Preserving the story of an art — before it's lost
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reshaped martial arts in America. But the story of how it happened — and of the people who made it happen — has never been told the way it deserves. Groundswell exists to change that.
Groundswell: The Rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America is a large-format art book that brings that history to life through the legends who lived it. Across more than 300 pages of first-person interviews and gallery-grade black-and-white photography, it documents the struggle, the risk, and the triumph of the pioneers who planted BJJ on American soil — in their own words.
These are the voices of eight of the men who built the art here: Jean Jacques Machado, Pedro Sauer, Fabio Santos, Steve Maxwell, Joe Moreira, Claudio França, Ricardo Miller, and Pedro Valente. Their stories — of leaving home for a new country, teaching in near-empty rooms, and building a movement one student at a time — are the foundation of everything BJJ has become.
Made to be handed down
Groundswell was designed to last a lifetime. It's a 9" × 12" casebound hardcover housed in a custom slipcase, printed on 105 lb paper with archival-quality inks, full-color endsheets, and a silk ribbon marker. Easy-to-read sidebars reveal the untold backstories behind each interview, and every portrait is a work of art in its own right — bold, intimate, and built to honor the people who built the art.
The team behind Groundswell
Roy Dean — Co-creator. Roy Dean is an ambassador and expert in the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He earned his black belt in Kodokan Judo in Japan at the age of 17. After returning to the U.S., he continued his exploration of the martial arts, earning a first-degree black belt in Aikido, a third-degree black belt in Japanese Jujutsu, and a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Roy Harris. He is also widely known for his cinematic and inspirational martial arts videos.
Josh Gold — Co-creator. Josh Gold has over 30 years of martial arts experience, holding a 5th-degree black belt in Aikido, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and training in Filipino Kali. He is the Executive Editor of Aikido Journal, the world's largest Aikido media publication, with a 50-year tradition of publishing interviews and books highlighting world-class martial arts masters from around the globe.
Gary Payne — Photography. Gary Payne is a professional photographer with decades of experience across editorial, commercial, and performing-arts work. He has worked internationally and currently serves as board president of Bach Collegium San Diego. Gary is also a longtime martial artist, holding a 4th-degree black belt in Aikido and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Katherine "Roo" Heins — Editor. Roo Heins is a professional editor with over two decades of experience editing books, magazines, and academic publications in both the U.S. and Japan. Her credits include The Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts, The Art of the Japanese Sword, and numerous works for Kodansha International and Tuttle Publishing. A lifelong martial artist, she holds a 6th-degree black belt in Aikido and a 5th-degree black belt in Iaido.
Mario Sapienza — Design. Mario Sapienza is a professional graphic designer specializing in editorial and brand design. His work spans visual campaigns, book design, print graphics, and brand-identity development for international clients. Mario is a 4th-degree black belt in Aikido, a BJJ enthusiast, and a certified Zen Shiatsu therapist.
Groundswell Media
Groundswell is published by Groundswell Media. For questions about your order or the book, reach us at hello@bjjpioneers.com.