GRANDMASTER ARMANDO WRIEDT

A true pioneer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Grandmaster Armando Wriedt was one of the select seven Jiu Jitsu Masters to receive a red belt directly from the late Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. A devoted practitioner of the Gracie Jiu Jitsu style, he competed in numerous grappling and Vale-Tudo events—precursors to modern MMA—where he showcased the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu Jitsu in real combat situations.

Armando first encountered Hélio Gracie at the age of 21 through a mutual friend, which led him to regularly visit the Gracie Farm, where he began training alongside the legendary Gracie brothers. His dedication to the art soon deepened, and while completing his mandatory military service, he sought refuge at the Gracie Academy. With Hélio’s support, he became a live-in student, fully immersing himself in the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle, training daily, and absorbing the Gracie philosophy—not only in combat but also in nutrition, discipline, and self-improvement.

During his time at the academy, Armando competed in three Vale-Tudo fights in Rio de Janeiro, representing the Gracie school. Though he was not naturally drawn to fighting, he demonstrated the efficiency of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, winning all three matches via quick submissions. A devoted admirer of Mahatma Gandhi, Armando believed in non-violence, but he fought out of respect for his masters and to prove the effectiveness of the techniques he had learned.

After spending eight years living and breathing Jiu Jitsu under the direct tutelage of Hélio Gracie, Armando left the academy with Hélio’s blessing to pursue a new path. He went on to teach self-defense and close-combat techniques to elite security forces, including bodyguards at ESNI (Escola de Serviço Nacional de Informação) and the presidential security detail. His expertise was sought after by high-ranking officials, and his teachings influenced a new generation of security professionals.

Grandmaster Armando Wriedt passed away in 2019 at the age of 94, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as an educator, mentor, and martial artist. With his passing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lost one of its greatest representatives—a man who dedicated his life to preserving and spreading the true essence of BJJ. His contributions continue to inspire practitioners around the world, ensuring that his knowledge, philosophy, and techniques live on for generations to come.