Rigan Machado

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Born on July 2, 1966, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rigan Machado grew up deeply immersed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culture. As the nephew of Carlos Gracie Senior, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Machado began training at a young age, regularly rolling with his cousins and developing a solid technical foundation. Around age 14 or 15, he intensified his training regimen, laying the groundwork for his future competitive achievements.

Training Under Rolls Gracie and Carlos Gracie Junior

Machado's formal training accelerated under the legendary Rolls Gracie, one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most influential figures. He trained directly under Rolls until the master's tragic passing in 1982. Following this loss, Machado continued his development under Carlos Gracie Junior, Rolls' trusted second-in-command. Machado quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an assistant instructor and eventually earning the distinction of being Carlos Gracie Junior's first-ever black belt.

Establishing Machado Jiu-Jitsu in the United States

In the late 1980s, Machado relocated to the United States, initially teaching at Rorion Gracie's academy in Los Angeles. After a year, philosophical differences regarding class structure and teaching methods led Machado to depart. Unable to use the "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" name due to legal rights held by Rorion, Machado—with Carlos Gracie Junior's approval—founded his own academy, Machado Jiu-Jitsu. Hollywood actor Chuck Norris provided crucial early support, significantly boosting Machado's visibility and helping establish the academy's reputation.

Coaching High-Profile Fighters and Celebrities

Machado has coached numerous elite fighters, including former UFC heavyweight champion Rico Rodriguez. His Beverly Hills academy has become a training ground for celebrities such as Chuck Norris, martial arts legend Dan Inosanto, and actor Ashton Kutcher, whom Machado notably promoted to brown belt—a milestone that garnered widespread attention. Recognizing the unique needs of VIP clients, Machado developed a specialized "no-sparring" Jiu-Jitsu system emphasizing technical drilling over full-contact rolling, allowing high-profile students to train safely and effectively without injury risk.

Competition Style and Cross-Discipline Success

Throughout the 1980s, Machado was widely regarded as one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's toughest competitors. Due to the limited availability of high-level BJJ competitions in the United States at the time, Machado expanded his competitive horizons, successfully competing in Sambo and Judo tournaments. His adaptability and technical prowess earned him multiple titles, including three Pan American championships and four national US championships in Sambo, highlighting his versatility across grappling disciplines.

Influence and Legacy in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Beyond competition, Machado has profoundly influenced the global BJJ community through his teachings and publications. He authored the highly regarded "Encyclopedia of BJJ," a comprehensive resource widely utilized by practitioners worldwide. In 2024, Machado and his four brothers were honored as legends at the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing their significant contributions as instructors and ambassadors of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Machado remains actively involved in spreading Jiu-Jitsu internationally, conducting seminars and masterclasses, including a seminar tour at his brother's Texas academy in December 2023 and an 8th-degree coral belt masterclass in New Jersey in March 2024.

Ventures into Wellness and Entertainment

In April 2023, Machado partnered with OYA, a luxury wellness resort platform, integrating martial arts philosophy into high-end retreat experiences. He praised OYA's concept for sharing the "same philosophy and culture as Jiu-Jitsu." Additionally, Machado expanded his influence into the entertainment industry, making his directorial debut in 2024 with the MMA-themed action movie "Blow for Blow." Featuring a professional cast, this project marked a significant milestone in Machado's diverse career, underscoring his ongoing dedication to promoting martial arts culture across various mediums.