Franco Vacirca

The Vacirca Brothers, Franco and Demetrio, established the first JKD Concepts–Muay Thai–Filipino Kali Academy in 1989. In 1991, they introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to the European continent. The first official Vacirca Brothers – Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy opened in Zurich in 1995, followed by the establishment of the Gracie Concepts BJJ network the following year. Franco Vacirca, known as Prof. de Jiu-Jitsu, is the first black belt in Europe and currently the highest-ranked European in BJJ (Coral Belt, 7th Degree). He completed his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor training under Grand Master Pedro Hemetério. Franco has also been a master student of Ajarn Surachai Sirisute since 1986 and holds the title of Kun Khru in Muay Thai. The coaching team is composed of passionate martial artists, personally trained and supported by Prof. Franco. Fluent in six languages, he has lived in Asia, California, and Europe, and regularly leads seminars throughout the year. His book, GJJ Unlocked (published in 2001), has been translated into several languages. The Vacirca Brothers have produced several DVDs on Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and mobility, and contribute monthly articles—published in seven languages worldwide—to BUDO/KAMPFKUNST International magazine. Franco has served as a consultant for the military, police, and special forces for over 30 years. He resides in Zurich, where he continues to teach regularly at Gracie Zurich.