Carlos Machado

Carlos Machado is the owner and chief instructor of Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Headquarters and the founder of the globally recognized Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Association. As a pioneer in bringing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) to the United States and the eldest of the Machado brothers, he holds an 8th Degree Coral Belt in BJJ and aims to share his passion and expertise with his students.

Carlos started training at the age of 4 alongside the Gracie family in the infamous “Gracie Garage”. His journey began in Rio de Janeiro, learning from his uncle, Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, and being mentored by Rolls Gracie. After moving to the U.S. in the late 1980s, Carlos and his brothers established their own academy and gained acclaim, notably through their relationship with Chuck Norris, which helped promote BJJ across the United States.

Despite the physical distance from his brothers, Carlos maintains a close bond with them. He has become known as the "Godfather of Jiu-Jitsu" in Texas, establishing one of the area’s most successful academies and training numerous competitors. His teaching philosophy emphasizes helping the average student rise to above-average levels, while also focusing on developing his instructors and expanding the Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu network globally. Off the mat, he is a devoted family man and remains committed to inspiring positivity in others.