Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Richmond
Instructors
Igor is excited to have the opportunity to train many more students, teach them mutual respect, honor, discipline and Jiu-Jitsu, as well as allowing them to realize all the benefits Jiu-Jitsu offers in all areas of life. Igor gained great insight and expertise during his teaching years and created a program that helps students achieve their individual goals, both physical and mental. Igor works hard to create and maintain a family environment and a safe place for students of all ages to learn. He is constantly adjusting and allowing his training programs to evolve to meet the needs of students from all types of backgrounds, ages from 5 to 70+, and with equally varying levels of fitness!
Head Instructor
Igor Estrella
Igor was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from a very young age he was an energetic child who was always looking for adventures and fun! From a very young age he was encouraged by his Father’s example to eat healthy and practice physical activities.
Igor enjoyed, with his dad, visiting and hiking his favorite mountains in Rio de Janeiro, including Pedra da Gávea, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Christo Redemptor, which aroused in him a great interest in keeping himself always active and healthy.
In December 1999, at the age of 13 in his hometown Nova Iguaçu, RJ, he learned through a friend that a renowned Jiu-Jitsu Academy was moving to a new space on the same street. Igor was very interested in learning more about this Martial Art and his dad agreed in a trial class with Master André “Negão” Lemos. Igor started researching with friends about jiu jitsu and quickly fell in love with everything he had seen. After his first class, Igor knew Jiu Jitsu was what he wanted to pursue and became a member of the Gracie Nova Iguaçu Academy. Today, Andre is a 5th degree Black Belt, formed by the legendary Master Royler Gracie and Rolker Gracie, both sons of Grandmaster Helio Gracie the Father of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Igor graduated from white belt to black belt at the Gracie Nova Iguaçu Academy, graduated by the hands of the head Master André “Negão” Lemos and by the Directors of the Gracie Rio de Janeiro academy, Royler and Rolker Gracie.
MOST EXPRESSIVE TITLES
4x State Champion of Rio de Janeiro (Fjjrio)
– Blue Belt – (2002 – 2004 – 2005 – 2006)
– 2x champion of the annual ranking of the Jiu-Jitsu federation of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Purple belt (fjjrio) (2007-2008)
– 3x champion of the annual ranking of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the state of Rio de Janeiro Brown belt (fjjrio) (2009-2010-2011)
– Carlson Gracie Cup (Fjjrio) Middleweight Champion and Champion of the Middleweight and Absolute division, brown belt 2009
– State Middleweight and Absolute division champion, brown belt, 2010
– Abu Dhabi Pro trials Rio de Janeiro champion, 2011 Welter Brown/Black belt (-77 kg)
– Brazilian Champion (CBJJO) Middleweight and Absolute Brown Belt
• Campeão NAGA HARTFORD, CT da Divisão até 75kg e Campeão da Divisão aberta – Faixa marrom – (2011) GI and NOGI – Mixed division Brown and black belt competing together
• Campeão NAGA LINCOLN, RI da Divisão até 75kg e Campeão da Divisão aberta – Faixa marrom – (2011) GI and NOGI – Mixed division Brown and black belt competing together
• TEXAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 (FIGHT2WIN) ABSOLUTE CHAMPION -80kg BLACK BELT
• SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL OPEN IBJJF JIU-JITSU GI CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 CHAMPION, MIDDLE, BLACK BELT
• SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL OPEN IBJJF JIU-JITSU NO-GI CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 CHAMPION, MIDDLE AND ABSOLUTE BLACK BELT
• Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2017 Second place, MIDDLE, BLACK BELT
• SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL OPEN IBJJF JIU-JITSU GI CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 CHAMPION, MIDDLE, BLACK BELT
• SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL OPEN IBJJF JIU-JITSU GI CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 CHAMPION, MIDDLE, BLACK BELT
• Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu GI Championship 2019 Third place, MIDDLE, BLACK BELT
• FIGHT2WIN 116 CHAMPION SUPER FIGHT BLACK BELT JUNE 22ND, 2019 RICHMOND, CA
Personal life
Igor Estrella lives in RICHMOND, CA
in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and is bilingual in English and Portuguese.
Media appearances
Igor Estrella was chosen by Masters Rickson Gracie, Royler Gracie, Rolker Gracie and Andre “Negão” Lemos to fight and represent the Gracie Academy in the super fight of episode 8 Fight Quest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu held in 2007 by the renowned Discovery Channel.
The event was held at Praia do Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Igor Estrella had the mission to represent the Gracie Family and became champion of the super fight. Finishing with a tight Armlok in the first round against the tough athlete Jimmy Smith who weighed 20kg more than Igor.
Initially Igor started training with the purpose of learning self-defense and keeping his body healthy with exercises, but he quickly fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu and started training and dedicating himself more seriously to eventual competitions.
Today, Igor has completed 10 years of training as a black belt and 22 years of experience in Jiu-Jitsu. Since 1999, he has dedicated himself to learning the Art daily with the mission of delivering his best to his BJJ Community, keeping the legacy of the Gracie Family alive and the teaching methodology of the creators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Grand Masters Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie.
Igor moved to America with the mission of continuing the legacy of the Gracie family and using Jiu Jitsu as an educational tool in people’s lives to provide a better lifestyle for students.
Igor is currently a 3rd degree Black Belt under the legendary Master Ralph Gracie and represents Team Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu and is the founder and Lead Instructor of Team Ralph Gracie Richmond, CA.
Igor has been teaching Jiu Jitsu for 14 years. During this time he has further refined his techniques on the mat and really brought his studies into play, helping him create a surplus of champions on and off the mat.
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What are people saying about us?
I started training Jiujitsu with Professor Igor and have learned so much! Igor is a caring and passionate teacher. He always makes you feel welcomed and is always excited to teach everyone from young kids to teens to adults with full time jobs and families of their own. The gym is always clean and very homey. Igor and his wife Elise do a great job running the place. If you are looking for a place to train and be treated like family this is the place to be!
Morena P.
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Ralph Gracie Richmond Jiu Jitsu is an amazing community for children and adults. I and my two sons have been training for over a year with Professor Igor Estrella. He comes from the root of Jiu Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro, and brings an unrivaled passion and dedication to the sport. Professor Igor is a fun, engaging teacher for the children, and a good friend and guide for the adults. From the first class, you will be motivated to learn and challenge yourself in this amazing martial art. More than just a sport, jiu jitsu can be a pathway to better understand yourself and others. Come visit Ralph Gracie Richmond Jiu Jitsu!
Joseph N.
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I joined Ralph Gracie Richmond in March of this year, and I can confidently say that it's been an incredible journey under the guidance of Professor Igor. His kindness and respect create an atmosphere where learning is not just a process but a shared experience. Professor Igor's attentiveness is unmatched. He takes the time to understand each student's unique journey, tailoring his approach to their individual needs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, his caring nature fosters an environment of growth and support. One of the standout features of Ralph Gracie Richmond is the wealth of knowledge that Professor Igor brings to the mat. His expertise in Jiu-Jitsu is awe-inspiring, and he effortlessly imparts that wisdom to his students. Every session feels like a masterclass, with detailed explanations that enhance both technique and understanding. What truly sets this gym apart is the amazing community that Professor Igor has cultivated. The camaraderie among practitioners is palpable, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the mat. The culture of acceptance is refreshing, and everyone is genuinely invested in each other's development and success. Ralph Gracie Richmond is not just a gym; it's a home for those passionate about Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Igor's leadership has created a haven for learning, growing, and building lasting connections with fellow practitioners. If you're looking for a place that combines top-notch instruction with a welcoming community, look no further—Ralph Gracie Richmond is the epitome of Jiu-Jitsu excellence!
Joshua T.
Google
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Professor Igor and Elise have built an incredible jiu jitsu gym and community. Professor Igor is a thoughtful teacher and pours his heart into teaching. Our whole family has fun participating in the classes.
Megan W.
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Igor, a 3rd degree blackbelt owns a great gym with an awesome atmosphere and good training partners. 100% recommend
Weber D.
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Our kid (7 y/o) started in January 2024 with professor Igor, he loves it and has learned so much! The assistant coaches are great as well. They all know how to work with kids, and always make it so fun and engaging. I especially love how this place emphasizes the ethics, athlete mentality, and RESPECT. Respect your friends, appreciate your friends, and expect to be challenged. 💪