Founder story
Rogerio Lima: From Roger Gracie Academy to Grand Union and the Birth of BKG UAE
At BKG Dubai, we pride ourselves on carrying a legacy of excellence, integrity, and world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At the center of this vision is Rogerio Gracie—a passionate practitioner, experienced coach, and a direct student of one of Jiu-Jitsu’s greatest champions: Roger Gracie.
But Rogerio’s journey didn’t start in Dubai—it began with a deep-rooted passion, a world-renowned academy, and a vision to bring elite-level Jiu-Jitsu to the UAE.
The Journey Begins: Roger Gracie Academy & Cesar Lima
Rogerio first stepped onto the mats at the Roger Gracie Academy under the guidance of Professor Cesar Lima, a respected black belt and longtime representative of the Roger Gracie team. Under Lima’s mentorship, Rogerio developed a solid foundation in Jiu-Jitsu and immersed himself in the technical, detail-oriented style that defines Roger Gracie’s philosophy.
Training directly under Roger Gracie himself, Rogerio learned from one of the most accomplished grapplers in history—focusing on precision, pressure, and positional mastery. These early years were instrumental in shaping Rogerio’s approach to the art, both as a student and as a future instructor.
Grand Union: A New Chapter in Jiu-Jitsu
As the Jiu-Jitsu landscape evolved, Rogerio became part of Grand Union, a forward-thinking Jiu-Jitsu collective founded by Roger Gracie and Cesar Lima. Grand Union was built on tradition but focused on innovation, inclusivity, and spreading high-level Jiu-Jitsu globally.
This affiliation reflected Rogerio’s own values—remaining loyal to the roots of the sport while building something new and dynamic. His time with Grand Union solidified his role not only as a competitor but as an educator and leader in the BJJ community.
The Creation of BKG UAE
Fueled by his desire to share his experience and elevate the sport in a new region, Rogerio moved to the UAE and founded BKG UAE. His goal: to bring the Grand Union and Roger Gracie Academy lineage to Dubai, offering a space for students of all levels to train, grow, and excel under structured, world-class instruction.
At BKG, Rogerio has built a culture of discipline, respect, and technical excellence—one that honors his roots while embracing diversity and innovation. His classes reflect the teachings of Roger Gracie and Cesar Lima, but are delivered with his own unique voice and perspective.
Today, BKG UAE stands as a fast-growing academy within the UAE Jiu-Jitsu scene, offering programs for kids, adults, beginners, and competitors—all under the direct guidance of someone shaped by the best.
