Know Your BJJ Ancestry

In the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community it is not uncommon to be asked who granted you your belts. Particularly when you reach black belt, where the reputation of your Professor may be scrutinised.

CAZA's owner and head instructor, Yoshinori Hasegawa, has acquired his BJJ skill from a renowned line of professors and masters. Below is a visual representation of Yoshi's lineage, right back to the very start of the sport itself.

  • Mitsuyo Maeda

    Mitsuyo Maeda

    Mitsuyo Maeda (前田 光世 Maeda Mitsuyo, born November 18, 1878 – November 28, 1941), a Brazilian naturalized as Otávio Maeda. He is referred to as the father of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

  • Carlos Gracie

    Carlos Gracie

    Carlos Gracie was the visionary that founded the very first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, a martial arts gym Carlos managed with the help of his brothers, Oswaldo, Gastão, George and Helio Gracie. Carlos Gracie acquired his knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu by studying in Belem under Maeda and his students.

  • Carlson Gracie (Senior)

    Carlson Gracie

    Carlson Gracie was one of the most important figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was the eldest son of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Founder Carlos Gracie. At the time of his death, he was a ninth degree red belt.

  • Ricardo 'Rey' Diogo

    Ricardo Rey Diogo

    Ricardo Diogo, also known as “Rey” Diogo was one of the first Carlson Gracie jiu-jitsu team representatives to go to the United States. Rey Diogo became part of the famous Carlson Gracie team with champions such as Ricardo De La Riva, Amaury Bitetti, Ricardo Liborio and others.

  • Yoshinori Hasegawa

    Yoshinori Hasegawa

    Yoshi trained with Rey Diogo in Los Angeles up until receiving his brown belt. To broaden his BJJ competition experience he then headed for Sao Paulo, Brazil, for a further one and a half years of hard training at the Barbosa gym. Yoshi was awarded his black belt at Barbosa, however, he was also granted the status of black belt by Rey Diogo upon his return to the United States.

  • You?

    If you sign-up with CAZA BJJ and learn your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with us, this is also YOUR lineage.