Today we’d like to introduce you to Rolles Gracie.
Hi Rolles, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by Jiu-Jitsu. My grandfather, Carlos Gracie Sr., founded the first Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro in 1925, and my father, Rolls Gracie, carried that legacy forward by revolutionizing the art with an open-minded approach to training and learning. When I was almost four years old, my father tragically passed away in a hang gliding accident. Even though I was very young, his example and the principles he lived by became a lasting compass for my life.
I continued to train under my uncles and cousins, and Jiu-Jitsu became not only a way of life but also a way to honor his memory. I began teaching and competing at a young age, eventually moving to the U.S. to expand the family legacy and share what I’d learned. What started as a few mats and a passion for the art has grown into multiple academies—places where students of all ages can build confidence, discipline, and community through Jiu-Jitsu.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most meaningful journeys, it hasn’t been without challenges. Building an academy from the ground up—especially in new cities—has required faith, perseverance, and total dependence on God’s timing. There were seasons when doors closed, when resources ran low, or when the path forward wasn’t clear. But each challenge became a reminder that we’re not in control—He is. Looking back, I can see how every obstacle was part of His plan to shape our character, strengthen our faith, and remind us that growth comes through trust and surrender, not striving alone.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rolles Gracie Academy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rolles Gracie Academy is built on over a century of family tradition, but our purpose goes beyond preserving that legacy — it’s about using Jiu-Jitsu to build people and positively impact lives. We believe the values that make great martial artists — discipline, humility, perseverance — are also the values that shape strong character and faith. Every class is an opportunity to help students grow not just in skill, but in mindset, confidence, and integrity.
We offer programs for all ages, from our youngest Lion Cubs to our adult students, creating an environment where everyone can learn and grow at their own pace. What makes our academy truly special is authenticity. We are the only academy in Central Florida where students have the opportunity to learn directly from the source — a Gracie teaching it all. Each class stays true to the principles and techniques that have been passed down through generations of my family since my grandfather, Carlos Gracie Sr., opened the first academy in Rio de Janeiro in 1925.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the name or the lineage, but the community that’s being built around it. Our academy is a place where people encourage one another, families feel at home, and lives are being strengthened through something that has meant so much to me personally. Jiu-Jitsu is the tool — but it’s the people and the growth that matter most.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that everything happens with purpose. Every season — the challenges, the victories, and even the quiet stretches in between — plays a part in shaping who we become. When we keep showing up with gratitude and perseverance, we grow in ways we don’t always recognize right away.
In Jiu-Jitsu we say, “A black belt is just a white belt who never gave up.” That saying has guided me both on and off the mat. It’s a reminder that consistency matters more than perfection, and that real progress often comes one step at a time.
The same is true in life and business — stay teachable, stay faithful, and keep showing up. Over time, those small, steady efforts lead to transformation. Success isn’t just about what we achieve, but about who we become in the process — stronger, humbler, and more grounded in what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rollesgracielakemary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollesgracielakemary/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollesgracielakemary/
Image Credits
black and white pictures: @fox.shots
