BJJ

Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu School Legacy And History

Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu School Legacy And History

Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent BJJ gym that has produced the greatest black belt champions and set an exceptional record in the BJJ world. However, behind the team's success lies the hard work, fierce passion, consistency, and perseverance of the whole team that helped shape the collective bright future. There is no exception in the case of Marcelo Garcia Academy, the early recognition of being the best grappling academy is credited to the collective efforts of brilliant coaches and the diligent work of its dedicated students.


In this article, we will discuss the rich history and undeniable legacy of Marcelo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, exploring the focal points that contributed to its rise to prominence and establishing it as one of the most renowned affiliations in BJJ.

1. History of Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu School

1.1. Foundation of Marcelo’s Gym

Marcelo Garcia opened his Jiu-Jitsu academy in 2009 in New York with the passion of spreading his technical skills all across the globe.

1.2. First Black Belt of Marcelo’s Jiu-Jitsu Academy

In 2011, Marcelo Garcia awarded the first black belts to Alexander Meadows and Josh Waitzkin.

2. Training Program At Marcelo Garcia Academy

Marcelo Garcia’s BJJ academies offer a comprehensive training program that is designed to fulfill the demands of athletes of all ages and skill levels.


Marcelo Garcia always tried to create a friendly environment in its gym, aimed to produce a BJJ community of motivated and extraordinary practitioners. However, the immersive learning at his gyms and the supervision of world-class instructors helped in providing elite grappling skills and physical fitness. However, MGJJ categorizes its training classes into three classes;

2.1. Kids & Youth

Kids and Youth Jiu-Jitsu programs offer a comprehensive introduction to BJJ with basic techniques.BJJ instructors help the kids in building a strong foundation by focusing on their fundamentals of growth and discipline.


However, kids of 5 to 12 years can come here to learn basic self-defense, basic tumbling, positional controls, takedown ,and technical approach to Jiu-Jitsu.

2.2. Fundamental Classes

Every BJJ enthusiast can easily sign up for the fundamental classes at MGJJ. They offer comprehensive lessons on positional sparring/rolling/drilling, BJJ techniques, and principles.

2.3. Advanced Jiu-Jitsu Classes

Grapplers having 6 months of experience can join the advanced Jiu-Jitsu classes at Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Students learn the different BJJ transitions, escapes, and strategies on and off-the-mat.

3. MGJJ Classes Level & Requirements

Classes Level Requirements
Fundamental Level 1 New Students can join
No prior experience is required
Fundamental Level 1 3 months of BJJ training required before joining
OR
50 grappling classes
Advanced Level 1 & Open Mat 6 months of BJJ training required before signing up
OR
70 grappling classes
Advanced Level 2 Students must have Blue belt in BJJ

4. Marcelo Garcia Virtual Academy

Marcelo Garcia recently revolutionized the grappling world through the introduction of a “Virtual Jiu-Jitsu Academy” to give easy learning access to BJJ enthusiasts. The innovative teaching approach of this world champion surely creates a boom in the world of martial arts.

5. Affiliations of Marcelo Garcia Academy

5.1. Associations in the Southern United States

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
The Marcelo Garcia Jiu Jitsu Association Gainesville, Florida Kon Ying
Zach Taylor
Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu Dallas, Texas Rob Ables

5.2. Associations in the North-East United States

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
313 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Detroit Detroit, Michigan Fabio Lima
Ultimate MMA Training Center New Haven, CT Andrew Calandrelli
Marisa Messer-Belenchia
Dave Herndon
Marcelo Garcia Bridgeport Association Bridgeport, CT Joao Luz
Ricardo Costa
David Oliveira
Leone Silva
Osagame Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Philadelphia Ray Huxen
Ron Huxen
Eric Silverman
Lee Wentz
Jake Skelly
Art Bourgeau
Beth Goldstein Huxen
Princeton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Princeton, NJ Emily Kwok
Gerry Hurtado
Team Junqueira Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Cranberry Township, PA Rodrigo Junqueira
Mike Linza
Kevin Goodwin
Royal Jiu-Jitsu Academy Mineola, NY Matheus Lutes

5.3. Marcelo’s Garcia Associations in Asia

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
Hon BJJ Myeongji-Dong, South Korea Changhun Kim
Kambiz Warriors Gym Selangor, Malaysia Ali Ramezani

5.4. Associations in the Canada

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
Silver 7 Martial Arts Kanata, Canada Chris Davison
Etienne Dugal-Tessier
Delphie Dugal-Tessier
Silver 7 Martial Arts Nepean, Canada Chris Davison
The Fort Martial Arts Fort Mcmurray, AB, Canada Scott Campbell
Tristan Parker

5.5. Association in the Europe

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
Royal Grappling Academy Dublin, Ireland Paul Fox
Roger Dardis

5.6. Association in the Mexico

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
RT Academy Nuevo Leon, Mexico Irvin Peynado

5.7. Association in the Russia

Academy Name Location Instructors/ Coaches
MGJJ Association, Moscow Moscow Alexander Baluk
Arthur Ustarkhanov

5.8. IBJJF Registered Marcelo Garcia Academies

Marcelo Garcia's legendary coaching, grip on basics, and advanced technical skills became stepping stones in worldly recognition of his Jiu-Jitsu schools. His tireless efforts to meet the excellency paid off after the emergence of 2 registered BJJ academies.IBJJF awarded the registration in recognition of their achievements and extraordinary performance on national and international levels.

6. MGJJ Black Belt Champions

From 2011 to 2022, Marcelo Gracia’s BJJ academies promoted 100 BJJ champions to higher black ranks. Some BJJ black belt of MGJJ are;


Black Belt Champion Year of Promotion
JOSH WAITZKIN 2011
ALEXANDRE MEADOWS 2011
ZELJKO DRINOVAC 2013
GIANNI GRIPPO 2014
LEO KIRBY 2014
JOHN DAVIS 2014
DOMINYKA OBELENYTE 2015
MARCOS TINOCO 2015
JONATHAN SATAVA 2015
MATHEUS DINIZ 2015
MANSHER KHERA 2015
DILLON DANIS 2015
PHILIPPE “PHILZINHO” BALMANT 2015
GERRY HURTADO 2016
GREG TULCHINSKY 2016
JOEL BURGESS 2016
FABIO LIMA 2016
JIMMY LEE SMITH 2016
SCOTT KAPLAN 2017
DAVID O’BRIEN 2017
CHRIS CIVELLO 2017
TYLER STEPPE 2017
ZANDER HEINEN 2017
JORDAN BLEVINS 2017
CHRIS LYON 2017
STEVE DAKHE 2017
VINCENT PRESHA 2017
ALEX CONDOS 2017
TIM FOLEY 2017
MICHAEL DAVILA 2018
MARC BERMAN 2018
THOMAS FLICK 2018
ROBERT VIDAL 2018
YOUSSEF DRIHMI 2018
BRANDON HUGHES 2018
CHRIS FROELICH 2018
OMAR KADI 2018
FOLANA MILLER 2018
DEREK KERSHNER 2018
PERRY MONGROO 2018
CHANGHUN KIM 2018
JORGE PINTO 2018
CHRIS MEDINA 2019
NOAM 2019
FRANCISCO 2019
RICH VAN HOUTON 2019
JAY MAC 2019
ORLANDO 2019
RO M. 2019
MARIE BOBER 2019
HANA FISHER TINOCO 2019
MATHEUS LUTES 2019
KON YING 2019
RA 2020
MIKEY 2020
CARLOS RUIZ 2020
BIG LEO 2020
JUSTIN HILL 2020
SEAN VINAS 2020
CARLAO CURI 2020
ANDREW FOOTE 2020
CHIN 2020
TONY BIBAJ 2021
SPENCER LING 2021
AL HARRISON 2021
AL NOGUERAS 2021
BRYAN POHLMEYER 2021
GRAHAM SUGARMAN 2021
JOHN BURKE 2021
JAMES KIANG 2021
KANAN CLARKE JONES 2022
NICOLE Z. 2022
EMIL 2022
VISHAM KALLOO 2022
DANIEL MULLIGAN 2022
JARED CRAWFORD 2022
JORGE CHICA 2022
KEVIN PELICAN 2022
LEIGH COHEN 2022
MICHAEL OSSO 2022
DAVID ZIEGLER 2022
JOHNNY HENGAL 2022
BRENDAN WEAFER 2022
MARCO ACOSTA 2022
J CASHAVELI 2022
JOSE BANEGAS 2022
MATTHEW CHANDON 2022
RIC RICARD 2022
STEPHEN GOMEZ 2022
ZACH MAKOVSKY 2022
DANIEL CARRIERE 2022
ALEXANDER BALUK 2022
RIC RIOS 2022
TYGA MACLIN 2022
TRISTAN PARKER 2022
EWAN NIVEN 2022
CHRIS DAVIDSON 2022
DELPHIE DUGAL-TESSIER 2022

7. Legacy of Marcelo Garcia Academy

The Marcelo Garcia Academies have completed 14 years of excellence and dedicated coaching.


Marcelo’s academies and affiliations earned worldly recognition in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

8. Goals of MGJJ Academy

MGJJ sets the following goals, helping it in reaching the pinnacle of new heights of this gentle art.

  • Basic Self-Defense And Sport Jiu-Jitsu
  • Friendship And Community
  • Self-Esteem And Confidence
  • Discipline And Respect
  • Skill Development And Physical Activities

9. FAQs

9.1. What Are The Costs Of Kids And Youth Membership In MGJJ?

You have to pay $180 monthly to enroll your kids in MGJJ grappling classes. However, it’s mandatory to join the classes with a BJJ Kimono and belt which costs around $125.

9.2. Who Is The Official Mat Supplier of MGJJ?

ZEBRA, World’s premium quality mat supplier, collaborated with Marcelo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy and provides industry-leading products.

10. Conclusion

Marcelo Gracia Jiu-jitsu Academy now became a renowned organization in the grappling world, producing a large number of BJJ athletes. The tireless efforts of Marcelo Garcia and the record-breaking performance of their students cemented its name among the echelon of heights.

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Photo Credit: @marcelogarciajiujitsu

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