Grand Master Francisco Mansor

The New York Open

Grand Master Francisco Mansor has dedicated 46 years of his life to the practice, study and teaching of Jiu-Jitsu. He is the founder and owner of "Academia Kioto de Jiu-Jitsu," one of the most traditional and successful Jiu-Jitsu schools in Rio de Janeiro, "Brasil." He is very proud to be one of the six men outside of the Gracie family to be granted a professor's diploma by Grand Master Helio Gracie.

For the past 36 years he has developed, through the experience acquired in teaching over 20,000 students (approximately 60% of which children and teens), a unique method of teaching Jiu-Jitsu for those with special needs due to physical impairment, or any other physical challenge.

As active member of the team that idealized and founded both the Rio de Janeiro State Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the "Brasilian" Jiu-Jitsu Confederation, he has held many offices in both institutions. He is currently serving as the president of the Masters Council and Ethics Committee, and as the Vice-President of the Technical Department of the Rio de Janeiro State Jiu-Jitsu Federation. He is also a member of the "Brasilian" Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts' legal regulamentation team.

A graduate from Estacio de Sa University (Law School), he is a career law-enforcement professional (Policia Civil, RJ). During his 35 years in the force he has been assigned to various specialized units and duties, including a term as instructor of self-defense and street tactics in the Rio de Janeiro Police Academy, while concurrently holding the position of Martial Arts Professor of the Brazilian Army Physical Education School.

Grand Master Mansor has also made his contribution within the Academic Arena. He has given innumerous speeches and seminars in schools and universities on many topics including: "Martial Arts vs. Social Violence" (Castelo Branco University), "Jiu-Jitsu"? A practical introduction" for High School students (Garden State Academy).

Grand Master Mansor has recently been inducted in the World Karate Union Hall of Fame (Golden Lifetime Achievement), and he is very grateful to those who have esteemed him worthy of such a great honor.

In the United States, Grand Master Mansor can be contacted at his Long Island school and is available for private instruction, seminars, speeches, or any other activity that can promote the healthy practice of martial arts and a healthy lifestyle.