Rigan Machado is a direct student with lineage tracing back to the art's founder, Carlos Gracie. He is one of the top instructors of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the world. His long experience in teaching-to everyone from beginners to world champions- and his contributions to BJJ's teaching methods have brought him worldwide acclaim. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, his credits include many of the top Brazilian nationals and interna- tional championships. Rigan Machado was one of the first Brazilian black belts moving to the United States, where he became one of the lead- ing forces in expanding the art created by the Gracie family. "Brazil was just the beginning of the grappling movement. But from there, the seeds have been spread all around the world. If a stu- dent is not from Brazil and he becomes a world champion, then that makes me a good teacher and makes me happy," says Machado. Despite his fame, he continues to train with a dedication born out of the love of his art. Rigan also has appeared in several movies and TV series, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the world of the mar- tial arts. Highly regarded as one of the most talented technicians and teachers ever to come out of the Gracie family, Rigan has been instru- mental in the development of the Machado Jiu Jitsu, as it is known today. "Finding a harmony between mind and body is the ultimate goal of any martial artist, but the physical techniques must come first. A calm and concentrated awareness is the key toward the realization of per- sonal potential, of which technical mastery is the first step," says Machado.