Youngsville, LA (January 5, 2026) – Cortney Meyers and his son, Evan, from Youngsville, attended the 100th year event celebrating Gracie Jiu-jitsu® Brazil, held from October 22 to 29, 2025.
The event included a seminar attended by over 700 students, which included men and women from around the world. When not at the seminar, Meyers and his son took advantage of the opportunity for sightseeing. They had a chance to visit some well-known landmarks while there: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Pedra Bonita (Beautiful Rock). View photos >>
What is Gracie Jiu-jitsu®? It is a martial art founded in 1925 by Carlos and Hélio Gracie, both co-founders of Gracie Jiu-jitsu® in Brazil. In 1989, Hélio’s son, Rorian, opened the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, to teach Gracie Jiu-jitsu®. Today, the university is directed by its co-owners Rener and Ryron Gracie, grandsons of Hélio Gracie.
Meyers became interested in Gracie Jiu-jitsu® after observing a family member practice it. He began training in 2014 and developed a passion for the sport.
In 2015, Meyers enrolled in Gracie University. Eager to share the sport with local area residents, Meyers opened GracieJiu-jitsu® Youngsville in 2017 at 501B Church Street. His training center is one of two certified training centers in Louisiana that legally teach the Gracie Jiu-jitsu® tradition.
For more information on Gracie Jiu-jitsu® Youngsville, visit its website. View photos >>
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