Open Guard Jiu-Jitsu is a proud affiliate of the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association — one of the most respected BJJ organizations in the world.
Master Pedro Sauer was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His martial arts journey began at age five with boxing, and he later trained in judo and taekwondo before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He went on to become a direct student of Helio Gracie and Rickson Gracie, training under two of the art's founding figures.
Today, Master Sauer holds an 8th Degree Coral Belt — one of the highest ranks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted and knowledgeable instructors in the world.
He founded the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association (PSBJJA), now one of the largest and most respected BJJ organizations globally. The Association is dedicated to preserving the authentic techniques and values of the Gracie family lineage while helping instructors build structured, durable programs.
Every technique taught at Open Guard traces directly back to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Japanese judoka who brought jiu-jitsu to Brazil in the early 1900s and taught the Gracie family.
Adapted the art for smaller practitioners, emphasizing leverage and technique over strength.
Direct student of Helio and Rickson Gracie. Built one of the world's largest BJJ associations.
World-class competitor and coach. Developed the Team Curran curriculum used at Open Guard.
Proud Team Curran affiliate delivering this lineage to Lake Country families since 2014.
Your training connects directly to the Gracie family and the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Every belt earned at Open Guard is recognized within the Pedro Sauer BJJ Association and the broader Gracie lineage.
You learn from the Team Curran curriculum — a road-tested system developed under Pedro Sauer's lineage that gives students a clear, progressive path from white belt to black belt.
Belts and certifications from PSBJJA-affiliated schools carry weight worldwide. Your rank is recognized across the global Pedro Sauer community and beyond.
Our instructors train and develop under the Pedro Sauer Association's standards, ensuring consistent, high-quality teaching at every class.
Your first class is free. Come see what training within an authentic, structured BJJ lineage feels like.
