Nelson Monteiro
Master 5th degree Black Belt
Professor Nelson Monteiro was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, the
birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started training when he was 13
years old under the direct tutelage of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. at the
world-renowned Gracie Barra Academy. With unrivalled dedication,
Professor Monteiro trained diligently until he was awarded the black
belt in 1989; and in the same year, he received a bachelor’s degree in
physical education from Gama Filho University.
Professor Monteiro is one of the original pioneers of Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu in the United States. After receiving his black belt and
graduating from college, Professor Monteiro moved to San Diego in 1990
and began teaching Jiu-Jitsu out of his garage in Encinitas. After
steady growth in enrollment, Professor Monteiro moved to a larger space
in Del Mar, where the academy continued to prosper. After the 1993 debut
of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experienced a
meteoric rise in popularity. The world had now witnessed the
effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the unassuming Royce Gracie used
leverage and technique to defeat his larger and stronger opponents.
People from all walks of life began to search for qualified instructors.
As a result, the academy experienced even greater growth.
In 1995, a new student arrived at the academy. This new student would
soon have a profound effect not only on Professor Monteiro but also on
the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The new arrival was Sheik Tahnoon Bin
Zayed Al Nayan, a prince of the United Arab Emirates. Bin, as his
friends would call him, became a dedicated private student of Professor
Monteiro. After training for 8 months, the prince invited Professor
Monteiro to come to the UAE to become his private Jiu-Jitsu instructor.
Professor Monteiro accepted.
While training the prince and other enthusiasts in the UAE, Professor
Monteiro helped to form the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), which would
evolve into the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world, the
Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Championships. During this four-year
period, Professor Monteiro also trained many champions in Vale-Tudo,
MMA, and sport Jiu-Jitsu. With many accomplishments resulting form his
stay in the UAE, Professor Monteiro decided to make his way back to
Brazil.
In 2000, he and his family moved back to Rio de Janeiro. While living
back in Brazil, Professor Monteiro opened a health club and continued
his education in the field of sport physiology. In addition, Professor
Monteiro continued his efforts in spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by
traveling around the world conducting seminars. After four years in
Brazil, Professor Monteiro and his family decided to come back to San
Diego.
In 2006, Professor Monteiro opened Gracie Barra Encinitas. Since its
grand opening, the academy has become one of the most respected
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the San Diego area. Professor Monteiro’s
positive attitude, charismatic personality, and passion for Jiu-Jitsu
have been an integral part of the academy’s success.
Professor Monteiro is still an active athlete, competing in many of
the major Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournaments worldwide. With over 25 years
of experience, Professor Monteiro is one of the most knowledgeable
instructors teaching today.
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