Meet our experienced instructors who are committed to helping you succeed in Jiu-Jitsu.
At Gracie Barra, we believe in structured, safe, and effective training for all levels.
Our instructors are Gracie Barra Certified and continually refine their teaching skills.
Professor João Fonseca
Black Belt 1st Degree
ICP 2025
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started training in the very first Gracie Barra school introduced by his uncle who is a Gracie Barra Black Belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
Professor João has earned his Black Belt after 10 years of training and competing in the highest level of the sport. Professor João has years of experience in Freestyle Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing as a complementary Martial Art knowledge.
Has been an athlete and has multiple national and international titles and now focuses his goals on sharing knowledge and changing lives through Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Diego Ballouta
Black Belt 5th Degree
ICP 2025
Professor Diego has an incredible display of techniques learned during his 30+ years in Jiu-Jitsu. He focus his goals now on sharing knowledge and building champions on and off the mat.
Coach Erwin Juliano
Brown Belt
ICP 2025
He has been training in Jiu Jitsu for seven years, and it has changed his life. He has experience in competitions and uses this as a self-development tool. Currently a Brown Belt, he spreads the philosophy of Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Raissa Cunha
Blue Belt
ICP 2025
Coach Raissa began training in 2022 under the instruction of her husband Professor João. After seeing his daughter's development through Jiu-Jitsu, she became interested in starting. Her main purpose is to develop and build a woman’s program that helps other women and creates strong relationships of mutual support.
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