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.

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.

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.