Jean Jacques Machado
Machado overcame a congenital hand condition to become a champion.
Jean Jacques Machado (born February 12, 1968) is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and one of the five Machado brothers (Carlos, Roger, Rigan and John). He is the nephew of BJJ co-founder and Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, learning the martial art from an early age. Machado is known for his grappling skills, having won the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships in his weight division and finishing as runner-up in the open division in 2001. For his achievements, he was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 12 February 1968
- Birthplace
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Martial art
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Teacher
- Carlos Gracie Jr.
- Rickson Gracie
- Rolls Gracie
- Rank
- 8th degree red and black Coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- He won the Rio de Janeiro State Championships and Brazilian National Championships as Cruiserweight Champion for 11 consecutive years (1982–1992).
- At ADCC 2001, Machado won the Best Match Award and Fastest Submission Award, despite finishing as runner-up in the Absolute Division.
- Machado's first recorded submission win was against Yuki Nakai via triangle choke at Shooto: Vale Tudo Perception on September 26, 1995.
Biography
Machado was born in Rio de Janeiro with amniotic band syndrome, leaving his left hand with only a thumb and little finger. Despite this gripping limitation, he trained in Jiu-Jitsu and dominated Brazilian competition from 1982 through 1992, capturing every major title. He moved to the United States in 1992 and continued competing. On June 6, 2011, Rickson Gracie promoted him to 7th degree red-and-black belt at the Rickson Gracie Academy in West Los Angeles, recognizing 25 years as a black belt instructor. Machado received his 8th degree black belt from Rickson Gracie on March 29, 2025.
Coaching career
After retiring from competition, Machado focused on coaching. His students include 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo, podcaster Joe Rogan, actor Freddie Prinze Jr., and martial artist Dan Inosanto.
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