Meet your instructors.

Carlos Rollyson was introduced to Jiu Jitsu at age 7 by his father in Teresópolis, Brazil. At 10, he began formal training under Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Sr., who established his first school in Teresópolis.

He also trained in Judo under Takise Ueda, a 7th-degree black belt, starting at age 12, and earned his Judo black belt in 1980 at 18 years old.

In 1982 he received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu directly from Carlson Gracie Sr. After 38 years as a black belt, he was awarded his 8th-degree red and white coral belt in 2020 by the IBJJF, making him one of only six people in the United States to hold this rank.

Richard is a devoted husband and father, a personal trainer, and a committed Jiu Jitsu practitioner. His journey began in 2015, when he first stepped onto the mat under Master Rollyson, and he's an example for everyone who balances a demanding career with the desire to train and compete.

In 2020 he stepped into the role of coach. Richard shares his knowledge with infectious enthusiasm, inspires others to start their own paths, and helps keep the academy's community tight-knit.