Jiu-Jitsu and Açaí

Team Gracie and the Discovery of Açaí Energy

The Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu was created in Brazil in the early part of this century by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda, known in Brazil as Conde Koma- the "Count of Combat".

Carlos Gracie was also interested in street fighting and boxing and quickly modified many of the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of "no-rules" fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos Gracie started testing and refining his system through constant matches, open to all comers, continually working to make it more effective and lethal. The entire family and group of fighters including Fabio Santos and pioneer Machado family began practicing Ju-Jitsu and training emphatically. One of Carlson’s brothers’ Rorium was fascinated with the study of nutrition and was constantly looking for answers to the tough training schedule of the sport. He formulated a secret Amazon power mix from the Gracie family’s native Amazonian state of Pará. A purple palm fruit called açaí and a sweet syrup extract of Guaraná, a fruit with natural stimulants named after the Guarani Indians, who would ingest the Guaraná before going into battle. Traveling all over the country and internationally, Carlos fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. Although he was a mere 135 pounds, his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became legendary in Brazil. The Açaí with Guaraná also become a legend associated with Ju-Jitsu, and a short time later the entire country of Brazil became obsessed with this Amazonian fruit from “The Tree of Life”. Açai with Guaraná or simply Açaí Energy™, remains the Natural Energy Drink of the world champion Team Gracie Ju-Jitsu Academies. For more information on the Gracie influence on Ju-Jitsu please visit www.TeamGracie.com

"I've been a practitioner of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) for almost 20 years and I remember all of the old guys talking about how much they missed their açaí and how it gave them the energy and power to train for hours on end. They talked of it as if were a magic potion. So, when I would dream about going to Brazil to train Jiu-Jitsu, I promised myself that the first thing I would do would be to get a big bowl of açaí. Now I don't have to go all the way to Brazil, I just pick up the phone, place an order and the next day I've got a freezer full of the healthiest fruit drink on the planet! Thanks Amazon Thunder!!"

-Hal Faulkner, McKinleyville, CA

Gustavo Dantas: Two-time World Brazilian Jui-Jitsu Champion:

"I used to be sponsored by a juice bar in Brazil, and after training I always used to stop by and have an açaí. I miss that a lot! Now thanks to its availability, I don't have this problem anymore. It's also great that the guaraná is already mixed with the açaí, so you don't have to figure out how much guaraná to put in when you're blending one at home."

LUIS "Limao" HEREDIA- 3rd Degree Black Belt from the Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association:

These fruits are essential in my diet as a fighter and teacher. They help me very much in my hard days of training, improving my endurance and immune system. We should all give a chance to this amazing gift from the rain forest (Açaí)--it is for sure a great food, very tasty and good for your health."

Rigan Machado - top ranked jiu-jitsu fighter:

"Açaí is the best food in the world!"

Fabio Santos: - top ranked jiu-jitsu fighter

"Açaí is great...it gives me lots of energy. I eat it 3 times a week"