Guardian Jiujitsu & Wellness
Jigoro Kano
Judo, 10th Dan
Kanō Jigorō (28 October 1860 – 4 May 1938) 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.
Tsunejiro Tomita
Judo, 7th Dan
Tomita Tsunejirō (February 28, 1865 – January 13, 1937), was the earliest disciple of judo. His name appears in the first line of the enrollment book of the Kōdōkan. Tomita, together with Saigō Shirō, became the first in the history of judo to be awarded the rank of Shodan by the founder of judo, Kanō Jigorō, who established the ranking system that is now commonly used in various martial arts around the world. Tomita was known as one of the "Four Kings" of Kōdōkan judo for his victorious efforts in competing against jujitsu schools. He was awarded 7th dan upon his death on January 13, 1937.
Mitsuyo Maeda
Judo, 7th Dan
Mitsuyo Maeda (November 18, 1878 – November 28, 1941), a Brazilian naturalized as Otávio Maeda, was a Japanese judōka and prizefighter in no holds barred competitions. 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. Maeda was fundamental to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including through his teaching of Carlos Gracie and others of the Gracie family. Maeda won more than 2,000 professional fights in his career. His accomplishments led to him being called the "toughest man who ever lived" and being referred to as the father of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Carlos Gracie Sr.
BJJ, 10th Dan
Carlos Gracie (September 14, 1902 – October 7, 1994) was a Brazilian martial artist who is credited with being one of the primary developers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Along with his younger brother Hélio Gracie and fellow students Luis Franca and Oswaldo Fadda, he helped develop Brazilian jiu-jitsu based on knowledge from Mitsuyo Maeda, and is widely considered to be the martial-arts patriarch of the Gracie family. He acquired his knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu by studying in Belem under Maeda and his students. As he taught the techniques to his brothers, he created a martial arts family with Hélio and with other members of the Gracie family who provided key contributions to the style.
Carlos Gracie Jr.
BJJ, 8th Dan
Carlos "Carlinhos" Gracie Jr. is the founder of the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ), also known as International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), which runs multiple jiu-jitsu tournaments around the world, including the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan American Championship and European Championship. He is a co-founder of the Gracie Barra team.
Nelson Monteiro
BJJ, 6th Dan
Nelson Monteiro is a jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. A veteran of the sport, Nelson Monteiro established his first Gracie Barra franchise in the United States back in 1990, prior to the post-UFC BJJ boom. Monteiro also taught the famous Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nayan, (a prince of the U.A.E.) and was closely involved with the creation of the biggest submission wrestling tournament in the world, the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club).
Marcelo Pereira
BJJ, 5th Dan
Marcelo Pereira is the Head instructor of Gracie Barra Sorrento Valley location. Marcelo’s black belt and teaching credentials are certified by both the Confederation & International Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With over 27 years of training and competition experience, Marcelo continues his training under Master Nelson Monteiro.
Magid Hage III
BJJ, 3rd Dan
Professor Magid Hage represents Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in Escondido California. He earned his black belt from legendary Carlos Gracie Jr.
Kisaburo Watanabe
Judo, ? Dan
Watanabe Sensei is the founder of the famous Watanabe Dojo in Japan.
Robert Brink
Judo, 7th Dan
Sensei Brink has instructed several self-defense classes and has over 50 years of judo experience. He holds a 7th degree black belt awarded by U.S. Judo Federation & a 6th degree belt awarded by the Kodokan, Japan.
George King
BJJ, 3rd Dan // Judo, 3rd Dan
Professor George King began training Judo in 1992 and BJJ in 2006. Foot sweeps are his favorite takedowns and anything lapel related is his favorite game on the ground. Schedule Your First Class.