Carlos Machado

Carlos Machado is the eldest of the five Machado Brothers (in descending order:  Roger, Rigan, and John).  He is nephew to one of the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, late master “Carlos Gracie” (1900-94).  He has been involved in the martial arts since 4 years of age, under the instruction of several of his Gracie relatives.  He had the privilege to learn at different times from some of the greatest legends in the family, like late great ”Carlson Gracie”, and also another late and legendary champion “Rolls Gracie”.  His main instruction came from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu visionary and cousin “Carlos Gracie Jr”., and one of his most revered cousins “Crolin Gracie”.  He was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and shared fond memories of good old times training with the likes of cousins Rilion, Renzo, and living legend Rickson Gracie. 

His brothers Roger, Rigan, and John, each carrying on amazing careers as martial artists and entrepreneurs, have also been very influential in shaping Carlos’ skills and outlook in life. 

Carlos Machado first came to the U.S. as an exchange student in 1982, in the East Coast.  After attending Law School at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, between 1982-87, Carlos decided to follow in the footsteps of brother Rigan Machado, and along with younger brother John, travelled to the West Coast of the U.S . earlier in the 90’s.  At that time, Carlos was an instructor and associate at the famous “Gracie Barra” academy, in Brazil.  Once leaving for the U.S., the brothers started the journey to help spread Brazilian Jiu-jitsu throughout the world.

After opening two locations in San Fernando Valley and Redondo Beach, Ca, in the year of 1992, the Machado Brothers started travelling through the U.S. and other Countries giving seminars to keep up the demand for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Once good friend and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast “Chuck Norris” made home in Dallas, Texas, through his invitation Carlos Machado chose to move his operations to Dallas as well, in 1995.  Besides starting up his new school in Texas, he also appeared several times at the then very popular TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger”. 

Carlos Machado has since then started a training program for different martial arts schools around the Country, with the intent to provide down to earth and high quality guidelines for other instructors to successfully implement Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs at their locations.  Today Carlos list of affiliate members nears 30 schools nationwide, and a growing number of new members request.  He is fulfilling a dream of providing other students what it is like to learn in detail the concepts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it took him over 40 years to realize. 

He also believes that martial arts is a positive tool to change the quality of each of his students’ lives.  He lives by the motto of “ We do not just teach martial arts, but change lives”.

As a competitor and instructor, he gathers several accomplishments which are listed below.