Igor Gracie – NY BJJ was born February 4, 1980 is a 3rd degree Black Belt and son of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Rolls Gracie (1951-1983). Rolls Gracie was one of the most important members of the Gracie family, and is considered to be the father of modern Jiu Jitsu by incorporating cross training in various martial arts, including Freestyle, Greco Roman Wrestling, Sambo, and Judo.
Igor was born into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s royal family. Not only did his Grandfather Carlos Gracie create the Art, but his father and many uncles pioneered the art into a sport and what we know today as Mixed Martial Arts.
Igor began his training at the age young age of 5 in Ipanema Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with his uncle Master Rillion Gracie. When he was 18 years old he started training full time. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a lifestyle to the Gracie family as apposed to a hobby, and with that mind set and work ethic Igor earned his Black Belt at the age of 23.
Igor actively continues to test his skills on the mat as well as in the cage. He is a 4x Rio de Janeiro State Champion, 2x World Championships Bronze Medalist, Pan American Championship Silver Medalist, 2x Brazilian Nationals Champion, US National No Gi Champion 2010, and Black Belt Pan American No Gi Champion 2009.
He is also a Bellator Fighting Championship and StrikeForce Veteran who holds a Mixed Martial Arts record of 5 wins and 2 losses with 4 wins coming by way of submission.
Igor’s philosophy on teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is simple because of his emphasis on the lifestyle and leading by example. He often explains that if you think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a hobby you will get hobby like results. On the other hand once you embrace the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle you will grow as a true practitioner and see the change immediately. Igor stresses the importance of commitment and training a minimum of 2 times per week in order to keep progressing and not falling behind.
Igor continues to share the art that was created by his Grandfather Carlos Gracie to thousands of students, from private one on one lessons in the Academy to group seminars all over the world.