To transform our student’s lives through martial arts, both physically and mentally. Our focus is to train a variety of exercises, movements, and drills, at the same time practicing respect, self-discipline, self-confidence, and focus. These positive qualities, experiences, and values can be applied off the mat in our everyday lives and shared with people close to us.
3 Time Brazilian National Champion
2 Time Brazilian National Team Champion
3 Time Brazilian Provincial Champion
RIO BJJ Champion
40+ Times Medalist at IBJJF and other Federation Competitions
HEAD PROFESSOR
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Francisco “Toco” Albuquerque > Rafael La Porta
Professor Rafael started Jiu-Jitsu in 1992, at age 13. He was trained under Carlson Gracie, from which he earned his black belt in 2001. His first team was “Nova Geração Jiu-Jitsu”, (New Generation) where he trained under Master Francisco “Toco” Albuquerque and Carlson Gracie. In 2010, La Porta joined GFTeam to continue his training under Master Júlio Cesar Pereira and Theodoro Canal.
Today, Rafael is a 4th degree Black belt and an accomplished Competitor and Instructor.
“There are a lot of people that win a lot of competition but it’s so different from the Jiu-Jitsu that I learned. Competition BJJ is extremely competitive and I know it is the way it is but to me its not as beautiful as Jiu-Jitsu from the past, represented in fighters like Rodolfo Vierra, Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu and Roger Gracie. These are examples of fighters that are always going and going, no matter if they are winning by advantage or not…they are always trying to submit you. This is the version of BJJ that I like, I prefer to go for the submission, as hard as you can.” – Professor La Porta
PROFESSOR
“Davi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, as well as a personal trainer, holding a degree in Physical Education. Davi’s journey with BJJ began in 2006, under Master Sazinho Sa in Fortaleza City, Brazil. Davi received his Blue Belt with Master Sazihno and then in 2008 moved to Curitiba City, Brazil. There he joined the Arena Team under Master Marcelo Brito. Training with the Arena Team afforded Davi the experience of training with many great training partners resulting in his competing and winning several local and national championships.”
PROFESSOR
“To me Jiu jitsu isn’t a hobby or a sport, it’s a way of life, and has completely changed my life. Through teaching I hope that I can put the spark of jiu jitsu into others’ hearts and minds. What I hope students learn is to be great people. To have big hearts and make the world a better place. If they end up to be mat savages in the process, all the better.”
COACH
“I like teaching the kids BJJ because I find it very rewarding when you see them grow technique-wise and in self-confidence. I want my students to learn how to respect each other on and off the mats.”
