MEET OUR TEAM

HGA's Jiujitsu Professor
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HGA's member
HGA

Our 

Lineage


At HGA, we take immense pride in our rich lineage

and remain deeply committed to honoring and representing our roots. The teachings of esteemed masters like Pedro Sauer and Jeff Curran form the cornerstone of our training philosophy. By embracing this heritage, we ensure that every technique taught and every class conducted reflects the depth, tradition, and integrity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

This commitment helps us not only teach martial arts but also instill values that last a lifetime.

HGA HERITAGE

Mitsuyo Maeda

Maeda was fundamental to the development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including through his teaching of Carlos Gracie and others of the Gracie family. In 1917, Carlos Gracie watched a demonstration by Maeda at the Da Paz Theatre and decided to learn judo. Maeda accepted Gracie as a student, and the youth became a great exponent of the art and ultimately, with his younger brother Hélio Gracie, founded Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

7th Dan Black Belt in Judo

Won 2,000+ professional fights in his career

Instructor of Carlos and Hélio Gracie

Carlos & Hélio Gracie

Carlos and Hélio Gracie were Brazilian martial artists credited with being the primary developers of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They developed Brazilian jiu-jitsu based on the teachings of famed Japanese judōka, Mitsuyo Maeda in Kano Jujitsu (Judo).

Carlos purportedly acquired his initial knowledge of Jujitsu by studying in Belem under Maeda and his students. As he taught the techniques to his brothers, he created a martial arts family with Hélio and with other members of the Gracie family who provided key contributions to the style and development, eventually creating their own self defense system named Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.


Carlos Gracie

10th Degree Red Belt in BJJ (Grandmaster)

Instructor of Rickson Gracie


Hélio Gracie

10th Degree Red Belt in BJJ (Grandmaster)

6th Degree Red/White Belt in Judo

Instructor of Rickson Gracie

Rickson Gracie

Rickson Gracie is a Brazilian retired mixed martial artist and the third oldest son of Hélio Gracie. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was widely considered to be the best fighter of the Gracie clan, and one of the toughest in the world. In July 2017, he was promoted to ninth-degree red belt, the second-highest ranking in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

9th Degree Red Belt in BJJ

Retired undefeated in BJJ and MMA

Instructor of Pedro Sauer

Pedro Sauer

Professor Pedro Sauer was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where from an early age, he began training in the martial arts. At age five, he began boxing and later took up Judo and Tae Kwon Do. At age fifteen, however, his friend, Rickson Gracie, invited him to train Jiu-Jitsu with his younger brother, Royler, who at the time was only nine years old. The outcome of this experience convinced him that Jiu-Jitsu was the most effective of all the martial arts, and he began training the very next day. Pedro was also a double major (Economics and Business Administration) in college. After graduation, he worked in Brazil as a stockbroker for eleven years before deciding to move to the United States and pursue a career teaching jiu-jitsu. In 1990, he moved to California with the original wave of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors. He lived in California with Rickson Gracie and trained daily with the Gracie brothers (Rickson, Rorion, and Royce), their father, Helio Gracie, their cousin, Renzo Gracie, and the Machado Brothers, as well as many others.

8th Degree Coral Belt in BJJ

Head of Pedro Sauer Association

Instructor of Jeff Curran

Jeff Curran

Jeff Curran is the founder of the Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy and has a competitive history that spans over 27 years and counting. Professor Curran has devoted his life to the martial arts and has managed to build a world recognized team as well as becoming one of the worlds top ranked righters in the world during his career.

He and his Staff have stayed the course to develop and brand their programs to be sought out and recognized inside the community and around the globe. Mr. Curran is currently holding the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt under the legendary Master Pedro Sauer. Jeff Curran and his staff continue to lead the way and are dedicated to helping each student reach their best potential on and off the mat!

5th Degree Black Belt in BJJ

Head of Team Curran Association

Instructor of Andy Smith

OUR FACILITY


Our facility spans over 5,000 sq ft, featuring a large mat area equipped with top-quality FUJI mats, 

a dedicated strength training gym, and separate men’s and women’s showers. Experience the 

incredible vibes that make our studio truly unique.

A GREAT PLACE

TO TRAIN

Start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with no commitment.

Discoverself-defense, and confidence at HGA!

Start now here! Sign Up here

Our studio features nearly 2,000 sq ft of top-quality FUJI mat space and a private training area, providing everything necessary for your grappling journey. With fantastic music setting the tone, our space is designed not just for training but for personal growth and achievement.


Our gym is fully equipped with all you need to complement your grappling skills, supporting your fitness and training goals comprehensively. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, our facilities are tailored to help you succeed in every aspect of your 

development.


HGA is dedicated to providing a supportive community and essential amenities, ensuring you have everything you need to continue your training with us.