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Samurai Armor Kusakabe Kimbe

Our Lineage

A direct connection to the roots of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

A Legacy Passed Down

Young Helio Gracie kneeling

Grandmaster Helio Gracie

Royce Gracie with an intense look

Master Royce Gracie

An instructor smiling for the camera

Professor Tosh Cook

With direct guidance from Royce Gracie, son of Helio and the first UFC champion, our students train in the same authentic self-defense system proven for generations.

A Legacy Passed Down

A depiction of an old samurai

The Samurai Warriors (1100–1900)

The samurai were elite Japanese warriors who were trained in the use of weapons and strategy. Their unarmed combat style, jujutsu, laid the foundation for modern grappling arts, using throws, locks, and strikes.

Jigoro Kano posing in a kimono

Jigoro Kano (1860–1938)

Founder of Judo and educator. Kano modernized jujutsu into a structured system, emphasizing education and competition, and served as Japan’s first member of the IOC.

Mitsuyo Maeda posing ina suit

Mitsuyo Maeda (1878–1941)

A student of Kano, Maeda traveled the world teaching and competing. He taught Carlos Gracie in Brazil and influenced the strategic phase-based philosophy that shaped Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Young Carlos Gracie posing in a gi

Carlos Gracie (1902–1994)

The eldest Gracie brother to learn Jiu-Jitsu from Maeda, Carlos refined the system through challenge matches and founded the Gracie Diet to improve performance and longevity.

Helio Gracie with an intense look

Helio Gracie (1913–2009)

Despite his physical limitations, Helio adapted Jiu-Jitsu techniques to favor leverage and timing, making them effective for smaller practitioners. He became a Brazilian national hero and fought into his 40s.

Royce gracie with an intense look

Royce Gracie (1966)

Son of Helio, Royce introduced Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the world through UFC 1, 2, and 4. He helped prove the effectiveness of BJJ against all styles and later founded the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network.

Royce posing with a new blackbelt student

Tosh Cook (1974)

Tosh brings nearly three decades of direct training under Royce Gracie to Fresno, giving students access to authentic, battle-tested techniques taught exactly as they were passed down by the Gracie family. Having fought in  numerous professional MMA matches, Tosh understands how to translate Jiu-Jitsu into practical skills that work in real life. His mission: to help every student gain real confidence, practical skills, and lasting results on and off the mat.

Royce poing with a new female blackbelt

Brittany Cook (1982)

Brittany brings leadership both on the mats and in the community. As one of Royce Gracie’s first female black belts — and a pioneer in women’s professional MMA in the Fresno area — she knows what it takes to perform under pressure. Her passion is making Jiu-Jitsu approachable for everyone, guiding students of all ages to build confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills in a safe and encouraging setting

Why Lineage Matters

In martial arts, lineage is more than a history — it’s a commitment to preserving what works, what’s real, and what’s proven. At our academy, we honor our roots not only in word but through the techniques we teach, the standards we uphold, and the integrity of every belt promotion.

7 Virtues of the Warrior

  • Rectitude

  • Courage

  • Benevolence

  • Politeness

  • Honesty

  • Honor

  • Loyalty

Keys to Health

  • Rational Nutrition

  • Sensible Exercise

  • Efficient Rest

  • Proper Hygiene

  • Positive Attitude

3 States of Mind

  • Zanshin – Alertness

  • Mushin – Clear Mind

  • Fudoshin – Emotional Balance

The 7-5-3 Code

The 7-5-3 Code is a framework of values rooted in samurai tradition. It represents the virtues, health practices, and mindsets that guide our students toward a balanced and disciplined life, on and off the mat.

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