Congratulations to Carlos Lemos for winning the Black Belt Absolute category at the Chicago International Open! Here are some photos from the event!

Today is a sad day to Gracie Barra and to the BJJ community.

At the age of 30 Prof.Pedro Brandao is victim of a brain aneurysm.

The sum of a man’s life is not measured by the words he says or the promises he makes. It’s calculated by the actions he takes; the values he lives by; the character he demonstrates; the honor he portrays; the integrity he possesses; and the kindness he shows to the world.

If Pedrinho Lacerda Brandao was judged by these tenets, then his life would be deemed a success.

Brandao had the heart of a lion. He was a warrior; a soldier; a fighter; a competitor…he was all those things and more. He was a Gracie Barra black belt; an Army Ranger; a husband; a father; a brother; a teacher; a mentor; and a friend. He was fearless in life, which he lived to the fullest. His young, accomplished life was suddenly and tragically cut short, but the legacy he leaves behind runs long and deep.

Brandao’s journey in life began in Rio, and was molded by Jiu-Jitsu and the friends and family he made through it. “I started training BJJ because of Flavio (Almeida),” Brandao said, “We lived next to each other and surfed together. Flavio, Marcio (Feitosa), Piu Piu (Marco Joca), and I were all friends, along with my brother Marcelo. We trained under Master Carlos. He was my mentor growing up.”

Brandao said he did not have the easiest childhood, but Master Carlos was always there for him, and Brandao always listened to him. “He always helped me out,” he said, “He got me focused on Jiu Jitsu and he kept me straight. I will always be thankful to him because he gave me BJJ and it opened all the doors for me. He gave me something that no one can take away from me. It’s in my blood now.”

Later in life, Brandao moved to the States and met Bruce Corrigan, another man who changed his life. Corrigan owned a martial arts school in Tennessee and hired Brandao to work for him. Corrigan not only gave him a way of life, but also helped him get his green card so he could stay in the U.S. “Bruce was like my family in the States,” Brandao says, “When I had nothing, he gave me a hand. He gave me the chance to teach in his school. He always supported me and gave me a life here. He was fair with me. He’s a good guy.”

Brandao with one of his Rangers, Don E. Bowen, at the 2010 Pan

As you can see, Brandao lived an exemplary life of gratitude. He never took anything for granted and he worked hard for what he got. He appreciated what people did for him and also what they meant to him. This was evident when the time came that he decided to do something meaningful with his life. “I decided to change my life,” Brandao said, “I wanted to do something for the country that gave so much to me, so I joined the Army Rangers.”

A person has to be extremely physically and mentally tough to be in the Army Rangers. Brandao said training Jiu-Jitsu in his youth made him mentally strong and taught him the discipline he needed to be successful in the Army.

Brandao ended up being one of three, out of 60 who made it through Basic Training and Airborne School, then he went on to the Ranger Assessment Selection Program and passed that as well.

Brandao eventually became an instructor with the Army Rangers. He said he trained 150 kids at a time, but only an average of 40 to 50 guys made it through his program.

Brandao was in the Army for 5 years but had plans to stay longer. He said he really liked his job serving the country he’d grown to love so much.

Brandao competed in Jiu-Jitsu a lot as a kid and his record was impressive. He won the Pan at blue, purple, and brown belt. He took 3rd place in the Worlds at brown and purple belt and was a two-time Brazilian Nationals Champion.

Brandao’s presence at the 2010 Pan was made on different terms than his past attendance at these events. This time Brandao led a team of U.S. Army Rangers to the tournament, for the first time in IBJJF history. It was also the first time the Army had ever sent a Jiu Jitsu team to any Jiu Jitsu tournament, all because of Brandao. “I kept pushing for it,” he said.

Brandao said his team did ok at the Pan with the amount of training they were able to do beforehand. “BJJ is like chess,” he said, “You make one little mistake and you’re done. But this is just the beginning. The only way we can go is up. The only way to get better is to keep fighting.”

And fighting is what Brandao did best. “It takes a lot of discipline to be able to do my job,” he said. “It’s hard to stay sharp at all times. But you don’t quit. You keep moving forward no matter where you are, no matter where you go. The Rangers always lead the way.”

Even in death, Brandao continues to lead the way. He lived an honorable life and that is inspiring. He was a respected member of his family, his GB family, his circle of friends, and within his Army team. He will be remembered for the valiant, gracious, and respectful way he lived his all-too-short, but very powerful life.

Words from Prof.Carlos Lemos Jr:

“Professor Pedro was an example of sincerity,braveness and loyalty. He was a hero for the nation he served he was a hero among us and he was a hero for his family.”

He inspired many on our family and I own him a lot.

Prof.Pedro I won’t forget you my partner,my friend and my brother.

Your legacy will live forever on the hearts and lifes that you touched.

Rest in peace my brother until we meet again.

Carlos Lemos Jr

Professor Carlos has produced yet another Champion. This is news pertaining to one of Professor Carlos’ co-students at Gracie Barra Vilnius:

“I wanted to share the good news – today one of Gracie Barra Vilnius fighters became the Champion at European BJJ championship – Senior I, Super-heavy weight – Darius Rudzevicius! Training as my student from October 2008 said, Prof.Carlos’ student and main coach of Darius Vaidas Jokubauskas

One more Gracie Barra win!!!”

Congratulations Darius and congratulations Vaidas!!!

Our very own Professor Carlos was featured in an article in “On the Mat”

‘Three part video interview with Carlos Lemos Jr AKA Escorrega’

https://www.onthemat.com/news/three-part-video-interview-carlos-lemos-jr-aka?destination=node%2F1006391

In this video article David Marco interviews Prof.Carlos Lemos Jr.

Together they explore most questions about history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,Gracie Barra and Carlos Lemos Jr, going deep into Carlos’ secrets on preparation for his matches .

Part 3 is coming out soon.

We hope you enjoy it.

Yet again, Prof. Carlos Lemos Jr. rises to the challenge and doesn’t disappoint. In the last minute, spur of the moment decision, he registered himself for the American No Gi Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. Giving himself only 5 days to mentally and physically prepare, he walked away victorious in the featherweight division and a second place on the Absolute(Open Class), proving why his name is synonymous with Gracie Barra and achievement by going back home with two medals of this high class competition.

We all face modalities of adversity in our lives, but Carlos’ is unique. After building successful academy after academy, his role quickly morphed into one of a manager of sorts. While continuing to replicate his model and offer top-level instruction, fighters often fall victim to ignoring their own continued development. That said, his accomplishments here at the Nationals were a result of only training with White and Blue Belts within his own academy. This in no way discredits the talent that these students possess, but for any of us to grow or get better, we often count on other individuals “challenging” us to take our own game to the next level. This is a true testament to his drive, desire, and perseverance.

The Gracie Barra legacy continues to be fulfilled with champions and warriors like Carlos. The week prior to that, three more students under his tutelage became NAGA champions as well. We think it’s safe to say that everything his hands touch turns gold.

Carlos is not one to brag or boast about his achievements which makes him all the more likable. We look forward to following Prof. Carlos’ progress and look to follow him as it has been rumored he may be making a transition into the MMA world. A natural and expected move for an athlete of Carlos’ caliber.

Pictured here with Prof. Marcio Fietosa and Prof. Phillipe Della Monica, the Gracie Family displays a sense of genuine comradely rarely seen in other organizations.

One more tournament and new champions under Prof.Lemos Jr!

On Saturday 19th of September, the GB fight team went to Indiana USA to compete in the National American Grappling Association tournament.

Although Prof.Lemos Jr was not perosnally coaching on the mats, it was well represented by GB Springfield head instructor Prof.Marcos Barros and our purple belt champ John Tutaj.

Congratulations to our medalists:

John Tutaj No Gi Champion Advance division and 2nd place on the Purple belt Gi division
Stefan Glodik Gi and No Gi blue belt champion and
Kyle Comstock 2nd Place White Belt Division

Congratulations also to Micheal Schulte who showed great heart on his matches

It took only one minute and thirty five seconds for Gibran Alvarez, Purple belt three degrees under Prof.Carlos Lemos Jr,defeat a National Thai Boxing champion.

Gibran had a great performance which started on his feet and end with a sharp arm bar from full mount.

Gibran’s next plans are a seminar with Prof.Lemos Jr in September jn Mexico and then a trip to Midwest to traine with Prof.Lemos Jr and the rest of Gracie Barra crew.

Congratulations Gibran!

Watch the video here:

Check out this new World championships highlights video of Prof.Carlos Lemos Jr:

Its been a long time since Prof.Lemos Jr first started grappling!

The first time Prof. Lemos Jr discovered a grappling art was in 1988, when he was 10 years old in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil. The art was Judo and his sensei was Antonio Pedroso, a Brazilian air force pilot, Judo teacher and also a former champion.

Sensei Pedroso, among many unforgettable lessons, planted a very important seed on Prof.Lemos Jr heart – the love for grappling.

Prof.Lemos Jr’s grappling quest then took a different path, which lead him to become one of the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teachers and athlete.

Because of his ultimate goal to become a master in the ground game he dedicated himself completely to BJJ, interrupting his Judo training for several years, only returning to pratice Judo in solid basis on 2007 in UK with Sensei’s Andy Marshall and Les Eacock.

Early in 2009, Carlos moved to USA and started training Judo on a regular basis at Tohkon judo under Sensei Douglas Tono 6th dan and Sensei Majemite Omagbaluwage, who is 5th dan and three time Olympian.

On 18th June 2009, Prof.Lemos Jr was finally awarded his brown belt. According to prof.Carlos Lemos Jr,his training under some of the best Judo players of UK and USA is helping him on his standing game on competitions.

Prof.Lemos Jr stated, “I would not be able to come this far without the help of the great instructors and players of Erdington Judo Club and Tohkon Judo. I’m very fortunate to have them.”

Congratulations Prof.Lemos Jr on one more great achievement!

Thanks Prof.Pablo Ortega for these great pictures!