Our instructors are Gracie Barra Certified and continually refine their teaching skills.
Professor Alexandre “Carioca”
4th Degree Black Belt
ICP4, ICP5, ICP6, ICP6_Revisited, CPR
Professor Alexandre Ramos Santos “Carioca” is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt 4th degree.
Born in Petropolis-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1998 where he started Physical Education College and began his Jiu-Jitsu training at Ryan Gracie Academy. He completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Physical Education.
In 2008, Professor Alexandre moved to Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where he continued his training at Gracie Barra BH. At the same time he opened his first Gracie Barra Vale do Sereno in the nearby city of Nova Lima / MG. He also achieved the Black Belt from Professors Vinicius Magalhaes “Draculino” and Marcelo Azevedo “Uirapuru” in 2008.
With the support of Professor Vinicius Magalhaes “Draculino”, Professor Alexandre started the Toronto / Canada Project in 2016.
He opened the first Gracie Barra in Canada’s largest city, Gracie Barra West Downtown Toronto in 2018. He has since shared the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Gracie Barra family’s legacy with Canadians.
Professor José Martins
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
CPR
Adult Professor for the GB1, GB3 and Competition classes.
Introducing José, an extraordinary individual hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. With a background in accounting and administration, José possesses a remarkable skill set that extends beyond his profession. While initially a black belt in Karate, his true passion lies in Jiu Jitsu, which he embarked upon in 2004. In January 2020, José transitioned from Nova União to Gracie Barra upon relocating to Canada. Since September 2021, he has been sharing his expertise as an esteemed Professor at Gracie Barra Toronto.
Stephen Lewis
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
CPR
Instructor for the GB1 and GB2 classes.
Born in Oakland, CA USA, he began training Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 in Baltimore, MD. He later moved to Kansas City, MO where continued training and also began teaching. In January 2022, he moved to Toronto and started training at Gracie Barra West Downtown Toronto.
Ciro Diaz
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
CPR
Instructor for the GB1, GB2 and GB3 classes. He began training Jiu Jitsu in his hometown in Ecuador and, after moving to Canada, continued under Professor Alexandre at Gracie Barra West Downtown, where he received his purple belt.
Mohammed Kobrosli
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
CPR
Instructor for the GB1 and NoGi classes. Mo began his Jiu-Jitsu training under Professor Alexandre shortly after the opening of the school. He has an educational background in Computer Science and Mathematics and 10+ years of experience teaching adults in dance, sport and education.
Julius Di Filippo
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
CPR
Kids’ Instructor for the Tiny Champions|Little Champions 1 and the Little Champions 2|Junior classes. Started training Jiu-Jitsu with his son in 2018 at Gracie Barra. Works in Cyber Security.
Roozbeh Ebbadi
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
CPR
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt Instructor for the GB1 and NoGi Classes. Beyond the gym, he co-founded a software development firm based in Toronto and Dallas and has engaged in multiple startup ventures. His journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu commenced under the guidance of Professor Alexandre in October 2020. Developing a deep passion for the sport, Roozbeh particularly enjoys competing.
Paula Calhelha
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
ICP_2024
Instructor for the Tiny Champions|Little Champions 1 classes.
Paula started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2022 at Gracie Barra Toronto, along with her husband and child.
Before stepping into the world of BJJ, Paula studied early childhood education in Brazil, developing a deep understanding of how children learn and grow. As a proud BJJ mom herself, she knows firsthand the positive impact martial arts can have on a child’s confidence, discipline, and character.
Thiago Ramos Armani Reis
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
I started Jiu-Jitsu training in early 2023 under the guidance of Professor Alexandre, and I found in Jiu-Jitsu not only a passion but also a lifestyle. What truly drives me is the opportunity to share this incredible art with others, knowing that it can positively impact them just as it has impacted me.