Instructors at Gracie Barra Austin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Marcio Feitosa
4th Degree Black Belt
Professor Marcio Feitosa is the head instructor of Gracie Barra Austin and Gracie Barra America, Schools. With more than 15 years of BJJ teaching experience, he is a primary example of a man who has fully dedicating his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members. Professor Feitosa’s witty personality, enthusiasm, integrity, and leadership make the essence of our martial art school and touch all those around him. An outstanding competition background qualifies him as one of the best lightweight competitors in BJJ history.
He collects many titles including 3 Gold medals in the World Championships of BJJ, first place in the Abu-Dhabi Championship, Brazilian National Championship, Brazilian Team Tournament, and the Pan-American Championship.
Professor Feitosa now dedicates his time toward organizing the meetings to educate both GB America and Austin instructors and staff. The professionalism displayed at both academies are clear representations of his roll in training both instructors and staff. Professor Feitosa strives each day to ensure that Gracie Barra does not plateau, ensuring its growth and improvement in all aspects.
Marcio’s Jiu Jitsu Records >>
Marcelo Ribeiro
2nd Degree Black Belt
Professor Marcelo Ribeiro a Black Belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr, earned his black belt in 2001, he started studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the young age of 12 years old. Today with 35 years old he specializes in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial art to children and adults. After owning for 4 years a successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Professor Marcelo came to US with his family and in 2006 to work for projects in Gracie Barra. After a huge success in Gracie Barra West Palm Beach, FL, Professor Marcelo Ribeiro and Professor Marcio Feitosa worked together in the first big Project in Austin, Texas. In 7 months they made Gracie Barra North Austin one of the most successful schools in Texas. Professor Marcelo is the school director for Gracie Barra North Austin and now launching a new project for Gracie Barra. Professor Feitosa and Professor Ribeiro are now going to one more step for Gracie Barra opening martial art schools in Tennessee. Professor Marcelo is also known for coaching successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, he has produced many gold medalists on the major championships like the prestigious IBJJF Worlds, Pan Americans and Nationals. Professor Marcelo is also a top referee, and referee director to IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federeation) in major championships. When not teaching classes, Professor Ribeiro has a large expirence with Law enforcement. When possible takes his time also teach law enforcement, and has done seminars and special self defense training for SWAT, Troopers and Sheriff’s departments.
Marcelo Souza
1st Degree Black Belt
Professor Marcelo De Souza began training in 1994 at the legendary Gracie Barra headquarters Rio de Janeiro, Brazil under the instruction of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. He has since been an accomplished competitor and world known instructor. Professor Marcelo began teaching in his home academy where he grew up and trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2006 Prof.De Souza received his Black Belt from the hands of the legendary Master Carlos Gracie Jr. In 2007, Professor De Souza left Brazil to come to the United States to share his passion for teaching and unparalleled knowledge he acquired from great mentors such as Professor Marcio Feitosa and Master Carlos Gracie Jr. himself. From 2007 to 2009 he was one of the original Assistant Professors at Gracie Barra America in California, the first Gracie Barra Academy in the United States and new home of Professor Feitosa and Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Professor Marcelo has since gone across the United States helping Academies train new students in the skill, lifestyle and art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Marcelo is an incredible asset for anyone looking to growing technicaly in BJJ martial art. His life philosophes of training, team work, friendship, and the GB Spirit are unparalled. Professor Marcelo takes pride in making his the best friend on the mat.
Alexandre Santos “Dande”
1st Degree Black Belt
Professor Alexandre Santos (Dande) has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial art for over 10 years, both in Brazil and in the USA. He was born and raised in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, and is one of the founders of the first Gracie Barra martial art schools out there. Precision, focus, and determination are some elements of his personality that are easily noted through the teachings of his classes. His contributions to all the schools he has had the opportunity to be apart off is widely recognized within the community. Professor Santos was also part of the foundation of several other Gracie Barra Schools in many different states in the US including Louisiana and California to name a few. As a competitor he has achieved prestigious
Fabiana Borges
1st Degree Black Belt
Professor Fabiana Borges was born in Rio de Janeiro, and started to train when she was 11 years old since then she has been active and competing a lot. When she started it she didn’t know that was going to be her passion and career, she was looking just for a good sport to have fun and bound with her girlfriends. When she was 14 years old she fought in the adult division her first World Championship getting the 3rd place.
In 2008,with 20 years old, she came to US invited for her girlfriend Miriam Cardoso to teach at Gracie Barra in Washington. In 2010 she moved to California and started to teach at Gracie Barra Anaheim Hills, Gracie Barra San Clemente, Gracie Barra Dana Point for while then she had the opportunity to teach at Head Quarters for a year where she leaded the Women’s Program.
She collect many titles including 2nd on Pan American Championship 2011, 3rd on Worlds Championship 2011, 2 times World Champion, 2 times Pan American Champion, 1 time American National Champion, 7 times Brazilian Nationals Champion.
Fabio Vilela
Black Belt
Black Belt graduated by the hands of the great Red and Black Belt master Carlos Gracie Jr. He was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1981. Professor Fabio trained under one other great Professor, Marcio Feitosa, who are also responsible for what he has become today. In the BJJ world he is known as “Gigantinho” (Little Giant) due to his older brother “Gigante” (Giant), in whose footsteps he followed. He started training “Muay Thai” at the age of 10 and kept it for 7 years. Around 15 years old, his brother, “Gigante”, was placed second at the 1996 Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship. That was when “Gigantinho” felt motivated in learning the fascinating BJJ martial art, which he has continued practicing for the past 12 years. Professor Fabio is not just a Professor but also an active athlete competing in championships worldwide. His greatest honors so far accomplished, include World Champion No-Gi (2007), Pan-American Champion (2008), and twice National American Champion. He is also an official referee of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. While in Brazil, Fabio majored in Fitness and worked as a Personal Trainer for three years before coming to the US. As a Jiu-Jitsu Professor he believes that this has helped him significantly, in helping his students accomplish better results. Professor Fabio Villela’s mission is to present, to those who are interested in the BJJ world, how it can be valuable to their lives. BJJ is a discipline that maintains body, soul, and mind with complete health and harmony.
“Since BJJ has been part of my life, it has helped me to grow as a man in several areas of my life, especially in terms of determination and self–confidence. Not to mention that BJJ has made me a champion not only on the mats but also off them.”
Alfred Thompkins
Black Belt
Began training in 1999 and after years of continuous training and competition earned his Black Belt in 2008 directly under Master Carlos Gracie. Professor Alfred attributes a lot of what he has become today on and off the mat to the study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial art. A very accomplished competitor; Professor Alfred holds many gold medals consisting of five gold medals at the U.S Nationals and one bronze, as well as silver, then bronze, and finally a Gold medal at the Pan American Championships. After years of hard work and dedication Professor Alfred is now able to pass on the knowledge he has learned from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and Professor Marcio Feitosa and truly believes it has been a life changing passion to open his own BJJ martial art school and be able to teach the art he loves so much.
Grand Master: A red belt, 9th degree. i.e: Grand Master Carlos Gracie Senior, 10th degree red belt, who was the first Gracie to ever Master Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We demonstrate our respects through bowing to his picture at the end of each class.
Founder: Responsible for the vision and direction of our Organization. Carlos Gracie Jr. makes recommendations and Gracie Barra leaders provide feedback and support to help put his ideas into action in a structured manner.
Master: A red and black belt, 8th and 7th degree. This individual is also responsible for bestowing the coveted black belt rank. The Gracie Barra founder, Carlos Gracie Jr. holds this title.
Head Instructor: Overseas the learning program. His tasks include evaluating and promoting senior students, select and train instructors.
Professor: Instructors holding the rank of black belt. Normally they will be tasked with teaching the primary classes.
Chief Instructor: Not only does this instructor teach but he also takes on more responsibility around the school and assist with off the mat duties. He is primarily at school location.
Instructor: An individual capable of stepping in front of a class and teach.
Coach: Play a critical role in assisting with classes and filling in for Instructors should their schedule not permit for teaching. May be responsible for teaching some classes.
Become part of the Gracie Barra South Austin, North Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Lakeway family!!
North Austin Schedule of Classes: CLICK HERE!
Cedar Park Schedule of Classes: CLICK HERE!
South Austin Schedule of Classes: CLICK HERE!
Round Rock Schedule of Classes: CLICK HERE!
Lakeway Schedule of Classes : CLICK HERE!
Cheers,
Gracie Barra Austin Staff
Locations| Photos | Videos | Facility | Contact | Home
History | About us | Instructor | Programs | Schedule | News
Site map | MMA | Jiu Jitsu | Find Gracie Barra Schools | Facebook | Log in
