Excellence in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instruction in Grand Rapids Michigan

Professor Jorge Jorge Gurgel

Jorge Gurgel received his Black Belt under Marcus Aurelio. He is a UFC veteran and a member of The Ultimate Fighter season 2. He is a 6x Brazilian State Champion, NAGA Super Fight Champion as well as competing in international tournaments such as the Pan Am Games.

Marcus Aurelio

Marcus Aurelio received his black belt from Francisco Carlos Pinto Sa "Sazinho". Moved to the US in 2001 and eventually joined Amercian Top Team (ATT). He is a Pride and UFC veteran.

Francisco Carlos Pinto Sa "Sazinho" / Andre Pederneiras

Sazinho received his Black Belt from his father Professor Sa Sr. In 1995 Sazinho aligned his school with the newly formed Nova Uniao Team under Andre Pederneiras. This formed the Sazinho/Pederneiras lineage. Notable UFC fighters Marcus Aurelio, Jorge Gurgel, Hermes Franca and Wilson Govieau started their training under Sazinho in Fortaleza, Brazil. Pederneiras was a former Shooto Champion and 6x Brazilian National Champion.

Professor Sa

Professor Sa received his Black Belt from Carlos "Carlinhos" Gracie Jr. Sa is credited with bringing the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the North East region of Brazil. .

Carlos "Carlinhos" Gracie Jr

Carlos "Carlinhos" Gracie Jr is a 7th degree Red/Black belt. He founded Gracie Barra as well as created the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Carlos Gracie

Carlos Gracie is a 10th degree Red Belt and is one of the founding fathers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was the first Gracie to learn Judo from Otavio Mitsuyo Maeda (aka "Count Koma"). Based on these teachings Carlos and his brothers founded the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.. .