About the Team

The CARLSON GRACIE AMSTERDAM is the first known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Amsterdam, founded by Marcos Flexa, a Brazilian enthusiast, in 2002. It started with a small group of Brazilian friends training together, driven by Flexa's dream of growing this new sport in the city. As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was still unfamiliar in Amsterdam, Flexa had to work in restaurants, performing various tasks such as cleaning and assisting in the kitchen. He even became an independent chef. Alongside his restaurant work, Flexa taught Jiu-Jitsu at various locations, including the USC Universum Sport Center in Amsterdam, a university dedicated to sports. However, he eventually left his position as a professor at the university to establish his own space in Amsterdam West. To this day, Carlson Gracie Amsterdam welcomes students from around the world interested in learning the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that Flexa inherited from his former master, Carlson Gracie. Marcos Flexa received all the belts from Master Carlson Gracie, including the black belt in 1997. Master Carlson Gracie passed away in 2006, but the legacy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues in the classes of Professor Marcos Flexa, as well as in the teachings and seminars conducted by more than 100 black belts around the world trained by master Carlson Gracie.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Carlson Gracie Amsterdam special?

Considered by many as the most successful Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in the history of the sport, the Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Team was the true juggernaut of competitive BJJ in the 1970’s, 1980’s and early 1990’s. A team remembered for big names such as Murilo Bustamante , Amauri Bitetti, Ricardo De La Riva, Ricardo Liborio, Paulo Filho,Carlson Gracie Jr, Carlão Barreto and many, many others, the Carlson Gracie Academy was also the flagship for innovation in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, having added strong trends such as group classes, a strong focus on sport BJJ and the use of animals in the academy’s logo(s), all ideas coming from the leader of the team, the late Master Carlson Gracie.

2. What should I know for my first visit?

You will need a Kimono or “GI” and if you want to train more than 2x a week you will probably need an extra Kimono or “GI”. It’s the standard uniform most of us start with when taking a journey to learn Jiu Jitsu.

3. Do I have to bring my own equipment or is it possible to borrow some at the venue?

If you don't have a GI, for your first class I have a GI to lend you. From the second class you need to have your own GI.

4. What should I do if I have booked but cannot come?

You can contact us via whatsapp (0681911917) and we will schedule another day.

5. What else should I know?

We simply recommend that you avoid wearing watches, earrings, rings, bracelets as it is a full contact sport.