Brotherhood, Integrity, Development
In a lifetime dedicated to the growth and development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. has always guided his efforts and actions by the values of brotherhood, expansion, and integrity. Simply stated by himself:
The values and principles that build Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s personal philosophy have defined to a great extent the culture of Gracie Barra. The table to the right summarizes each one of Carlos’ core values and how they have impacted Gracie Barra as an organization
Excellence
Our team color is the red, our team flag is the Red Shield. The Red Shield connects the Gracie Barra community, our students taking their first class, our Black Belts graduating, our athletes in battle, our instructors teaching, our Schools keeping the legacy alive.
The Red Shield was created by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. with the purpose of unifying all of those who represent Gracie Barra, defend the Red Shield and pass forward the legacy transferred down from Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, and other Jiu-Jitsu legends such as Hélio Gracie, Rolles Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.
The Red Shield’s credibility was built over the years through hard work and excellence shown by the Gracie Barra students, athletes and instructors involved in sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions, teaching programs and community work. The Gracie Barra Red Shield is one of the most recognized symbols in Jiu-Jitsu today and all of those who carry it feel a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to Master Carlos Gracie Jr, Gracie Barra and the Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone movement.
Gratitude, Appreciation, Legacy
We all should learn from our past to educate the future. The pictures on the walls of every Gracie Barra School tell our story from the early twentieth century to today. First in line, Mitsuyo Maeda, the Japanese with unparalleled skill who brought the gentle art to Brazil. Next, Carlos Gracie Sr., Maeda’s first student and the first Gracie to ever learn Jiu-Jitsu. Third, Hélio Gracie, Carlos’ brother and the best Gracie fighter of his time. Fourth, Rolls Gracie, a true jiu jitsu innovator and champion of Brazilian jiu jitsu philosophy. And finally, Carlos Gracie, Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra, and the visionary of the Jiu-Jitsu for everyone project. Its our tradition of recollecting the lives of great Masters and practitioners, both as a mark of gratitude and appreciation, and as a source of inspiration from which we may still learn.
♫ Uh é Gracie Barra Aha Uhu ♫
In times of trouble, or when we have a challenge ahead, we know the importance of family and friends. In the sporting arena is no different. Whenever an athlete enters the arena of competition, the positive energy of the crowd is contagious and makes it can make his performance grow.
To prove that our motto is true and show that we really are organized as a team and we fight like family, Gracie Barra calls all who carry the Red Shield GB on their chest to unite in one crowd, supporting our competitors with a unique energy coming from different neighborhoods, cities, states and even countries.
Therefore, in the next competition look around in the venue and find the ones wearing the red shirts or holding the Gracie Barra flag and join this family, your family, and this increasingly strong support, which is only going to keep growing. The harmony between the schools will help Gracie Barra become even greater.