Grappling Heritage
It isn’t actually important
There can be quite a lot of confusion when it comes to heritage and lineage within the Martial Arts.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a comparative newcomer to the world stage where it’s popularity skyrocketed when Royce Gracie used the art to win the first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship back in 1993. Although there is little doubt that BJJ has become one of the most effective and fastest growing combat arts in the world, there is often confusion as to what makes BJJ authentic.
We sometimes hear questions like:
“How exactly did Japanese Jiu-Jitsu / Judo become become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
“Is Gracie Jiu-jitsu different to / better than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?”
How is sport Jiu-Jitsu different to Jiu-Jitsu for self-defence?
If you don’t train in the Gi - are you still doing Jiu-Jitsu?
Is training in the Gi realistic?
Is a black belt legit if they aren’t IBJJF certified?
Is wrestling part of BJJ?
If you can’t trace your lineage all the way back - is your style authentic?
etc etc
In our opinion, questions like these are unhelpful as they can cause unnecessary rifts between proponents of the art.
Thoughts on Loyalty and Cross-Training
Loyalty is important - but it should never stifle growth. Loyalty should come from respect - and respect needs to be continuously earned. At TFAA we are a no-politics martial-arts club. We don’t like cults within martial-arts and we never expect blind-loyalty. Everyone (regardless of affiliation) is free to come and train with us and is welcome on our mats.
Similarly, our students are free (in fact encouraged) to cross train at different academies as we believe diverse perspectives help the ongoing evolution of the sport.
We do have a few asks of people who cross train at different places though:
Communicate with your coaches. Let us know where you are going (and why).
Always be respectful and thankful when visiting other academies (you represent TFAA on and off the mat).
Demonstrate humility and kindness in all you do.
If you are a lower-belt (white > blue) you are likely still developing your foundation (rather than specialising on your personal game). At this stage in your development, regular cross-training in our opinion tends to be less beneficial as it can provide mixed messages. (Seminars and camps by contrast are fine as these are one-off events)
Don’t forget where you came from… return regularly to share newly acquired knowledge with the TFAA team.
Our Lineage and Grappling History
At TFAA, we have always believed that diverse perspectives are a source of strength and knowledge. The TFAA coaching team is lucky to be able to draw upon wide ranging experience from a storied lineage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneers. We’re proud to stand on the shoulders of those who shaped the art — while continuing to evolve it, together.
The TFAA coaching team is a tapestry of great people. Different skills, different approaches, different styles, different histories - yet all aligned through the common purpose of helping EVERYONE become the best version of themselves both on and off the mats.
Our collective lineage is impressive but truth be known - we don’t actually think lineage is all that important.
Acknowledging your history is valuable… (but your last hard roll is what tells you who you are and how good you are.).
We care more about building a future-proof legacy and paying it forward than dwelling on lineage and looking backwards.
For the historians amongst you, the following diagram should give you an idea of where our jiu-jitsu comes from.
1) Kano Jigoro
Kanō Jigorō (嘉納 治五郎) was a Japanese educator and athlete, the founder of Judo.
Judo was the first Japanese martial art to gain widespread international recognition, and the first to become an official Olympic sport. Well-known mottoes attributed to Kanō include "maximum efficiency with minimum effort" (精力善用 seiryoku zen'yō)
2) Yokoyama Sakujiro
Yokoyama Sakujirō (横山 作次郎, 1864 – September 23, 1912), was one of the earliest disciples of Kanō Jigoro. He was considered the most formidable of all judo experts of his time, which reflected in his nickname of "Demon Yokoyama" (鬼横山 Oni Yokoyama).
3) Hajime Isogai
Hajime Isogai (磯貝 一 Isogai Hajime, October 26, 1871 – April 19, 1947) was an early student of Judo and . He was considered to be a "newaza" (Ground Grappling Techniques) expert. He was an early promoter of the kosen judo circuit. On December 22 1937, he became the second person to be awarded the 10th dan grade and the first living person to be presented with it.
4) Mitsuyo Maeda
A Brazilian naturalised as Otávio Maeda was a Japanese judōka and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions, also being one of the first documented mixed martial artists of the modern era for he frequently challenged practitioners of other arts and sports.
He was also known as Count Combat or Conde Koma in Spanish and Portuguese, a nickname he picked up in Spain in 1908. He pioneered judo in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
The Inglorious Grapplers Lineage Tree
- Carlos Gracie Sr.
Carlos Gracie Sr. is the founding patriarch of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After learning traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu from Mitsuyo Maeda in Brazil, Carlos began adapting the art to suit the realities of self-defence and real combat. In 1925, he established the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, laying the foundation for what would become a global martial arts movement.
Carlos passed on his knowledge and philosophy to his many brothers, children, and students, emphasising discipline, strategic thinking, and a holistic lifestyle. His contributions sparked the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into an effective and accessible system, capable of empowering smaller individuals to overcome larger opponents through technique and leverage.
- Hélio Gracie
Often called the “Patriarch of the Gracie Family,” Hélio Gracie refined the techniques he learned from his brother Carlos to suit his own smaller frame. Unable to rely on strength or explosiveness, Hélio innovated new methods rooted in timing, leverage, and defensive efficiency — elements that now define Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a martial art.
Hélio became a symbol of BJJ’s power by defeating larger opponents in high-profile matches, demonstrating the effectiveness of technique over brute strength. His legacy lives on not only through his many children and students but also through the foundational principles that guide BJJ practitioners today.
- Rolls Gracie
Rolls Gracie is often regarded as one of the most talented and innovative martial artists in the Gracie lineage. A student of both his uncles and his older relatives, Rolls pushed the boundaries of BJJ by integrating techniques from wrestling, judo, and sambo into his game. His vision of cross-training and open-minded evolution profoundly shaped modern jiu-jitsu.
Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 31, Rolls’ impact on the sport is immeasurable. Many of his students went on to become legendary instructors and competitors, making him a pivotal figure in BJJ’s development into the dynamic and well-rounded discipline we know today.
- Maurício Gomes
Maurício Gomes, affectionately known as the “Godfather of British Jiu-Jitsu,” is a direct black belt under Rolls Gracie. Renowned for his technical precision and dedication to teaching, Maurício played a vital role in bringing BJJ to the United Kingdom. Through his work as an instructor and ambassador of the art, he laid the groundwork for the UK’s jiu-jitsu boom in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Maurício is also the father of Roger Gracie, one of the greatest BJJ competitors of all time. His influence is still deeply felt across Europe, where many black belts and successful academies trace their roots back to his guidance and mentorship.
Professor Jude Samuel
Jude Samuel is one of the most experienced and respected figures in UK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He holds a 4th Degree Black Belt and was the first British black belt appointed by Maurício Gomes — a true pioneer of the art. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Jude’s technical depth is matched by his deep understanding of the sport’s culture, politics, and evolution. He is a two-time IBJJF European Champion, a three-time IBJJF European medalist, and currently serves as the matchmaker for Bellator MMA.
Beyond competition, Jude has long been a champion for athletes’ rights and representation within the sport. He previously served as the Principal Council Officer for the UKBJJA, working tirelessly to ensure that all BJJ practitioners — from grassroots to elite level — have a voice in the governance of the art.
Jude leads Inglorious Grapplers, a community-driven organisation rooted in openness, adaptability, and mutual respect. The affiliation rejects outdated hierarchies and politics in favour of collaboration, versatility, and personal growth. It promotes cross-training, individual expression, and the pursuit of excellence through hard, honest training.
The Fighting Arts Academy is proud to be affiliated with Inglorious Grapplers.
Our Head Coach Darius regularly trains under Jude’s guidance. Jude’s mentorship plays a vital role in helping shape the technical standard and inclusive ethos that define our academy.
Our TFAA Coach Tom Wayling is a regular on the mats at Inglorious HQ where he was awarded his black-belt.
The Arlans Siqueira Lineage Tree
- Geo Omori
Jyoji Omori (1898–1938) or Geo Omori as he became known in Brazil, was a Japanese-born Brazilian martial artist who is credited for being one of the creators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Born in Tokyo, Omori joined the Kodokan school in 1907 at age 9 and gained his black belt in 1915 at age 17.
He learned under Tokugoro Ito and was a training partner of the famed Sanpo Toku. After moving to Brazil in 1925, he taught Jiu Jitsu and Judo in Rio de Janeiro, and in 1931 he opened a school in São Paulo. Omori is considered instrumental in the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by establishing the first Jujitu school in São Paulo. Omori was one of the first prominent mixed martial arts competitors of his era. He helped to initiate the Vale Tudo trend of the 1920s and 1930s in Brazil. Geo had an extensive fight history engaging fighters of various styles including capoeira, boxing, and wrestling. He fought many members of the Gracie family including George Gracie and Carlos Gracie.
- Takeo Yano
Takeo Yano was a Japanese judoka who helped in the establishment of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Brazil. Yano was a standout in judo, learning it in the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai under the renowned Hajime Isogai. He worked with the Ono brothers, Yasuichi and Naoichi. They taught at Judo North of Brazil.
He also taught in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In 1937, Yano fought Hélio Gracie to a draw. As a fighter he took on the name ″Oriental Demon″.
Yano is thought to have introduced the heel hook into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Yoshio Kamada
In July 1934, a Japanese judoka Yoshio Kamada arrives in Brazil. in 1953, in the city of Belo Horizonte, he began teaching Judo at Mineira Tennis Club.
Yoshio was an expert in massage therapy, agriculture and martial arts, having an 8th Dan Judo degree.
- Master Hilton Leao da Silva
Hilton Leão da Silva (born April 11, 1946) is an 9th Degree Red Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
He is the actual president of Liga Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu and also the head of Leão Dourado Brazilian jiu-jitsu Association in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Having originally achieved his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1975.
Master Hilton Leão is still an avid practitioner of the art. In 2008, at 62 years old, he fought Célio Caneca on the International Masters & Seniors of Jiu-Jitsu. 2008 also saw him receive his 8th Degree in jiu-jitsu by president of Federação Mineira de Jiu-Jitsu, Adair Alves de Almeida.
In 1975, he competed in a Tournament for the Foundation of the Mining Federation of Jiu-Jitsu, and won the "Absolute Champion of Vale-Tudo" title. There were five fights and he achieved five victories, competing with several champions from other martial arts. The referee of these fights was Grand Master Hélio Gracie, who came especially from Rio de Janeiro for this event.
Leão Dourado means golden lion in Portuguese.
- Professor Roberto Ferreira (Beto)
In 1993, Professor Roberto Ferreira (Beto) received his black belt from FMJJ (Federação Mineira de Jiu-Jitsu). The following year, a small class gained popularity and as a consequence, the Wall Street Fitness Academy coached by Beto soon opened its doors.
This collaboration between the Wall Street Fitness Academy and the Leão Dourado Sports Association saw Professors Roberto Ferreira (Beto) and Hunderson Cláudio build a team under the supervision of Master Hilton Leão da Silva.
This team became the undefeated Adult Champions of the Mineira Championship of 1995.
Beto affiliated with Alliance under Romero “Jacare” Cavalvanti but in 1996, Professor Roberto Ferreira (Beto) founded his own team - BETO & CIA
In 2012 he was honoured by the Mayor of Belo Horizonte for his services to jiujitsu. In 2015, he was awarded his 5th Degree by Master Hilton Leao himself. In 2018, he received his 6th Degree. He has since been promoted to coral belt.
- Arlans Siqueira
At the age of 16 Arlans began learning Jiu Jitsu under Professor Roberto Ferreira (then with Leao Dourado). Later he also trained under Professor Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhaes from Gracie Barra.
Arlans Siqueira arrived in London UK on 13th May 1997 with a single suitcase containing little more than a Jiujitsu Gi and a Brown Belt. He began teaching in his Tottenham and Seven Sisters academy in 1997 and is widely credited with being the first person to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the UK.
All this just 4 years after Royce Gracie made headlines with the art by winning the first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship.
As his family responsibilities grew, Arlans continued his own personal training but took a break from teaching. In 2007, Arlans re-established his Academy in the UK. For over 20 years he has maintained a very high standard of teaching ranging from beginners to advanced competitors.
TFAA Head Coach Darius & TFAA Coach Marco were both awarded their black-belts by Arlans but have since affiliated with Inglorious Grapplers under Jude Samuel.
The 10th Planet Lineage Tree
- Carlos Gracie Jr.
Carlos Gracie Jr., also known as “Carlinhos,” is one of the most influential figures in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The son of Carlos Gracie Sr., he inherited both the technical brilliance and visionary mindset of his family’s legacy. In 1986, he founded the Gracie Barra academy, which has since become one of the largest and most respected BJJ organisations in the world. Carlos Jr. is also the founder of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), which has standardised competitive rules and helped globalise the sport. His emphasis on structured curriculum, high-level instruction, and community-building continues to shape the international BJJ landscape today.
- Jean Jacques Machado
A member of the legendary Machado family, Jean Jacques Machado is one of the most technically gifted and inspirational figures in the BJJ world. Despite being born with amniotic band syndrome, which left him with underdeveloped fingers on one hand, Jean Jacques became a world-class competitor. It was perhaps his condition that helped him dominate even without grips - his legacy can still be felt in the modern no-gi game of the sport.
He is known for his innovative, flowing style and deep understanding of the art. As a direct student of Carlos Gracie Jr., Jean Jacques earned his black belt under him and went on to spread Machado Jiu-Jitsu in the United States, becoming a beloved teacher to both world champions and celebrities alike.
- Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu founder, a pioneer of no-gi grappling, and one of BJJ’s most polarising innovators. A black belt under Jean Jacques Machado, Eddie made waves by defeating Royler Gracie at ADCC 2003 — a moment that signalled a shift in the grappling world. He went on to develop the 10th Planet system, known for its unorthodox techniques like the rubber guard, lockdown, and twister. Eddie’s approach emphasised creativity, flexibility, and effectiveness without the gi, attracting a new wave of athletes and thinkers to the sport. His legacy is that of a disruptor — reimagining jiu-jitsu for the modern era.
Jamie Scott is one of the UK’s most dedicated proponents of the 10th Planet system and a key figure in bringing Eddie Bravo’s unique style of no-gi jiu-jitsu to a broader British audience. As a black belt under Eddie Bravo, Jamie founded 10th Planet London, creating a hub for leglock-heavy, modern submission grappling in the capital. His coaching style reflects the 10th Planet ethos: innovative, detailed, and open-minded. Jamie has helped shape a generation of no-gi specialists in the UK, emphasising experimentation, functional movement, and the practical application of techniques in both competition and self-defence.
TFAA Coach Andrew Davy who leads the No-Gi curriculum was awarded his black-belt by Darius and Marco but regularly trains with Jamie at 10pLondon.
- Jamie Scott
The Grand Union & London Grapple Lineage Tree
- Roger Gracie
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes of all time, Roger Gracie is a 10-time IBJJF World Champion and an ADCC champion, known for his flawless fundamentals and submission dominance. A direct descendant of the Gracie family (son of Mauricio Gomes and grandson of Carlos Gracie Sr.), Roger’s legacy blends elite competitive success with a deep commitment to technical purity. After retiring undefeated in MMA, he established the Roger Gracie Academy, helping raise the global standard of BJJ instruction and building one of the most respected competition teams in Europe.
- Cesar Lima
Cesar Lima is a respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Mauricio Gomes and was one of the first black belts to teach in the UK. As a key part of the Roger Gracie lineage, Cesar helped grow the sport during its early UK expansion and mentored numerous instructors and athletes across the country. Known for his calm demeanour and technical clarity, Cesar is both a competitor and coach who helped lay the groundwork for the high-level BJJ we see across the UK today.
He founded Grand Union BJJ where our TFAA Women’s Coach Vava used to train.
- Ross Nicholls
Ross Nicholls is one of the UK’s premier no-gi submission grapplers and a black belt under Cesar Lima. A standout on the European scene, Ross gained international acclaim with wins over high-level opponents at ADCC Trials, Polaris, and other top-tier events. Known for his precision, guard work, and leglock game, Ross is part of the new generation of British grapplers making a global impact.
He is also the founder of London Grapple, where he develops some of the country’s most promising no-gi athletes. TFAA Women’s Coach Vava also trained with Ross.
BJJ School / Escola de Jiu-Jitsu Lineage Tree
- Felipe Alves de Souza
Jose Henrique ‘Leão’ Teixeira, also known as “Zé Beleza,” is a respected coral belt and one of the earliest black belts under Carlos Gracie Jr., founder of Gracie Barra. Leão is widely known for his technical depth, charisma, and contribution to the development of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. He was instrumental in the early formation of the Gracie Barra team and remains a significant influence within the broader Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. His nickname, “Zé Beleza,” is a nod to his laid-back but precise teaching style, which blends a deep respect for tradition with encouragement for personal expression on the mat. His academy is Escola de Jiu-Jitsu.
- Felipe Alves de Souza
Felipe Alves de Souza is a black belt under Jose Henrique ‘Leão’ Teixeira and part of the Gracie Barra lineage through Carlos Gracie Jr. Known for his clean, technical approach and strong fundamentals, Felipe has continued the tradition of teaching Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on detail, discipline, and community. His style reflects the influence of his mentor’s philosophy — fostering both effective grappling and strong character development in his students. He founded BJJ School.
This is where TFAA’s very own “obi-wan” and coach James Carey used to train before finding his new home at TFAA.
ZR Team Lineage Tree
- Carlson Gracie
Carlson Gracie aka “Carlisão” was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), known for expanding the art beyond the confines of self-defence into the realms of competition and vale tudo (no-rules fighting). The son of Carlos Gracie Sr., Carlson earned fame not only for his own fighting career but for producing some of the most successful and aggressive competitors in BJJ and MMA history. His approach to Jiu-Jitsu emphasized top pressure, conditioning, and a team-oriented, open-sharing philosophy that broke away from the secrecy of earlier generations.
- Luis Roberto Duarte
Known as “Bebeo”, Duarte carried the values and methodologies of the Carlson Gracie Team into the next generation. While not as widely publicized as some of his contemporaries, Duarte played a vital role in transmitting Carlson’s competitive and technically evolving style to students throughout Brazil and beyond.
- Nelson Solari
Nelson Solari is a lesser-known but influential figure within the Carlson Gracie lineage, particularly respected in the South American grappling community. His instruction helped bridge the traditional roots of BJJ with its modern, international expansion, fostering talent across Latin America and mentoring students who would become notable instructors and athletes in their own right.
- Wilson Jr
A direct student of Nelson Solari, Wilson Jr has been instrumental in mentoring black belts and spreading the Carlson Gracie lineage through South America and into Europe. He is known for a strong technical base and an old-school, pressure-heavy style that reflects his roots in the Carlson tradition. The first Carlson London academy finally opened in January 2002 in The Albany Hotel in Earls Court London. Wilson’s instructor, Carlson Gracie Black Belt Nelson Solari arrived in the U.K to instruct alongside Wilson and help run the team.
- Alain Pozo
A black belt under Wilson Jr, Alain Pozo is one of the leading figures in British BJJ today. Known for his methodical teaching and deep technical knowledge, Pozo has built a reputation for developing high-level athletes and instructors. He is the founder of Carlson Gracie Essex and played a pivotal role in growing the UK BJJ scene. Pozo remains deeply committed to the values of the Carlson Gracie Team—hard training, loyalty, and technical excellence. After earning his black belt under Wilson Junior, Pozo returned to his roots by affiliating with his original instructor, Master Zé Radiola, and establishing the first ZR Team affiliate in the United Kingdom in 2017. Our very own TFAA Coach David “Strong-Man” Oliver used to train here before finding his home at TFAA.
