Lineage in the Martial Arts

Thanks to my friend Georgette who turned me onto the story of Oswaldo Fadda (1921-2005), a red belt (9th dan) in BJJ (the greatest level a non-Gracie ever achieved).  Oswaldo trained under Luis Franca, who in turn trained under the legendary Mitsuyo Maeda.

On the 27th of January 1950 Oswaldo was abble to finally open his very own academy fully dedicated to Jiu Jitsu, but he was always seen as an outcast by the Gracie’s who failed to see the potential of a BJJ team in the suburbs. In 1951 Fadda issued a challenge to the Gracie Academy. He issued the contest through the Media stating in the Globo journal: “We wish to challenge the Gracies, we respect them like the formidable adversaries they are but we do not fear them. We have 20 pupils ready for the dispute.” Helio gracie accepted to have his students face Fadda’s. The event took place in the Gracie Academy and Fadda’s team won, making better use of their footlock knowledge, something the Gracie’s lacked and frowned uppon ever since, calling it “suburban technique” (Tecnica de Suburbano). The highlight of the competition was when Fadda’s pupil “José Guimarães” choked Gracie’s “Leonidas” to sleep.
To read the entire entry on BJJ Heroes.com click here!

This got me thinking of how many different BJJ practitioners are out there under the influence of someone other then the Gracies!?  Maeda had a number of students, and to be able to go back a little in time and train with those who were fortunate enough to get their black belt under Maeda would be an invaluable experience.

To compare and contrast their approach to the art, where for instance Oswaldo obviously had an affinity to leg attacks, which in turn shaped things for the future as we see now days the IBJJF rules (formulated mostly by Gracie lineage holders) are quite anti-leg locks.

Coming from a traditional background I find the lineage aspect of the martial arts fascinating (I actually wrote my senior thesis in college on the discipleship ceremonies in the Chinese martial arts which ties in very closely with lineage.).  The father-teacher role is no less weaker in BJJ though you rarely here about “disciples” or any other lineage mention.  But think about it… the Gracie brand IS their lineage!

I will revisit this topic in the future, but in the meantime here is some interesting tidbits:

The best all around lineage chart with individual links and info; It is called BJJ Tree.com!

From the Jiu Jitsu Laboratory a very nicely laid out flow chart of the ever “evolving” lineage of Brasa / Alliance / Telles / Checkmat / Atos:

image
And here is one of lesser convuluted family tree’s for the Gracies I have seen:

According to available data, George Gracie arrived in Brazil in 1801. He had no idea that his descendants would form the largest sports family in history.Today there are plenty family members actively dedicated to practicing, teaching and competing, to ensure that the legacy of GRACIE JIU-JITSU will go on….
George Gracie Pedro Gracie and Maria C. Martins Ribeiro Gastao Gracie and Cesalina Pessoa
Carlos with
Carmen
Carlson Rosane
Karen Julia
Carlson Jr
Robson
Carla Deborah
Neiman
Francy Frederico
Christian
Charles Riury
Victoria
Keila Georgia
Renzo Coralina
Ruran
Flavia Kyra
Rayra
Ralph Rayna
Rayza
Ryan Rayron
Kenya
Hanna
Robson
Clara
Geysa
Cassia Denise
Ranna
Corina
Jaqueline Sonja
Aisha
Riller Raissa
Rairon
Hormindo
Bianca Gabriela
Nayes
Rose
Maria Luiza Rose Stephanie
Riane Raianne
Marco Antonio Karina
Stephania
Veraluz
Juramidan
Kael
Flor
Cires
Tintuma
Burum
Angela Karmen
Abel Felipe
Ramon
Israel
Ana Maria Flavia
Sonja Cesar
Ilda Oneica Kendra
Stanley
Lina Reyson Kendra
Carlos III
Geny
Reylson Reryckson
Rossene Leonardo
Alessandra
Cesar Kendrick
Kevin
Rodrigo
Rosley Crosley
Kandria
Andrew
Raylla
Stephanie
Rolange Hulya
Herica
Heily
Hubra
Hallison
Heather
Carley Tania
Clark
Ralston
Rocian Rocian Jr
Carlion Jennifer
Wilbert
Elbienn
Joelssy
Clayr Ana Carolina
Claudia
Rolls
Rolles Kyara
Igor
Layr
Carlos Jr Caroline
Kayron
Karla Ronis
Cesalina
Karla
Crolin Lyra
Kyvia
Rulivan
Yohan
Larin
Reila Vanessa
Roger
Barbara
Rillion Rogan
Kirla Kyron
Kywan
Viktor
Oswaldo
Iros
Marcela Pedro
Monica Mariana
Michela Marcos
Oswaldo Neto
Gastao Jr
Helio Kendra
Leandro
Gastao Renato
George Maria Helena
Liana
Renata Pedro
M.Eduarda
Rodrigo
George Deborah
Yan
Georgia
Helena
Helio
Margarida
(1st wife)
and Isabel
(natural mother)
Rorion Rose Stephanie
Riane Raianne
Ryron
Rener
Ralek
Segina
Reylan
Roran
Renon
Relson Karina Rayana
Rishna
Rhalan
Kailani
Rickson Rockson
Kauan
Kaulin
Krohn
Vera
(2nd wife)
Rolker Renan
Ranna
Royler Rayna
Raissa
Rhauani
Rarine
Royce Khonry
Khor
Kheydon
Rherika Kroyler
Kayron
Robin Khloe
Khlaire
Ricci
Mary
Ilka
Angela Brian
Allan
Karla Gavin
Rodney
Glenda
Leila Ricky
Julie
June Egon
Peter
Ricardo Maite
Larissa
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