Carlos Rollyson

Carlos Rollyson's martial arts journey began in Brazil at a remarkably young age, stepping onto the mats at just seven years old. By ten, he had entered formal training under the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr., immersing himself in one of the most demanding and celebrated training environments in the history of the sport. Alongside his jiu-jitsu development, Rollyson pursued judo with equal seriousness, training under Takise Ueda and building a technical foundation that spanned two distinct yet complementary disciplines.

In 1980, at eighteen years old, Rollyson achieved a rare dual milestone — earning both his judo black belt under Takise Ueda and his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from Carlson Gracie Sr. in the same year. Achieving two black belts simultaneously at such a young age reflects the depth of his commitment and the caliber of instruction he received within the Carlson Gracie system. His rapid ascent through the ranks stands as a testament to the rigorous standards that defined Carlson Gracie's academy during that era.

Carlos Rollyson emerged as one of the standout competitors of his generation, capturing the Brazilian National Championship title in three consecutive years — 1993, 1994, and 1995. Competing across the light and middleweight divisions, his back-to-back-to-back victories cemented his reputation as one of the premier competitive figures in Brazilian jiu-jitsu during a formative period for the sport.

Those championships were earned at a time when the Carlson Gracie team stood as one of the most dominant competitive forces in Brazil. Rollyson's success reflected both his individual technical excellence and the elite preparation instilled by Carlson Gracie Sr., whose academy produced a generation of high-level competitors who helped shape the international growth of the art.

The formative years of Rollyson's career were defined by his place within the Carlson Gracie academy — one of the most historically significant teams in the global BJJ community. Earning his black belt directly from Carlson Gracie Sr. placed him within a lineage that carries considerable weight in jiu-jitsu circles worldwide, a legacy he carried forward through both competitive achievement and decades of instruction.

Following the passing of his mentor Carlson Gracie Sr., Rollyson transitioned to Alliance, one of the most decorated and respected teams in modern competitive Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The move reflected a clear commitment to remaining active within an evolving landscape rather than stepping back from the sport. Joining Alliance ensured that his growth as a coach and practitioner would continue at the highest level the sport could offer — a natural continuation of elite involvement built on the same principles instilled by Carlson Gracie.

Rollyson's coaching career launched at the same age he earned his black belts — eighteen — establishing a parallel track of instruction and competition that has defined his relationship with the sport throughout his life. He taught at multiple academies across Brazil before relocating to the United States, building a coaching résumé that spans decades and continents.

Academy and Community Impact

Since 2007, Rollyson has taught at his academy in Hollywood, Florida, establishing a long-term and deeply rooted presence in the South Florida BJJ community. Recognized as one of the highest-ranked jiu-jitsu figures in the region, his influence on the local martial arts landscape has grown steadily over the years. His expertise has also extended beyond the academy — he has delivered self-defense seminars to professional law enforcement agencies including the DEA and FBI, underscoring the real-world applicability of his instruction and the institutional trust placed in his knowledge.

Recognition and Honors

In 2020, the IBJJF awarded Rollyson the 8th Degree Red and White Coral Belt, one of the highest honors attainable in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a distinction reserved for practitioners who have demonstrated a lifetime of extraordinary contribution to the art. The recognition places him among a small and elite group of practitioners globally, serving as formal acknowledgment of a career built on mastery, dedication, and an enduring commitment to the growth of the sport.