About Us
The Vacirca Brothers founded the first mixed martial arts academy in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1988. In 1991, they introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to Europe. The first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy opened in Zurich in 1995, and the European GJJ network (Gracie Concepts®) was founded the following year. Franco Vacirca, also known as the “Professor of Jiu-Jitsu,” was the first European to receive a black belt in BJJ from the Gracie family. He remains the highest-ranking European to this day and holds a coral-red belt and the seventh degree. He completed his training as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor under Grandmaster Pedro Hemetério, the first person to receive a red belt under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie and a black belt under Grandmaster Carlos Gracie. In addition, Prof. Franco has been a student of Ajarn Surachai Sirisute since 1986 and holds the title of “Kun Khru” in Muay Thai boxing. He speaks six languages and has lived in Asia, California, and Europe. He also works as a seminar leader on several weekends throughout the year. His first book, “GJJ Unlocked,” was published in 2001, translated into five languages, and sold worldwide. The brothers have released several DVDs on GJJ, BJJ, self-defense, and mobility training. He writes a monthly article in seven languages for the magazine BUDO – KAMPFKUNST International. Since 1995, Prof. Franco has worked as a consultant for the military, police, and special forces (SWAT, GIGN, GEO, and SEK). He lives in Zurich, where he offers group and private training sessions.
Profile – Demetrio Meillaud (Vacirca)
Profile – Demetrio (English)
Profile – Franco Vacirca
Profile – Franco (English)
About
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone
The GRACIE CONCEPTS® curriculum is a comprehensive, multi-level Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program developed by Franco Vacirca and his brother Demetrio. It is strictly based on the teachings of their master, Pedro Hemetério.
The 54-class program covers all aspects of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from the basics to intermediate and advanced levels. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum for self-defense, grappling (Nogi), weapon defense, and children, as well as a separate curriculum for police and military personnel.
GRACIE CONCEPTS® includes hundreds of techniques that can literally save your life in a street confrontation. The Vacirca brothers’ innovative teaching method is an adaptation of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie’s curriculum for private instruction. It can also be applied in group settings. Originally, the “Gracie Way” self-defense system was taught only in private lessons.
GRACIE CONCEPTS® was developed so that students can learn this system in a group, regardless of their physical attributes and fitness level.
We are Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Europe – since 1995