About us
Come and try! If you have already practiced jiu-jitsu you have a free trial class, just to see if you like our teaching method and the mood of the school. If, however, it is your first time trying Jiu-jitsu, you have a free one-week trial in which you can take part in as many classes as you want! You just have to write to us at
Master
Pedro Sauer
In 1990, Master Sauer moved to California with the Gracie brothers as part of the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the United States, and was only one of two Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors that were not part of the Gracie family. Shortly after coming to California, he moved to Utah where he continued to make his mark in the jiu-jitsu world by teaching, and formed the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association. He remained in Utah for many years and grew his association to one of the oldest, largest, and most respected Associations in the world in which he quickly became known for his kindness, meticulous approach, and eye for Technical detail in his Jiu Jitsu.
Over the years his name has become synonymous with fluidity and technical precision. He is frequently mentioned on television and featured in martial arts magazines. On May 17, 2005, Pedro Sauer was voted "Best of the Best Brazilian Jiu‐Jitsu Instructor" in a worldwide poll.
In 2006, Master Sauer moved again, this time to Herndon, Virginia, where he opened One Spirit Martial Arts Academy and set up the world headquarters for his Association. He is currently an eighth degree black belt which he received from Grandmaster Helio Gracie and Master Rickson Gracie and travels the world teaching workshops and seminars. Master Sauer is well-known as one of the best jiu-jitsu instructors in the world.
Instructors
Thiago Bertoni - Head Instructor -
When in Brazil, Thiago studied the art at what is considered the temple of jiu-jitsu, Gracie Humaita (GM Helio Gracie school) in Rio de Janeiro and had the privilege to learn from Master Rolker Gracie and Royler Gracie for years, though the biggest influence out of the Gracie family in Thiago's jiu-jitsu was Grandmaster Relson Gracie, who at that time was just promoted Red Belt by his older brother GM Rorion Gacie (all Helio Gracie's sons). Thiago was lucky to have spent enough time with GM Relson Gracie at Pedro Sauer's house up in the mountains of Rio, Petropolis, learning all the Gracie lifestyle, from solid Self defense to ways of eating (Gracie Diet) and encountering life as a Gracie member.
The year of 2012 Thiago received his Back Belt by the hands of Master Pedro Sauer, who has been a mentor and a father figure throughout his journey, becoming the first Brazilian to receive a black belt under Master Pedro Sauer at his house in Petropolis, RJ, Brazil. Another remarkable achievement was to receive the second degree from Master Pedro Sauer and his master, the legendary Rickson Gracie at an event in Glasgow. Thiago now holds a third degree black belt and has been dedicating his teachings at Gracie jiu-jitsu Milano School in Italy for the past 2 years, where he found home away from home.
Visiting Alvaro Barreto School in Copacabana, Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)
Recognition of Thiago II degree black belt by Rickson Gracie JJGF
Winning Rickson Gracie Cup Tournament in Glasgow (Scotland) 2018, where he received his II degree
Rickson Gracie Cup Tournament in Glasgow (Scotland) 2018
Receiving the I degree on the black belt by Pedro Sauer, in San Paulo (Brazil) 2015
Learning from Pedro and Relson Gracie, in Pedro's house in Petropolis (Brazil) in 2013
Receiving the black belt from Pedro Sauer in Petropolis (Brazil) in 2012
Receiving the III degree black belt in Petropolis (Brazil) in 2021, by the hands of Pedro Sauer
Francesco Pignatelli - Instructor & GJJM Founder -
Francesco is a certified instructor by Gracie University in Torrance, California, where he completed the required exams for the Instructor Certification Program (ICP) in person, participating in both annual sessions in 2019. That same year, he founded "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Milano," in the building that still hosts the school today. Francesco received his “instructor bars” from Ryron Gracie.
He began practicing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2011, attending various seminars across Europe. During this time, he met Grand Master Rorion Gracie, whom he invited to Milan for the first time in 2018. Francesco developed a sincere friendship with Grand Master Rorion and visited his home several times. There he had the chance to learn about and appreciate the Gracie Diet, a book he later translated into Italian. These visits also provided Francesco with the opportunity to train with Rorion and receive valuable advice on teaching the original self-defense techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Francesco continued to teach according to Gracie University’s principles until January 2024, when he achieved the second stripe on his purple belt. He then joined the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association alongside Professor Thiago Bertoni. His friendship and daily training with Professor Bertoni have allowed Francesco to deepen, refine, and improve his Jiu-Jitsu, expanding his technical and strategic knowledge of this remarkable art.
Francesco training with GM Rorion Gracie in Milano, 2018
Francesco training at GM Rorion Gracie's garage in Los Angeles (USA), in 2019
With GM Rorion Gracie in Dusseldorf (Germany), in 2017
Francesco receiving the instructor bars from Ryron Gracie
With GM Rorion Gracie in Amsterdam (Netherlands), 2022
With Ryron Gracie in Milano (Italy), 2023
Courses
BullySafe
Jiu-jitsu games, techniques and strategies to strengthen self-esteem. Bully-proof your children!
Women Self-Defense
The Jiu-jitsu program dedicated to the defense of women. Become aware of your potential and learn how to get out of the worst scenarios!
Basic 1
Start your Jiu-jitsu journey! You will immediately learn how to manage a possible attack perpetrated by an attacker much bigger and stronger than you.
Basic 2
Fundamental techniques to manage any type of attack: street and sport. At this level, specific sparring is introduced. Accessible only after having completed the Basic 1 course.
All Levels
Fundamental techniques to manage any type of attack: street and sport. At this level, specific sparring is introduced. Accessible only after having completed the Basic 1 course.
Advanced Gi
Our advanced course where you can deepen your study of techniques and strategies by going through different types of sparring. Accessible only from the Blue Belt.
No Gi
Improve your takedowns and your control over your opponent by learning to move without the use of the kimono. Open to all.
Fight Simulation &
Street Sparring
Test your Jiu-jitsu against a punching opponent. Accessible only after having completed the Basic 1 course.