Cesar Lima
Founder & Head Coach
4th Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Roger Gracie
Cesar Lima began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 1999 in Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, learning his first techniques under Professor Gilberto Gabas, a student of Marco Barbosa.
After moving to São Paulo, Cesar continued his development under renowned Vale Tudo and UFC fighter Jorge Patino “Macaco”, before making a life-changing decision in 2002 to leave Brazil and move to London.
There, Cesar began training under Roger Gracie, one of the most accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors of all time. Training with Roger had a major influence on Cesar’s development, both as a practitioner and, later, as a coach.
After years of dedicated training, Cesar earned Roger’s trust and became Head Instructor at the Roger Gracie Academy – Vie, beginning a coaching career that would eventually span almost two decades.
Overcoming Adversity
Cesar’s journey has not always been easy.
In 2006, he suffered a serious knee injury, tearing three ligaments. He was told that returning to high-level competition would be extremely difficult.
After surgery, rehabilitation and 18 months of determined work, Cesar returned to the mats and competition.
That perseverance was rewarded when he became IBJJF European Champion in 2010, before winning the European title again in 2011.
The experience had a lasting influence on Cesar’s philosophy as a coach: progress isn’t only about talent, it comes from discipline, resilience and the willingness to keep going when things become difficult.
Building a Team
Alongside his competitive career, Cesar’s passion increasingly moved towards teaching and developing others.
The London academy grew into one of the established Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teams in the UK, developing competitors, instructors and a strong community that lasted for almost two decades. Throughout his coaching career, Cesar has awarded more than 40 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts, many of whom went on to become instructors, academy owners and leaders in their own communities.
In 2014, Cesar moved to Brighton and opened an academy in Rottingdean, bringing his experience and teaching philosophy to a new community.
In 2019, after 12 successful years within the Roger Gracie Academy network, Cesar and his senior students began a new chapter by creating Grand Union Jiu Jitsu.
Today, after more than 25 years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Cesar continues to lead Grand Union from Brighton, teaching children and adults and developing the next generation of students and instructors.
His focus has evolved beyond competition. His goal today is to use the experience gained over a lifetime in martial arts to help people become stronger, healthier, more confident and more resilient, both on and off the mats.
