Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Carlson Gracie Team - Gastonia

McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts is proud to be an affiliate of Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We are officially listed as “Carlson Gracie Team - Gastonia” on the Carlson Gracie HQ website.

Carlson Gracie Jr. is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, founder of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and his father Carlson Gracie Sr., along with his father Carlos, is considered to be “one of the 5 Family Champions” of the Gracie Family.

The Gracie’s created Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) by modifying traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and judo. BJJ is a combat sport that teaches a smaller person to defend himself against a larger opponent by using leverage and proper technique.

BJJ gained popularity after Rorion Gracie, Carlson Gracie’s cousin, created the UFC with the goal of pitting all martial arts against each other to see which one was the best.  His brother Royce Gracie proceeded to win three of the first four UFC titles.

Obviously self defense is a huge benefit to training in BJJ but others include:

• physical fitness

• stress relief

• weight loss

• muscle toning

• anti-bullying

• rape prevention

• competition

• and it’s A LOT of fun!

At McGinnis the classes are taught by Professor Shawn McGinnis and Professor Mark Walls.  There are many benefits to training at our Academy:

• As already mentioned, we are an affiliate of Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu

• Carlson Gracie Jr. himself comes to our Academy at least once per year to conduct training seminars so you’ll get to train with him.

• Carlson does all belt promotions. Imagine getting promoted by the grandson of the creator of the Art.

• We have a white belt curriculum so you’ll know where you need to focus to improve to the next level.

• Classes are broken into Fundamentals and Advanced.  Beginners can attend Advanced classes but are expected to come to Fundamentals to focus on the basics.

• Upper belts and more experienced martial artists are always willing to help the less experienced students.

So with all these benefits the question is not “Why should I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at McGinnis?”, buy “Why shouldn’t I?”

Call Professor McGinnis at the Academy today for more details and to get started!