Within the Gracie Concepts® Network, there are two ways in which members can become certified instructors/teachers. According to our Gracie Concepts® standards, an instructor is, at heart, a high-performing student who is passionate about helping others and preserving this valuable tradition. You can begin this journey at any time, depending on your circumstances and goals. Some may start because there is no BJJ/GJJ school in their area; others may do so to support an existing partner school. Our network is here to support you, and we recognize the crucial role that knowledgeable and skilled instructors play in our BJJ community.

Continuing Learning and Development

We offer our members, regardless of their belt rank or status, a wide range of seminars with top international guest teachers, small ICP workshops and special training camps throughout the year. This ensures that students and teachers have great access to BJJ training and knowledge outside of the 'classical' training progr...

The first BJJ World Championship was held in 1996 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Swiss team, which was invited by Grandmaster Carlinhos Gracie (CBJJ/IBJJF), consisted of four athletes: Martin Hardmeier, Nikos Bachzetsis, Demetrio, and Franco Vacirca.

At the same time, the International BJJ Federation (IBJJF) was founded, and I had the great honor of being there as a co-founder and representative of Switzerland.

You can learn more about us and the Gracie Concepts Network here via this link

www.graciejiujitsu.eu

Find your Dojo: www.graciejiujitsu.events 

Within the Gracie Concepts® Network, we offer two different certifications for students and instructors/teachers. Students with a valid Annual Membership License must complete the minimum number of hours established by the Technical Commission to take the adult or children's color belt test.

All tests form part of a seminar led by Professor Franco Vacirca or one of his TC members. Seminars are held regularly at partner schools. Please contact HQ at info@graciejiujitsu.eu for seminar locations and dates.

Testing and new color belts and Gracie Concepts® certification are included in our Annual Member License. There is no extra charge for testing. The seminar fee is at the host's discretion.

The testing method varies based on several factors, including geographic location, availability and the specific rank you are testing for. Testing must always be in person and never online to ensure quality. We understand that in-person testing may not always be possible; however, this is the only ...

Embarking on your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) journey with Gracie Concepts® Network is both exciting and demanding. As a modern organization with deep roots in the Gracie tradition, as taught by our Grandmaster and mentor Pedro Hemetério, we offer a unique opportunity to learn about this ancient art. To maximize the benefits of your training, you need to be dedicated and consistent and understand effective practice strategies. Professor Franco has redesigned our online university program and will continue to add techniques and knowledge to ensure the instruction remains of the high quality established by the network.

Gracie Concepts® - Red Line: The 54-Lesson Program is essential for all members, regardless of their background or level. This course provides GJJ practitioners with the most important techniques and knowledge. Once you have achieved a brown belt, you can progress to the 'Alternatives' program, which builds on the previous course to provide you with additional techniques an...

The emblem of the Gracie Concepts® Network features a white '3 triangle' symbol, representing the enduring bonds of 'friendship, camaraderie and unity' among our members. Blue reminds us of our first belt color in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and of the great effort and commitment required to achieve it.

Blue also represents the fine line between chaos and order, reflecting the balance we strive to maintain in our training and philosophical teachings. White is also the official color of our BJJ 'kimonos' (Gis), representing purity and our ongoing student mindset.

The two fighters represent two-man combat and underscore our dedication to authentic martial arts values and techniques. The rich symbolism woven into our emblem serves as a constant reminder of our commitment to our history and our deep-rooted connections within our community.

Founded in 1996, just one year after the establishment of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Zuerich – Vacirca Martial Arts Academy (VAMA) under the leadership of Franco and Demetrio, the Gracie Concepts® Network has become a symbol of authenticity and inclusivity within the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, based on the Gracie tradition as taught by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie and his first red belt, Grandmaster Pedro Hemetério.

At the heart of the Gracie Concepts® Network is a culture of openness and transparency. Unlike traditional martial arts organizations, which may withhold certain techniques or knowledge as closely guarded 'secrets', the Vacirca brothers believe that sharing complete information is necessary to guarantee a full experience of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ensure the future of the 'Brazilian Gentle Art'.

Central to our mission is creating a true, sincere, open BJJ community. Whether you are new to BJJ or an experienced martial artist, you will receive the same professional service...

The Vacirca Brothers founded the first mixed martial arts Academy in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1988. In 1991, they introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to Europe. The first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy opened in Zürich in 1995, and the European GJJ Network (Gracie Concepts®) was established the following year. Franco Vacirca, also known as the ‘Professor of Jiu-Jitsu’, was the first European to earn a black belt in BJJ from the Gracie family. He remains the highest-ranked European today, holding a Coral belt and seventh degree.

He completed his training as a Jiu-Jitsu teacher under grandmaster Pedro Hemetério, the first to earn a red belt under grandmaster Hélio Gracie and the first to earn a black belt under grandmaster Carlos Gracie. Furthermore, Prof. Franco has been a student of Ajarn Surachai Sirisute since 1986 and holds the title ‘Kun Khru’ in Muay Thai boxing.

Professor Franco speaks six languages and has lived in Asia, California and Europe. He also works as a seminar leader sever...

Dear Members, Students and Teachers

Thank you for your interest in our Gracie Concepts® – Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network Europe! Here are a few important details about applying to join us:

1. I value you as a professional and reliable person and trainer. This is very important for our collaboration and the reason why I am very happy to welcome you and your team into my Gracie Concepts® network.

2. It is very important that all our Dojo/school partners represent us 100%. That is why it is also important—regardless of whether you represent other styles/schools—that you teach the Gracie Concepts® program (54 classes).

This must be done professionally and in accordance with our high VB/Vacirca Brothers teaching standards.

If you have any questions, contact us at info@graciejiujitsu.eu.

Keep it real!
- Prof. Franco