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Head Instructor

Clark Gracie

Clark Gracie is a member of the family synonymous with the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He is a Black Belt under Master Carley Gracie. Clark was raised in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and trained under his father, Carley Gracie (8th degree Red-and-Black Belt and undefeated National Champion from 1969-1972). Clark is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, creator of the art known today as either “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu” or “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

From childhood, Clark was exposed to his many relatives -his father, uncles, and cousins- who were masters in the art of Jiu-Jitsu and from whom he received much inspiration, encouragement, and Jiu-Jitsu training, which gave Clark the desire to be the Champion he is today. Clark Gracie has found a new home in San Diego, where he is a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and competitor.

Instructors

Mike Powers

Mike Powers grew up in San Diego, surfing and enjoying the beach. After graduating from La Jolla High School, Mike became a local pro-surfer for Rusty, DC shoes and other sponsors.

He started training in Jiu-Jitsu because the Brazilians were very aggressive in the water when surfing, so he wanted to know how to defend himself in case he was to ever get into a fight with one of them. After he tried a few classes, he realized that the Brazilians were like family to him and Jiu-Jitsu became one of his passions. He also realized that Jiu-Jitsu was not a way to learn how to fight people, as much as it was a way to live a disciplined life style of respecting others.

"The way I see Jiu-Jitsu is like surfing, except you're doing maneuvers and tricks on a people instead of a wave. Instead of a cut back, I do an arm bar, instead of a tube ride, I do a choke", says Mike. "The philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu and surfing are essentially the same. You're constantly in an unpredictable situation where you need to react with the perfect amount of timing, speed and balance in order to submit your opponent."

Mike is a three-time National and Pan American champion and holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is proud to have received all his belts from world champion, Rodrigo Medeiros. Mike is grateful to God for his health, friends, family and Jesus.

Francis Keller

José Lopez

José is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He moved to San Diego in 1997 with his wife and his newborn son Justin. Growing up, his two sons had seen the UFC shows on television and, when they were ages 4 and 6, they wanted to try it out. So, José enrolled them in a BJJ academy. After a few months of observing the practive of this great art, his kid's instructor coaxed him to try it out and the rest is history.

He has been training for 8 years with BJJ Revolution team under Master Rodrigo Medeiros in San Diego and has been teaching for 5 years for Clark Gracie, his friend and teammate.

"Since being introduced to this wonderful Martial Art my view on life has changed for the better", says José. "I have become a better father, husband and person. My body, mind and soul are as one. I think Jiu-Jitsu teaches character, respect, self-confidence and most of all sportsman ship."

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