Name: clark gracie
Age: 26
Rank: black
Gym: clark gracie jiu jitsu
Length of time training: 27yrs

Website, blog, or twitter or facebook links:
www.clarkgracie.com

Summary about yourself:

Clark Gracie is a member of the family synonymous with the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He is a Black Belt under Master Carley Gracie. Clark was raised in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and trained under his father, Carley Gracie (8th degree Red-and-Black Belt and undefeated National Champion from 1969-1972). Clark is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, creator of the art known today as either “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu” or “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

From childhood, Clark was exposed to his many relatives -his father, uncles, and cousins- who were masters in the art of Jiu-Jitsu and from whom he received much inspiration, encouragement, and Jiu-Jitsu training, which gave Clark the desire to be the Champion he is today. Clark Gracie has found a home in San Diego, where he is a Jiu-Jitsu instructor and competitor.

List of titles or accomplishments:

1st Place American Nationals 2010
1st Place New York Open 2010
2nd Place Pan American Championship 2010
1st Place World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup – Abu Dhabi Trials 2010
1st Place World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2009
1st Place US National No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2009
1st Place Grapplers Quest 2009
2nd Place No-Gi Worlds 2007
2nd Place American Nationals 2007
1st Place Fabio Santos Open 2007
1st Place California Classic International 2006
1st Place Arizona State Grappling Challenge 2006
1st Place American Nationals 2006
Pan American Medalist in April 2006
1st Place American Nationals 2005
1st Place Champion in the San Diego Open in 2005

How did you get involved in bjj?

being born with the last name gracie means your father plays jiu jitsu with you from before you can walk, but i started training at my fathers jiu jitsu academy when i was young, and when i was about 12 i saw my cousins winning mma fights and figured if i want to be good one day i better go everyday. so i did.

What is you favorite bjj story?

i was told by my father, that his father carlos one time bumped into a man working at the grocery store carrying a large box, the man lost balance and dropped the box full of produce, he was so upset that he attacked carlos. Carlos, using the jiu jitsu that he created, defended himself and took the man down ending in the mounted position, he brought his hand close to the mans face and with the flick of his wrist gave him a couple light slaps and said something along the lines of, ” hey man, sorry about that, lets not fight”. Now, Carlos was an extremely charismatic man, and was known to make friends wherever he went, and this was no exception, the man eventually became carlos’ friend. Years later, this man was telling the story of how they met, he said he would have preferred much more if Carlos had punched him in the face and knocked him out. He said it was so humiliating to have received a couple light slaps and been let back up and befriend a smaller more confident man.

Who are some of the people who have influenced you bjj?

My father carley gracie, uncles and cousins like rickson, renzo, royce, rilion, ralph. vitor belfort, carlson, rodrigo medeiros, mario reis, roger…there are a lot

What is your favorite position and why?

i like passing the guard, what a feeling of accomlishment!

If you could start training all over again, what would you change in training routine and why?

nothing

How do you think competition helps your jiujitsu?

challenges you mentally more than anything and tests you against people with similar bodies and skill level. helps to take you to the next level by molding your lifestyle.

Who are some people you have beat in competition in the past, in which you are proud of and why?

im proud to compete against all opponents, but honestly, i dont pay too much attention to that, i just know there is another person in front of me wearing a gi who i can choke.

How has bjj helped and changed your life?

there are infinite answers to that question but i think confidence may be the most important thing that changes everything in your life and molds your personality.

What do you think is not stressed enough in order to better your game in grappling?

i heard steroids helps in the short term and less sex.

What are your plans for the next 5-10 year?

have fun

What are three things people may not know about you?

i am the first generation of American born gracie family.
i live and teach in san diego.
i like mangos.

Any shout outs?

thank you shoyoroll!
thanks to my father and bjj revolution team for all the training.
and thank you everyone who trains bjj who made jiu jitsu grow so fast and the huge sport it is today.