Instructors at Gracie Barra America Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
martial art school in Irvine, Orange County.
Gracie Barra has many Instructors that teach classes and others that take key roles that are essential to the success of our organization. To insure our students understand the titles, we have listed the hierarchy and responsibilities associated with them. Click here to find out more.
Carlos Gracie Jr.
7th Degree Red and Black Belt
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. is a man ahead of his time. Son of Grand Carlos Gracie Sr., he has used his unique visionary skills to create two of the worlds largest and most important Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Organizations: the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Gracie Barra. As founder and current Chairman of both institutions, he has channeled his entrepreneurship to take our sport to the next level allowing thousands of individuals across the five continents to experience the ‘Gentle Art’ as students, instructors, or competitors.
As an instructor for more then 30 years, Master Gracie has produced more than 300 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts in his tenure. Master Gracie spend half of the year teaching at Gracie Barra America and the remaining time teaching at the Gracie Barra main school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Marcio Feitosa
3rd Degree Black Belt
Professor Marcio Feitosa is the head instructor of Gracie Barra America. With more then 15 years of teaching experience, he is a primary example of a man who is fully dedicating his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members. Prof. Feitosa’s witty personality, enthusiasm, integrity, and leadership make the essence of GB America and touch all those around him. An outstanding competition background qualifies him as one of the best lightweight competitors on BJJ history. He collects many titles such as a 3-time World BJJ Champion and Abu-Dhabi Champion, Brazilian Nationals, Brazilian Team Tournament, and the Pan American Championships. Marcio’s Jiu Jitsu Records>>
Andre Fernandes
2nd Degree Black Belt
Professor Andre Fernandes has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years in Brazil and in the USA. Besides the work as an instructor at Gracie Barra, Professor Andre has been a part of the “IBJJF” International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation since day one, which is the main governing body of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the world. As part of the federation, professor Andre dedicates a lot of time to the growth and the organization of the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jistu all over the world.
Marco Joca
2nd Degree Black Belt
Professor Marco Joca (Piu-Piu) has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 17 years. Precision, focus, and determination are some elements of his personality that are easily noted on his classes and have immensely contributed to the success of our schools. As a competitor he has achieved the titles of Worlds, Pan-American, Brazilian Nationals, and State Champion. Prof. Marco dedicates most of his time to Gracie Barra Wear so all GB Schools worldwide can have access to high quality official GB training gear. He also trains and teaches at GB America (H.Q.) and GB Anaheim Hills. Marco’s Jiu Jitsu Records>>
Carlos Eduardo
1st Degree Black Belt
Professor Carlos began training in the year 2000 at the prestigious Gracie Barra “Caveirinha in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He is dedicated to teaching as well as practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Carlos “Chalita” began teaching in Brazil several years ago. He then moved to Germany where he taught for three years before he came to Orange County. Carlos believes training martial arts helps to keep the mind sharp and controlled. The benefits he predicted are clearly displayed through his character. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu made him who he is today and he is grateful to be given the opportunity to prepare a new generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to face their challenges both on and off the mats. We are glad to have Professor Carlos with us at Gracie Barra America showcasing his ability to convey the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle both in his instruction as well as his actions both on and off the mats.
Ana Laura Cordeiro
Black Belt
Instructor Ana Laura Cordeiro’s drive and focus make her an invaluable part of the GB Team. An avid martial artist, she remains undefeated in over 40 fights in a glorious competitor career. Ana Laura finds teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to be among the most positive, powerful experiences in her life. Off the mat she is devoting a lot of time to studying english and learning more about the american culture.
Kayron Gracie
Black Belt
Instructor Kayron Gracie is Master Carlos Gracie Jr’s oldest son and a well accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor holding important titles such a World Champion and Pan American Champion. When teaching classes or correcting students the emphasis on details makes Kayron’s classes and coaching very distinct. Kayron’s commitment and talent is serving him on the quest to consecrate his name as one of the Gracie Family’s best of his generation.
Rodrigo
Black Belt
Professor Rodrigo Freitas began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra in belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Professor “Digo” fell in love with the art within his first few days on the mat, and decided then, that one day, he will earn his Black Belt. His determination and will to never give up took him to this goal. Since those first days on the mat, Professor “Digo” has taken BJJ very seriously. He truly believes that receiving his Black Belt from Gracie Barra is the equivalent of earning a degree from Harvard University. But through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has learned things that could not be tought at Harvard. He has learned such things as humility, respect, knowledge of both body and bind, and forgetfulness of limitations. Professor Digo’s lasting commitment to BJJ has come from his realization that he does not need to forget that limitations exist because there truly are no limitations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is grateful to be given the opportunity to pass the art on to others so they can enjoy the same benefits from BJJ.
