Rigan Machado

Rigan Machado is a Brazilian-American martial arts teacher, born in Rio de Janeiro, who started training at five with his cousins, the Gracie family. He earned his first black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra, and was one of the first instructors to teach in Rorion Gracie's garage classes that brought Brazilian jiu-jitsu to America. Rorion Gracie awarded him a ninth degree red belt. A Pan American champion at weight and absolute in 1996 and 1997, he also medaled at the ADCC and competed in judo, sambo and wrestling, placing second and third at the 1993 Pan American Sambo Championships. He is regarded as one of the leading competitors in the sport's history. He teaches at The Academy Beverly Hills and serves as commissioner of the Jiu Jitsu World League. In 2024 he coached on season six of the Professional Grappling Federation, leading Team 1st Phorm to second place.