Join the family
Caique Jiu Jitsu is a family for the whole family
Founded in 2000, Caique Jiu Jitsu is the longest-running Jiu-Jitsu school in the Los Angeles area.
Our story
From Copacabana to Lomita
Caique Jiu Jitsu is named for its founder, Master Carlos “Caique” Elias, who trained with Relson Gracie until the end of his blue belt, then under Rickson Gracie until his black belt, which he received from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie in 1982.
We have decades of experience teaching Jiu-Jitsu, and our programs have been continually refined to help students of different ages, sizes, fitness levels, and experience levels learn in a safe and structured environment.
We are a family-run school, and we have many parents and children who train with us. We strive to create a safe and healthy environment where everyone receives attention and every student can progress at their own pace.
1972
Carlos “Caique” Elias has his first contact with jiu-jitsu at a judo academy on Rua Toneleros in Copacabana, sharing a building with the Carlson Gracie academy.
1974
At 16, after meeting Relson and Rickson Gracie surfing in Rio, he begins training Jiu-Jitsu. Grandmaster Hélio Gracie later names him the best student of his original academy.
1982
He receives his black belt directly from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. Today Master Caique is an 8th-degree black belt.
1996
Invited by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, Master Caique moves to the US to teach at the Gracie Academy.
2000
Master Caique Elias founds Caique Jiu Jitsu, continuing the Gracie teaching tradition at his own academy.
Today
Master Caique's sons lead the classes in Lomita: Prof. Pedro Elias teaches kids, teens, and adults, and Prof. Thomaz Elias teaches adults, along with Prof. Jacob and Prof. James, who have trained at the academy since 2007 and 2002. Master Caique teaches private lessons.
Lineage
Learning from Rickson Gracie
Master Caique trained under Rickson Gracie until black belt.
His sons carry that connection forward: Prof. Pedro and Prof. Thomaz have worked extensively with Master Rickson over the years to create his video program, The Self Defense Unit.
What we value
More than a gym
- Self-defense is part of our curriculum at every level
- Safety first: a warm-up designed with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and mats disinfected after every lesson
- Hands-on coaching and personal attention at every level
- Train at the intensity that makes sense for you, with no contracts
Keep learning at home
Join our online classes and Zoom sessions, or study the Caique Jiu Jitsu online video library taught by Prof. Thomaz Elias.
Your first class is free
Book a free private intro lesson. Meet the instructors, learn your first techniques, and find the right program, with no pressure and no obligation.