Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Fighters

This article briefly outlines some of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters. All these fighters have tasted success in their careers in local, regional, national and international competitions. Very prestigious in International Masters with a very large number of competitors from all over the world, these fighters are the greatest legends of all time.

Eddie "The Twister" Bravo is an American Practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who holds a black belt under Jean Jacque Machado.  He is the most famous for his wins as a brown belt.  He is also known for championships of the year 2003, and his unique style of no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He is also known for his mixed martial arts commentating on the the Ultimate Fighting Championship, music composition.  He lives in California where he runs his 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu school out of Legends MMA.

Royce Gracie practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is also a professional mixed martial arts fighter. Gracie became very well-known in the mid 90's with a string of submission victories over larger opponents in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.  He won 11 matches by submission and was the tournament winner of UFC1,2,4 and fought to a draw with Ken Shamrock in the super fight Ultimate Fighting Championship 5.  Demonstrated this kill and style can beat the strength and size, he produced notable wins over Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn and Kimo Leopaldo.

Wallid Ismail is a fighter and a promoter.  He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is an IVC mixed martial arts world champion and 8th time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion.  Ismail is perhaps best known for holding Jiu-Juitsu tournaments wins over four Gracie family members, a stunning victory over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Royce Gracie chocked him unconscious for less than 5 minutes.  Following his tournament wins Ismail is considered by some, to be the one of the greatest grapplers of all time.

Mitsuyo Maeda a Brazilian naturalized as Otavio Mitsuyo Maeda was a Japanese Prizefighter in no holds barred competitions.  He was also known as Count Combat a nickname he picked in Spain during 1908.  Together with Antonio Soishiro another naturalized Brazilian he pioneered judo in Brazil, UK and many other countries he was responsible for teaching the Gracie brothers, thereby making him fundamental in developing of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  He also promoted Japanese emigration to Brazil.

Leonardo Pinheiro Xavier was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  At the age of 5 he ventured into his martial art, taking judo at school.  At the young age of 13 Leo commenced Tae Kwon Do classes. At the end a friend introduced him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Leo then became good friends with his coach, Saulo Ribeiro.  Under the supervision of Saulo's eye, Leo began to help his coach with classes.  His dream came true in 1999 when he was promoted to black belt at the hands of his coach Saulo Ribeiro and Royler Gracie. He is one of an elite group who has had the privilege of teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Humaita.