Don’t sneak up on Rigan Machado unless you plan to hit the ground. World-famous in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and considered one of the greatest grapplers of his time, Rigan has success in a clinch, and he’s not letting go. His Redondo Beach and Hollywood Academies are one of the leading Jiu-Jitsu centers in the country, and now he’s expanding his strong arm reach with his on-line program that takes the dojo into the real world.

Bloodline
If anyone was born to fight and lead the way in Jiu-Jitsu it had to be Rigan Machado. As the nephew of the Legendary Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was in Rigan’s blood. Training at the tender age of five with his Gracie cousins, Rigan had no idea that the sport he learned as a game would become his life’s work. By the age of fourteen he began to train more seriously with veterans Rolles Gracie and Carlos Gracie, Jr. as his instructors.

Unbeatable
Along with his four brothers, Jean Jacques, Roger, John, and Carlos, known in the martial arts world as “The Machado Brothers” Rigan began to compete and win national titles in Brazil. He became globally recognized as a shining star in Jiu-Jitsu with an unbeatable record of eight consecutive years of winning every belt division from ages 14 to 21. He totaled 365 wins with no losses and performed 19 matches in one day with all of them finishing in submission — a record no one has achieved since. He holds an eighth-degree black belt along with his massive collection of titles. He has also competed in the art of Judo and Sambo, earning 2nd place in the World Championships.

Master and Student
A master in his field, Rigan still calls himself a student of the art. Channeling his love of learning into his teaching, his Machado Redondo Beach Academy is one of the most acclaimed martial arts school in the world. He has recently opened his second academy in Hollywood, attracting star names and plenty of buzz. Although Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu concentrates on self-defense and competition, Rigan’s philosophy is “to inspire personal empowerment, discipline, confidence and respect.”

Practical Use
Unlike other martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Kung Fu that rely on punching and kicking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu incorporates what is probably the most important element in self-defense, grappling. While it may look cool to throw right hand hooks and waist high kicks, most situations often end up on the ground. Surprise and size can leave one helpless, but Jiu-Jitsu uses leverage as a fulcrum and no matter the size of the opponent, their body weight can be used against them. This makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the most practical of all the martial arts.

Anyone of any size or age can learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and feel the confidence from knowing they can defend themselves effectively.

Jiu-Jitsu History
The art of Jiu-Jitsu originated 2,500 years ago with the rise of Buddhism. The Buddhist monks however were in a quandary about how to defeat an attacker without the use of weaponry. The principles of Buddhism were utilized to create a method of self defense by using the laws of nature such as centrifugal force, weight, and inertia. From this the art of Jiu-Jitsu was born and spread throughout all of Asia, reaching Japan around 2000 B.C. The religious aspects fell away and continued efforts led to further developments within the Samurais. At one point, there were over 113 styles of Jiu-Jitsu. Today, only 64 are known by a handful of masters.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was brought to the country at the start of the 20th century by Carlos Gracie. Studying traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu from Mitsuyo Maeda (dubbed in Brazil as Conde Koma or “The Count of Combat”) Gracie incorporated streetfighting and boxing techniques to the art form. Testing his own style on street corners through open matches, Gracie, (a mere 135 pounds), took on anyone who dared and consistently won round after round, never being defeated. He became a national legend and treasure and went on to teach his brothers and sons what is now recognized as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

On-Line Classes
Keeping Jiu-Jitsu in the family is not enough for Rigan Machado. Expanding his Academies even further, Rigan offers unique on-line classes for anyone willing to “leave their ego at the door.” All instruction is given with the utmost care to personal safety, technical proficiency, and positive development for the body and mind. There’s never been an easier way to learn the art of practical self-defense. Do you Jiu-Jitsu?

Redondo Beach Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy
2416 Artisia Blvd.,
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Phone:                      310-376-2953          

Hollywood Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy
633 North La Brea
Hollywood, CA
Phone:                      323-230-9759          

Or visit www.riganmachado.com for more information about joining the on-line class.