Story & Lineage
The legacy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
A practical martial art built on leverage, timing, discipline, and strategy.
Meet Mestre Cafu
Born and raised in Brazil, Mestre Cafu began practicing Capoeira at age six and was teaching by fifteen. He helped establish the Capoeira groups Roots of Brazil, ABADA Capoeira, and Gingado Capoeira. For 30+ years he has taught Capoeira and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the U.S.
Graduated to Mestre (Master of Capoeira) in 1999 by three original students of the legendary Mestre Bimba — Mestre Pombo de Ouro, Mestre Onça Tigre, and Jota Bamberg (Mestre Angoleiro) — placing his lineage directly in the Capoeira Regional tradition. Pioneer of Capoeira in Hawaii/Maui; has built groups in California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Texas (billed as 'Texas' First Master of Capoeira Regional'). First invited to teach at San Francisco State University at 18.
Use the martial arts to reach and uplift youth, build respectful communities, and preserve Afro-Brazilian culture.
The lineage we carry
As Mestre Cafu teaches it, the Jiu-Jitsu here comes from the true self-defense roots of the art — the approach Hélio Gracie refined so that leverage and technique let a smaller, weaker person defeat a stronger opponent. That is the lineage Cafu trained in and passes on: submission-first, real self-defense — not point-chasing. He carries that old-school standard into every class.
At Gracie Fighter Bay Area, students train the principles that make Jiu-Jitsu effective: patience, body positioning, control, timing, discipline, and calm problem-solving under pressure. For kids, that means confidence and focus. For adults, fitness, self-defense, and growth. For families, becoming part of a real academy community.
From our students
“Mestre Cafu teaches great old school, self defense-focused jiu jitsu. I'm glad I found his school and I recommend it highly.”
“After seven months here, I've learned a lot. The instructor explains everything well, blending self-defense with Jiu-Jitsu seamlessly. It's a welcoming environment for both men and women, catering to all levels. Plus, it offers the best workout I've ever experienced.”
“I've been training there since April '22 and already learned a lot. Mestre Cafu is a very patient professor. I'm very happy to be part of the Ohana Gracie Fighter.”