Since 2008
Rooted in Rio.
Grown in Miami.
We are deeply committed to preserving and spreading the authentic art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, rooted in its original traditions from Rio de Janeiro — and bringing its pure essence to the West Kendall community.
Our Philosophy
Jiu Jitsu that transforms lives
A dojo is a reflection of its leader — and ours leads selflessly, with humility and without ego, always willing to give the shirt off his back to help a student. Forgiveness, mercy, and love are the way he walks, and this academy reflects those attributes.
Jiu Jitsu is the tool we use to change, transform, improve, and unify people and families. The lessons learned on the mats go far beyond fighting — into personal improvement and the traditional code of the warrior. This school is a family, and water can be thicker than blood.
“I would rather have one student that changed his lifestyle and heart through Jiu Jitsu, than five hundred champion fighters.” Master Michel “Buiu” Porfirio Pereira, 2009
Bushido — The Way of the Warrior
Seven virtues we live by
Our classic-style martial arts system upholds the traditional code of the warrior. None of its seven characteristics have anything to do with fighting or violence.
Our History
From four students to a movement
Carlson Gracie Miami Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA Academy opened in June 2008 with four students under Master Michel “Buiu” Porfirio Pereira — a world-renowned professor with over three and a half decades of knowledge in the most effective self-defense system known to man.
Under the direct lineage of the Carlson Gracie legacy — within one generation of the Gracie family — the academy is a member of the Carlson Gracie Federation, which stretches around the world from continent to continent. Master Buiu is one of only five men certified under the American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation to teach under this prestigious lineage in the United States, and a vital member of the IBJJF.
Within four and a half years, the academy outgrew its first location and became one of the largest academies in the southeastern United States. In 2009, Master Buiu was instrumental in bringing one of the biggest international IBJJF tournaments in the world to South Florida — the first in the state — earning a ceremonial award from the Gracie family for “The expansion of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in South Florida.”
The Lineage
The road to Miami
Rio de Janeiro roots
A young Michel “Buiu” Porfirio begins his martial arts path in Rio — first Judo, then Shotokan Karate in Leblon, where he starts teaching beginners.
Introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Two friends — both Carlson Gracie students — invite Buiu to learn the new art. He never looks back.
First black belt of Nova Geração
Years of work pay off: Buiu becomes the first black belt produced by Nova Geração Jiu Jitsu, then teaches across Brazil, developing champions.
Educating children for the future
In the Dona Marta favela, Buiu teaches free Judo and Jiu Jitsu to 300 impoverished children — taking kids off the streets and away from trafficking.
Arrival in Miami
After teaching in Philadelphia, Buiu moves to Miami Beach to share Jiu Jitsu with friendship, discipline, respect, education and peace.
Carlson Gracie Miami opens
With the help of close friends, the first official school opens in June with four students. It becomes one of the largest BJJ academies in South Florida.
IBJJF comes to Florida
Buiu organizes the first major international IBJJF tournament in the state and is honored by the Gracie family for expanding BJJ in South Florida.
Home of the Ghost Squad
World champion competitors at every belt color, thriving kids, teens, women's and adults programs — and a family that keeps growing.
Be Part of the Story
Your chapter starts with one free class
Come meet the professors, feel the culture, and see why this academy has been changing lives since 2008.
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