about us
Pioneering Jiu-Jitsu Excellence for Over 25 Years. Join the only official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Las Vegas dedicated to authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and unmatched expertise
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu | Las Vegas
Geracie Jiu-Jitsu has a deep-rooted history in Las Vegas, thanks to the vision, dedication, and tireless efforts of Professor Amilcar “Mica” Cipili. In 2000, Mica moved to Las Vegas with the dream of bringing the purest form of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the community. With unparalleled commitment, he opened the first-ever Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Las Vegas, establishing a legacy that continues to thrive today. Shortly after, recognizing the growing interest and demand for authentic instruction, he expanded with a second location in Henderson leading to what is today 5 schools in Nevada and 18 natinoally affiliated locations.
Mica’s journey to establishing these academies was not without sacrifices. Leaving behind his home in Brazil, Mica brought with him not just the techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu but also its philosophy and values. A dedicated student of Pedro Sauer, Rickson and Royler Gracie, he worked tirelessly to preserve and share the original teachings of the Gracie family. His relentless work ethic and passion for the art transformed his vision into reality, making Gracie Jiu-Jitsu accessible to thousands in the Las Vegas community.
Today, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas stands as a testament to Mica’s dedication and sacrifice. Through his work, he has not only elevated the martial arts scene in the city but also impacted countless lives, inspiring generations to embrace the art, philosophy, and lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu. Mica’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, making him a true pioneer and ambassador for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Las Vegas.
Our Instructors
Mica Cipili - 6th Degree Black Belt
World Champion | Pan Am Champion | National Champion
Rodrigo Teixeira
3rd Degree Black Belt
the gracie family history
In 1801 a Scottish immigrant by the name of George Gracie moved to the state of Para in northeastern Brazil. There he and his family lived for many years. In the early 1900s a Japanese man named Mitsuyo Maeda moved to the same area. The Japanese government was eager to form a colony in Brazil, and Maeda was there to help the colony prosper. In addition to his political skills, Maeda happened to be a former champion in the Japanese art of Jiu-Jitsu, and he began teaching lessons in Brazil, hoping to pass on the tradition. He became close friends with Gastão Gracie, the grandson of George Gracie. Gastao was a political figure in the State and used his influence to help Maeda and the Japanese colony. Maeda in return for the help offered to teach Gastão’s son Carlos the art of Jiu-Jitsu in return for all the help from Gastao.
In 1925, after moving to Rio de Janeiro, Carlos and his brothers opened the first Academy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, in the Flamengo area of the city. At the time, Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil. The academy quickly became an enormous success and soon the brothers were teaching the top politicians and personalities of the country.
The Gracie Academy had many instructors teaching classes all day long. What they taught, at first, was the traditional Japanese style of Jiu-Jitsu Carlos had learned from Maeda. Like judo, it was a grappling style of combat with many formal rules. Weighted down under centuries of ritualized tradition and technique, there was little room for innovation. But, half a world away from Japan’s influence, the sport found room to breathe in Brazil. Carlos and his brothers knew little of formal martial arts, and were thus able to simply discover what works best in any given situation. Free to emphasize what was effective and leave behind anything that didn’t serve a purpose, the sport quickly evolved from its parent sport into something quite different, and came to be known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Helio turned out to be a brilliant innovator, and the style he developed proved to be victorious against all others, regardless of size. Helio Gracie became the top sports figure in Brazil in the 1930s. Fighting in public events in front tens of thousands of spectators, his reputation grew immensely. For over two decades the Gracies accepted many challenges and fought a variety of opponents from different backgrounds and of different sizes. In one extreme example, brother Osvaldo Gracie, who weighed 140 pounds, fought John Baldy, who tipped the scales at 360 pounds. Osvaldo defeated Baldy with a choke hold in just two minutes.
Eventually the Gracies’ fame reached outside the borders of their homeland, back to Japan, home of the most skilled martial artists in the world at that time. The Gracie brothers issued a challenge to the best martial artist Japan had ever produced, Masahiko Kimura. Kimura stipulated that he would not fight Helio until Helio had proved himself against the second-ranked fighter in the world at that time, known as Kato.
Kato was forty pounds heavier than Helio and considered by many to be the best Jiu-Jitsu technician in the world. The two fought a legendary battle to a draw. In the rematch, Helio choked Kato unconscious with his favorite move, the front lapel choke.
Master Kimura then challenged Helio to a fight. Kimura stated at the time that if anyone so slight could survive three minutes in the ring with him, he would consider it a defeat. Helio, despite the huge weight difference and strength difference, battled valiantly for thirteen minutes before he was caught in a brilliant arm lock called “the Kimura”—now a standard move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Seeing his brother’s arm about to be broken, Carlos threw in the towel.For the next seventy-five years the Gracie family dedicated itself to the preservation and dissemination of this great fighting style—once called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, now more widely known now as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In the past years, the newest generation of Gracies have brought a popularity to the sport beyond the wildest dreams of Carlos and Helio.
Commit to Heath & Fitness
sign up for your free class today
Discover your fullest potential. Jiu-Jitsu can help every child and adult develop the mental and physical skills they need to succeed in life. At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas, the first and only authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in the city, you’ll train with the best and experience the original methods taught by the Gracie family. With over 40 years of expertise, we provide a proven approach that builds confidence, discipline, and strength in a supportive and inclusive environment.
the ogirinal and only official gracie academy in las vegas
FAQs: All About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu las vegas
Who is Amilcar "Mica" Cipili?
Amilcar “Mica” Cipili is a 5th-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and the founder of the first official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Las Vegas. A dedicated student of Rickson and Royler Gracie, Mica has over 200 competition titles and decades of teaching experience, making him a pioneer in bringing authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the Las Vegas community.
When did Mica bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to Las Vegas?
Mica moved to Las Vegas in 2000 and opened the city’s first official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy. Shortly after, he expanded with a second location in Henderson to meet the growing demand for authentic instruction.
What sets Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas apart from other academies?
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas is the only certified and official Gracie academy in the city, directly preserving the teachings of the Gracie family. With Professor Mica’s leadership and extensive competition and teaching experience, the academy offers a unique, authentic training environment rooted in tradition.
What programs does Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas offer?
The academy offers programs for all ages and skill levels, including self-defense, No-Gi training, kids’ classes, teen programs, and an adult competition team. Each program emphasizes confidence, discipline, and mastery under the Gracie lineage.
How does Mica’s background influence the academy’s teaching?
Mica’s extensive training with Rickson and Royler Gracie and his success as a competitor bring unparalleled authenticity and expertise to his instruction. His approach combines technical precision with a focus on values like discipline, respect, and resilience.
What is the history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Las Vegas?
Mica established the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Las Vegas in 2000, introducing the community to authentic Gracie teachings. Over the years, thousands of students have trained under his lineage, creating a lasting legacy in the city.
Are there opportunities for students to compete?
Yes, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas offers a robust competition program for both adults and children. Under Mica’s guidance, students have achieved success in local, national, and international tournaments.
What are the benefits of the kids programs?
The kids’ program focuses on building confidence, discipline, and respect while teaching practical self-defense skills. With Mica’s expertise and the Gracie lineage, young practitioners develop resilience, focus, and a strong foundation in Jiu-Jitsu.
our locations
CHARLESTON:
5243 W Charleston Blvd #3, Las Vegas, NV 89146
HENDERSON:
11165 S Eastern Ave STE 110, Henderson, NV 89052