Words: Mike Velez | Photos: Carl Hyndman
When you think of jiu-jitsu’s formative figures, the Gracie family immediately comes to mind. Master Aloisio Silva had the opportunity to know and train with many of them, including Helio and Carlos Gracie. Meeting him, I was struck by his smile, humor, confidence, and enthusiasm for sharing what he had learned. Before exploring his techniques, it is worth understanding the varied martial-arts background behind them.
The Early Years
Aloisio was born in 1953 in Laguna, southern Brazil. Fighting and fishing were two early passions. On a family trip to Rio de Janeiro when he was about six, he received a judo book and began practicing its movements with friends. At boarding school, around age nine, he began formal judo with Master Osvaldo Duncan and also trained karate for three years.