Martial Arts Biography - Carlos Machado

Carlos Machado was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is the eldest of the five Machado Brothers, including Roger, Rigan, Jean Jacques and John. He started martial arts since he was four. His main instructor throughout his life has been his cousin Carlos Gracie Jr., although he thanks greatly other names also involved in his upbringing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Those include Helio Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Rolls Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Crolin Gracie and Rilion Gracie, and last but not the least, all his brothers. While in Brazil, he has successfully competed in several tournaments at state and national level. In April of 1990 he decided to move to Los Angeles, California, pursuing more prospects in his martial arts career. There he met martial arts movie star Chuck Norris, who was instrumental in promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his family. Since then, Mr. Norris has been one of the greatest advocates of Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Carlos lived in Los Angeles until end of 1995, when once more he chose to move to the Southwest, to the city of Dallas, Texas. There he established his first location, at the same building were the Chuck Norris' TV show "Walker, Texas Ranger" was filmed. That allowed Carlos not only to teach at his studio, but also to take part in many episodes of that popular show. He often assisted on choreographing fight scenes with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Besides running his school, Carlos has also been involved in competition, winning twice the Pan American of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (97/98), several events in the U.S. (U.S Open 98/99), and the World Master's Championships (2000) in two weight divisions (middle weight and open class).

He currently holds the highest rank of this style in the Southwest (Sixth Degree Black Belt).

He has been at his current location since April of 1999, where he has had a chance to develop an incredible group of dedicated students, many of them outstanding competitors themselves.

Carlos has built one of the fastest growing affiliate school programs in the country, which now includes representatives in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Philadelphia, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Mississippi, South Carolina, England, France, Australia and Mexico.