At their meeting on Tuesday, May 23, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors celebrated the March 14, 2023 promotion of Charles Gracie to Grand Master in the Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reaching 8th Degree Coral Belt and his considerable contributions to the expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Northern California Region.

Coral belt is a master who has reached the 7th or the 8th degree in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. An honor to any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, masters and grand masters can achieve these highest belt ranks after several years of jiu-jitsu training.

Son of Robson Gracie, Charles Gracie is a popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts trainer. He began training at the age of five and is the founding father of Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Network with locations throughout Northern California, including one in Tracy.

He has instructed members of law enforcement, security professionals, U.S. Armed Forces, air marshals, as well as private citizens. His students – of all ages, gender, body types, and physical abilities – come to train and improve their skills at his academies.

Following the presentation, Chairman Robert Rickman stated, “It was a privilege to honor and recognize one of mixed martial arts’ legends and, a pillar of local communities throughout our region.”