About IGJJF
Mission Statement:
The International Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Federation was created to uphold the standards of quality of Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.
Mission Objectives:
- To establish an accreditation/rating system that will help regulate the Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training centers worldwide.
- To host competitions which emphasize victory by submission and not by the technicality of the point system.
- To recognize certified belt holders.
A Word From The Grand Master:
Dear Friends,
It has been an exciting lifetime since my initial involvement with the wonderful art of Jiu-Jitsu almost 80 years ago. Witnessing my contributions gain worldwide acceptance and having Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu recognized as a style of martial arts on its own right, has been a thrill that exceeded all my expectations.
I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the main reason I have dedicated my life to the improvement of this system: Jiu-Jitsu is first and foremost a martial art, an art of combat. All the improvements that I have made were with the goal of maintaining that objective.
However, I have observed that the popularization of Jiu-Jitsu is taking the focus away from the essence of its existence. Current Jiu-Jitsu competitions have too many rules that encourage a mentality of stalling instead of an objective pursuit of excellence through gaining submission.
I believe the time has come for us to join together and re-focus on the true purpose of what is the most effective form of combat in the world today. Competitions should be a means for you to polish your self-defensive skills in a safe environment. Instead, many people today are learning to use the subtlety of the rules to win tournaments. This practice more often than not rewards unworthy champions.
The International Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Federation has been created with my blessing, to organize events that will set new standards in the practice of Jiu-Jitsu. I hope you join me at this crucial turning point in Jiu-Jitsu history.
Warm Regards,
Helio Gracie
