Our Lineage
Our jiu-jitsu lineage traces back to Mitsuyo Maeda, whose teachings helped establish the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, and Hélio Gracie, who helped create and refine the art with an emphasis on leverage, efficiency, and technique. That tradition continued through his son, the legendary Rickson Gracie, widely regarded as one of the art’s most influential practitioners. Master Pedro Sauer, an 8th-degree coral belt and renowned instructor, carried this lineage forward with an emphasis on technical precision, efficiency, and lifelong learning. Today, that tradition continues through Professor Rylan Lizares, a 4th-degree black belt and founder of the Technics Jiu-Jitsu community, and ultimately through the instruction we provide today.
Mitsuyo Maeda
A legendary Japanese judoka who brought his grappling knowledge to Brazil in the early 1900s. Maeda’s teachings helped lay the foundation for what would eventually develop into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Grand Master Helio Gracie
One of the founders and most influential pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hélio Gracie became known for emphasizing leverage, timing, and technique, helping shape an approach to jiu-jitsu that allowed a smaller person to effectively defend against a larger, stronger opponent.
Master Rickson Gracie
Son of Hélio Gracie and one of the most respected practitioners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. Rickson became renowned for his technical mastery, efficiency, connection, and ability to apply fundamental jiu-jitsu at the highest level.
Master Pedro Sauer
An 8th-degree coral belt and longtime student of Rickson Gracie. Master Sauer is internationally respected for his emphasis on technical precision, efficiency, fundamentals, and making jiu-jitsu effective and accessible for students of all ages and abilities.
Professor Rylan Lizares | Technics Jiu Jitsu Founder
Professor Rylan Lizares is a 4th Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer. Rylan has been training in the grappling arts for almost thirty years and holds numerous state and national accolades in wrestling and jiu jitsu competition. He is also the founder of Gracie Technics Jiu Jitsu and it’s affiliates.
