The academy was opened by Cesar Gracie. It rose to prominence in the late 2000s based on the success of a close-knit group of Gracie students known as the "Skrap Pack":
Jake Shields,
Gilbert Melendez, and brothers
Nick and
Nate Diaz. All fought primarily in the
Strikeforce promotion at that time and were some of its most popular stars. Prior to Jake Shields' UFC signing in 2010, Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu housed champions in three of five weight classes in the Strikeforce promotion. This success helped Cesar Gracie secure a position among the nominees for "Coach of the Year" at the Fighters Only 2010
World MMA Awards. On April 17, 2010, members of the Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu camp were involved in a brawl following the main event at
Strikeforce: Nashville in
Nashville, Tennessee. The incident began as
Jason Miller, a former opponent of
Jake Shields, interrupted Shields' post-fight interview following his decision victory over
Dan Henderson. Shields, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, and Gilbert Melendez scuffled with Miller after he asked Shields for a rematch. In response to the brawl, the Tennessee Athletic Commission recommended a range of fines and suspensions for the fighters involved. == Notable fighters ==