The Legendary Grapplers Wallid Ismail and Carlson Gracie Junior Promoted to Coral Belts in BJJ

On January 06, 2024, Saturday afternoon, two renowned elite Jiu-Jitsu fighters, Wallid Ismail and Carlson Gracie Jr., were promoted to seventh-degree BJJ coral belt after 31 years in BJJ. They were awarded coral belts at the Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas sports club ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. The coral belt in BJJ is a significant achievement symbolizing a high level of expertise and contribution to martial arts.

Wallid Ismail and Carlson Gracie Jr. were trained under Master Carlson Gracie Sr. at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana and were promoted to black belt on the same day in 1993. During black belt ranks, both fighters won numerous titles in BJJ tournaments. After retirement, Ismail became a fight promoter in the Jungle Fight organization in Brazil, and Gracie became the head coach at  Carlson Gracie Academy after his father died in 2006.

Many significant top-class athletes under Carlson Gracie attended the Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas club ceremony, including Carlos Rosado, the first red belt fighter from Carlson Gracie Academy. Another red belt grappler, Fernando Pinduka, also attended the ceremony and was honored to promote the Wallid Ismail coral belt. Wallid Ismail also gave a wholehearted emotional speech about his Jiu-Jitsu journey. Also, he emphasized how grateful he is towards Master Carlson Gracie Sr, who supported him throughout his BJJ career. Along with Carlson Gracie Jr. and Wallid Ismail, another respected grappler under Master Carlson Gracie Sr, Marcelo Alonso, was also promoted to coral belt at the ceremony. He is also an instructor at the Carlson Gracie Academy.

Photo Credit: wallidjfc and carlsongracie