T.O.S.S. Academy is a member of the Caique Jiu-Jitsu Association, founded by red-and-black belt Carlos "Caique" Elias. Master Caique received his black belt from Helio Gracie, and his red-and-black belt from Rickson Gracie. 

Shawn Pretat, Darin Baldridge and Elle Jackson have all received their black belts directly from Master Caique. 

 

Carlos "Caique" Elias first contact with jiu-jitsu was in 1972 at a Judo Academy located at Rua Toneleros in Copacabana, RJ. The judo academy where he trained was in a shared building with the Carlson Gracie Academy. 

Master Caique met Relson and Rickson Gracie in his teenage years surfing in Rio de Janeiro. Because the surf culture back then was pretty rough and fights happened often, Caique quickly saw the value of jiu-jitsu and began training at 16 years old in 1974.  His hard work quickly set him apart and Grand Master Helio Gracie named him the best student in his original academy. He taught at the Gracie Humaita Academy in Brazil for many years while competing in tournaments, winning the Brazilian Nationals in 1995.

In 1996 Master Caique moved to the US, invited by GM Helio to teach at the Gracie Academy.

In 2000 he opened the Caique Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Caique trained with Relson until the end of his blue belt, and then Rickson and Helio through his black belt. 

He was awarded his black belt in 1982 by Helio Gracie (one of only eight non-Gracies who received a black belt from Helio Gracie).

He was awarded his seventh degree red-and-black belt by Rickson Gracie in March 2009, followed by his eight degree in February 2023.

​

Master Caique still actively teaches classes at his academy alongside his sons, black belts Pedro Elias and Thomaz Elias. When not teaching at the academy, he travels around the country holding seminars in the Caique Jiu-Jitsu network of schools and hosting BJJ tournaments.