The Carlson Gracie lineage
A direct connection to one of the most influential figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, passed from Rio de Janeiro to Greater Vancouver through Grand Master Marcus Soares.
Who was Carlson Gracie?
Carlson Gracie was the eldest son of Carlos Gracie and one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A legendary competitor, coach and academy owner, he helped transform jiu-jitsu from a small family art into a global martial art practised by millions today.
Known for his pressure-based style, relentless top control and emphasis on physical conditioning, Carlson built one of the most successful teams in Brazil and produced generations of champions, instructors and academy owners.
The coach who expanded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
While the Gracie family played a central role in developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Carlson Gracie helped bring it to a much broader audience. At a time when instruction was often limited to family members and select students, Carlson opened his doors to people from all backgrounds and built a true team environment.
He encouraged his students to compete, teach and open academies of their own, helping spread Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout Brazil and around the world. Many of the instructors and athletes who later helped introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to North America and the early UFC traced their roots back to Carlson Gracie's academy.
His influence can still be seen today in the emphasis on practical effectiveness, strong fundamentals, teamwork and a willingness to test techniques through live training.
Marcus Soares and the Carlson Gracie Team
Marcus Soares joined the Carlson Gracie team in 1970 as part of its first generation and later taught at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana. In 1997, he became the first black belt to open and teach at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Canada.
For more than 50 years, Marcus has remained committed to the principles and values he learned from Carlson Gracie while continuously refining the way they are taught to new generations of students.
Direct connection to Carlson Gracie
- Member of the original Carlson Gracie team (1970)
- Former instructor at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana
- First black belt to open and teach a BJJ academy in Canada (1997)
- Canada's only 9th-degree red belt
A living lineage
A lineage is more than a name on a certificate. It represents decades of mentorship, trust and shared knowledge passed from one generation to the next.
Today, the Carlson Gracie tradition continues through Marcus Soares and the instructors teaching across our Vancouver, Langley and Maple Ridge academies, preserving the values, principles and technical foundation that have defined the system for generations.
Featured on CBC and in the Langley Advance Times.
View our affiliatesTrain under a direct Carlson Gracie student
Two weeks of unlimited classes for $29. No experience necessary.
What people ask about the lineage
Carlson Gracie was the eldest son of Carlos Gracie, a co-founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the family's leading competitor and Vale Tudo coach for decades, Carlson built one of the most successful teams in the sport's history and a style defined by relentless pressure and top control. The Carlson Gracie lineage is the line of instructors who learned and pass on that approach.
Both come from the same Gracie family but are distinct branches. The Carlson Gracie line descends from Carlson, the elder brother known for the competition-tested, pressure-heavy style; Gracie Barra was founded later by his younger brother, Carlos Gracie Jr. They share roots but teach through different lineages and curricula. Marcus Soares trained directly under Carlson, so our academy teaches the Carlson Gracie line first-hand.
Yes — directly. Marcus joined the Carlson Gracie team in 1970 as part of its first generation and taught at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, before bringing the art to Canada in 1997.
In a sport where anyone can print a certificate, a verifiable lineage is the real mark of authenticity. It tells you the detail in the technique survived intact, generation to generation. When you train here, you're learning the Carlson Gracie curriculum as Marcus learned it from the source.
Start your 2-week trial for just $29
Two weeks of unlimited classes. No experience needed. No pressure.
Prefer to talk? Call 604-725-9797.