BJJ Gyms in São José Dos Campos

Equipe Careca Jiu-Jitsu, founded by the legendary Mestre Luiz Carlos Dagmar (Mestre Careca) in 1999, stands as one of Brazil's most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies. Mestre Careca, who holds an 8th-degree red and white belt, began his own training in 1975 under Mestre Maurição in Copacabana before earning his black belt from Grandmaster Osvaldo Alves. The academy originally opened in the Jardim das Indústrias neighborhood of São José dos Campos before relocating several times and eventually settling at its current location in Jardim Paulista. In recognition of his contributions to the art, Mestre Careca received the prestigious International Honorary Conde Koma Belt in 2021 and was honored with the title of Cidadão Joseense (Citizen of São José dos Campos). The academy's training philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, discipline, and personal development, following the traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lineage of Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Reyson Gracie → Osvaldo Alves → Luiz Dagmar. This rigorous approach has produced world-class athletes who have become international references in the sport. Most notably, André Galvão began his journey at Equipe Careca as a thin adolescent in late 1998 and went on to become one of the greatest BJJ athletes of all time, earning 6 IBJJF World titles, 10 IBJJF Pan-American titles, and 6 ADCC World titles. André's success led him to co-found Atos Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego, California in 2008, which has become one of the most prominent competition teams worldwide. Under Mestre Careca's guidance, the academy has trained numerous other accomplished athletes including the Galvão brothers (Carlos and Gustavo) and the Deziro brothers (Pablo and Giovani), all of whom have achieved significant success in national and international competitions. The academy maintains strong connections to the Atos Jiu-Jitsu network while preserving its traditional Brazilian roots and family atmosphere. Mestre Careca's lineage and dedication to technical excellence continue to attract students seeking authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction from one of the art's true living legends.