Carlos Gracie was Gastao's son and was eager to learn from Mr. Maeda. Maeda accepted Carlos as his student, teaching him the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos later taught Jiu-Jitsu to his brothers. It is this familial bond that has strengthened Gracie Jiu-Jitsu into the art it is today. From the beginnings in the early 20th Century to dominance in the 21st Century, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a philosophy, a way of life and a system of self-defense.
Daniel learned his family's art from the son of Carlos Gracie, Carlinhos Gracie. Carlinhos has recently received his Coral Belt, awarded to him by Renzo Gracie. Carlinhos is the founder of the famous Gracie Barra Academy in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. This academy has produced many champions, including Renzo Gracie, Ralph Gracie, Ryan Gracie, Roberto 'Gordo' Correa, Vinicius 'Draculino' Magalhaes, Alexandre 'Soca' Carneiro and many, many, more.

