Anibal has many fond memories growing up in Brazil and around the Academia Gracie. He has known his wife, Hilda James, since they were both 14 years old, and their first kiss was behind Helio Gracie’s piano. He also recalls going to school with his great friends and masters Rickson Gracie and Pedro Sauer.

In 1988 Anibal and Pedro Sauer moved to Los Angeles, following Rickson Gracie to United States with their mutual commitment to help bring Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to America. He continued training with Rickson and later moved to Provo, Utah to teach with Pedro Sauer representing the Rickson Gracie Association. In 1998, at the first Rickson Gracie International Competition, Anibal was presented with a special award by Rickson Gracie at a  ceremony  honoring his important role in the development of Jiu Jitsu. He began representing the Pedro Sauer Association in 2000 – teaching classes in Salinas, South Central Los Angeles, and various other locations throughout California. He received his Black Belt from Pedro Sauer in 2007. Today Anibal is a 4rd degree black belt under Masters Pedro Sauer and Rickson Gracie

Anibal’s goal is to inspire his students to develop an exceptional grasp of the techniques and traditions of Jiu-Jitsu and achieve a higher level of skills and self-confidence that will enrich their lives both on and off the mat. Professor Anibal’s focus is not only on teaching his students the kind of skills that will be important to them in Jiu-Jitsu competitions, but also to help them develop the practical self-defense skills that form a crucial foundation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and are essential for everyday life.

Anibal lives by his grandfather’s advice, “You can count the days of your life or you can make every day count.” He adds that Jiu-Jitsu teaches a person to be humble, to appreciate the value of other human beings, and to be a better person overall. He considers it his responsibility to help pass Jiu-Jitsu onto future generations.

Instructor Carey Basciano - Advanced BJJ

THE ACADEMY

GRACIE JIU-JITSU HILTON HEAD is a Martial Arts studio that offers a variety of classes to increase overall health, strength, confidence, and capabilities in each of our students. Whether you are focused on getting physically fit, learning to defend yourself from an attacker , our Self Defense classes will help you meet your goals.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Hilton Head is a thriving community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to developing their potential by training in the Martial Arts. Located in Bluffton, our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), classes cultivate the highest level of performance from staff, instructors, and students alike.

Most of our courses vary in levels of skill and physical fitness. We offer beginner to expert-level classes, taking care in each to match you up with the right opponent. All of our  classes are taught by experts and are closely monitored for your safety. Your safety and education are our primary goals: we want to help you live a more balanced, healthful, and confident life.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Hilton Head can teach you:

• Lifelong fitness

• Focus

• Confidence boosting challenges

• How to defend yourself

To find out more about our classes and to start your journey, call us at 503-757-0508

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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Hilton Head has the perfect program for you ! Whether you desire to improve your fitness, health, compete or become an instructor, Our qualified instructors are available to assist you, and develop the best training plan for you and your family.