The Blue Bar
A symbol of tradition, respect, and the original intent of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Why Blue?
The blue bar on our belts signifies our commitment to teaching Jiu-Jitsu as a complete art — one that includes striking, throwing, grappling, self-defense, and philosophy. In the global Jiu-Jitsu community, the blue bar is a symbol uniquely associated with the students of Royce Gracie and the Valente Brothers. Its roots stretch nearly 100 years back to the original Academia de Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil.
In 1925, when the original academy opened in Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo district, students wore white gis and white belts. Those enrolled in the instructors' training program wore a light blue belt, and graduates of that program wore a royal navy-blue belt to signify their level of mastery and teaching responsibility.
Keeping the Art Intact
In 1967, the Gracie family formalized the belt ranking system still used today — white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Black belts were distinguished by a solid red bar near the end of the belt, and red belts were reserved for grandmasters of the art.
Near the end of his life, Grandmaster Helio Gracie began wearing the navy blue belt from his early days, signaling a return to the original identity of Jiu-Jitsu. After his passing in 2009, his son Royce adopted the same belt in his honor. In 2015, all black belts under Royce Gracie and the Valente Brothers transitioned from red to blue bars, reaffirming their alignment with Helio’s philosophy.
Today, our students of all ranks, from white to black belt, proudly wear the blue bar as a tribute to this tradition.
Authenticity
Direct instruction passed down from Helio and Royce Gracie.
Safety
Train with confidence in a controlled, respectful environment.
Tradition
We instruct Jiu-Jitsu as it was directly taught to us.
Consistency
Commitment to doing it right, every time.
Integrity
Belts and rank are earned, not given.
More Than a Belt
A Legacy You Can Trust
In a world where many people seek to differentiate through shortcuts or trends, we choose to stand firmly in tradition. The blue bar serves as a reminder that we represent something bigger than ourselves: a lineage, a purpose, a legacy you can trust.