About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
A martial art built on leverage, technique, and the belief that anyone can learn to defend themselves.
The Origins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that enables practitioners to use leverage, timing and technique to gain a physical advantage over an opponent. Its origins stem from Japanese Kodokan Judo, which was introduced to the Gracie family in Brazil by Master Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 1900s.
The Gracie Family
Maeda's teachings had a profound influence on Carlos Gracie, who established the first Gracie Academy. His younger brother Helio Gracie later took over the academy and became instrumental in the development of what is now known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Helio's Innovation
Helio realised many traditional techniques relied heavily on strength and athleticism. Weighing less than 63kg for most of his life, he adapted techniques to maximise leverage while minimising strength.
The Core Principle
A smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent through leverage, positioning, timing and proper technique.
Self Defence Through Technique
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on control, escapes, submissions, joint locks and chokeholds. Rather than relying on brute force, students learn how to neutralise aggression safely and effectively.
More Than A Martial Art
Today, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. It is a sport, a fitness system, a tool for developing confidence and resilience, and for many people a lifelong path of personal growth.
About Master Pedro Sauer
One of the most respected and influential Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world.
A Direct Student of Helio Gracie
Master Pedro Sauer began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the legendary Helio Gracie. Through years of dedicated study and practice, he became one of Helio's most trusted students and instructors.
Technical Excellence
Pedro Sauer is renowned worldwide for his emphasis on leverage, precision, timing and efficiency. His teaching demonstrates how proper technique allows smaller practitioners to overcome larger and stronger opponents without relying on athleticism or brute strength.
Sharing Jiu-Jitsu Worldwide
After moving to the United States, Master Sauer played a significant role in spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu throughout North America and across the globe. His seminars, instructor development programs and academy network have helped thousands of students discover the art.
“The Technique Is Proof”
Pedro Sauer is famous for demonstrating that technique defeats strength. His approach focuses on understanding the principles behind every movement, enabling students of all ages and abilities to apply Jiu-Jitsu effectively.
A Legacy of Teaching
More than a champion, Pedro Sauer is regarded as one of the world's greatest teachers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His ability to simplify complex concepts has helped students and instructors develop a deeper understanding of the art.
The Pedro Sauer Association
Today, the Pedro Sauer Association includes academies across Australia and around the world. Members share a commitment to technical excellence, respect, continuous learning and preserving the original self-defence principles taught by Helio Gracie.
Our Connection
At Leverage Jiu-Jitsu Thomastown, we are proud members of the Pedro Sauer Association of Australia under Professor Philip Grapsas. Through this lineage, our students receive authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction rooted in proven self-defence, effective technique and lifelong personal development.