Master Pedro Sauer

    Pedro Sauer is an 8th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu red and black belt under Rickson Gracie and Helio Gracie. He has long been acknowledged by his peers as one of the best teachers the art has ever seen, and in 2005, Professor Sauer was named "Best of the Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor" in a worldwide poll conducted by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club. Introduced to jiu-jitsu in his early teens by his good friend and mentor Rickson Gracie, Professor Sauer has been refining, practicing, and teaching this self defense art for nearly four decades. Even in his early years, Professor Sauer’s thirst for perfecting his jiu-jitsu drove him to train every day, no matter what. And the more knowledgeable he became, the more he applied the principles he was learning to the rest of his life.

“Six, eight hours a day I would train," he says. "Even after Helio’s class, I would train with Rickson. Jiu-jitsu changed me, and I began to see the real reward of this art: it is applicable to solving any problem in life.”

     Professor Sauer's ability to solve problems on the mat earned him the distinct honor of being the first non-Gracie to receive a black belt from Helio and Rickson Gracie in 1985. He calls this his “crowning achievement,” and notes how few black belts have been awarded by Helio and Rickson. He began to build his reputation as a master instructor shortly thereafter.

     In 1990, Professor Sauer relocated to California from Brazil to live and train with the original wave of Gracies who had come to America to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Today, Professor Sauer is one of the most highly sought after martial arts instructors in America. He has presented thousands of seminars throughout the world, and his association is represented by a following of diverse instructors and academies.

     With over 100 affiliate academies; the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association is one of the largest BJJ organizations in the country. Backed by the philosophies and teachings of Master Sauer, these academies ensure the art of Gracie Jiu- Jitsu will continually be passed on from teacher to student in the most efficient and thorough manner possible.

Professor Pedro Sauer is one of the pillars that holds together the Jiu-Jitsu community. His technique, dedication, and professionalism are a major asset to our cause and have positively impacted thousands of lives around the world. 

- Rorion Gracie