the capital jiu-jitsu school
Royce Gracie: head instructor
Carlos and Helio had many sons who carried on the techniques and traditions of Jiu-Jitsu, but Helio's son Royce (pronounced "Hoyce") ushered in a revolution in the world of traditional martial arts in the early 1990's, competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The early UFC's asked a single question: "which style of martial arts is most effective in a real fight." The events were no-holds-barred ("NHB"), with no weight classes and no time limits. Fighters were allowed to use any strikes, take downs or submissions they pleased, and the only way to win a fight was by knockout or submission. The 175-pound Royce Gracie was able to quickly defeat much heavier and stronger fighters from all styles of martial arts, such as Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Wrestling, Boxing, Shootfighting and Kung Fu. Royce's success was convincing proof of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's superiority over other martial arts, making him an internationally recognized martial arts icon.
After his UFC victories, Royce Gracie has continued his illustrious career as a fighter and teacher. He has competed in Japan, dominating Japanese Judo Olympic gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and submitting 486-pound, 6'8" Sumo yokozuna Akebono in less than 3 minutes. Royce also founded the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network, consisting of numerous academies all over the world.
Royce spends most of his time teaching Jiu-Jitsu throughout the Network, including Capital Jiu-Jitsu in Alexandria, Virginia. He is known for being a patient, thorough and down-to-earth instructor, and through his lifestyle and demeanor, sets an exceptional example for all his students.