consistency and depth of understanding across his lineage.

Alongside his teaching and competitive career, Relson Gracie has remained an influential figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community, contributing to the development and preservation of technical standards over decades.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as a Complete Self-Defense System

Within the Gracie family and among long-time practitioners, Relson Gracie is often regarded as one of the foremost experts in practical self-defense. His instruction emphasizes:

• Awareness and distance management

• Clinch control and takedown decision-making

• Positional dominance and restraint

• Adaptability under pressure

This approach reflects the original purpose of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: a system designed to work in unpredictable, real-world situations—not just ideal training environments.

Relson Gracie & Lineage BJJ®

Professor Jim Thrift has trained under Relson Gracie for decades, earning his black belt and subsequent degrees directly under Relson’s supervision. That relationship forms the technical foundation of Lineage BJJ® and Calvert MMA Academy®.

Grandmaster Relson Gracie continues to actively guide his lineage. He visits affiliated academies annually to teach seminars, conduct private instruction, and oversee promotions and testing—ensuring that the standards he established are preserved without dilution.

Through this direct connection, Lineage BJJ® maintains a curriculum rooted in authentic Gracie self-defense, reinforced by accountability, technical precision, and continuity from the source.

This lineage is not symbolic. It is active, living, and maintained.

Why This Lineage Matters Today

In an era where many schools trace their lineage through multiple layers—or focus exclusively on sport—training within a system guided directly by a living master of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu matters.

It means:

• Self-defense remains foundational

• Promotions reflect understanding, not time served

• Instruction is structured, deliberate, and tested

• Technique is preserved, not reinvented for trends

This is the standard behind Lineage BJJ®.

Experience It Firsthand

The best way to understand this lineage is to experience the training environment it produces.

Start with our FREE One-Week Intro , meet the instructors, and see how Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is taught as a complete system—clearly, safely, and with purpose.

Call or text: 301-377-8773  |  Text us
Or reach out through our online contact form with any questions.

Lineage BJJ® & Calvert MMA Academy® — Where the Standard Is Preserved.