BJJ Gyms in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Alliance Tijuca

Alliance Jiu Jitsu Tijuca is part of the prestigious Alliance team, one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world. Founded in 1993 by Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti, Fabio Gurgel, Alexandre Paiva, and Fernando Gurgel, Alliance has established itself as a dominant force in competitive BJJ, earning 15 world championship titles and building a network of over 300 affiliated schools worldwide. The Alliance lineage traces directly to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Hélio Gracie → Rolls Gracie → Romero "Jacaré" Cavalcanti → Alliance founders. This prestigious lineage represents decades of refined technique and championship-level instruction passed down through generations of masters. Alliance Tijuca offers comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs for both children and adults, from absolute beginners to advanced competitors. The academy is led by Professor Anderson de Carvalho (Instagram: @carvalhojiujitsucoach), who carries forward Alliance's tradition of technical excellence and competitive success. Located in the vibrant Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, the gym welcomes students of all levels and offers a free introductory class to prospective members. Training at Alliance Tijuca means joining a global team with a proven track record of developing world-class practitioners while maintaining the core values of respect, discipline, and continuous improvement that define the Alliance philosophy.

Carlson Gracie Ipanema

Mauro Ayres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (MABJJ) is an official licensed school of the Carlson Gracie Team, representing the legendary lineage under the command of Mestre Carlson Gracie Jr. Located in the heart of Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, this academy embodies the philosophy of "Equilíbrio através do Esporte" (Balance Through Sport), focusing not only on technical excellence but also on developing well-rounded individuals through martial arts training. The academy is led by Mauro "Maurinho" Ayres, a highly accomplished 5th degree black belt with 29 years of jiu-jitsu experience and 20 years as a black belt. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Mauro began his jiu-jitsu journey in 1995 and became a black belt in 2004 (officially recognized by CBJJ/IBJJF in 2006). His competitive record is exceptional, with numerous IBJJF World Master Championships including gold medals in 2023, multiple Pan-American titles, and European championships. Most recently, he won the 2025 World Master silver medal and earned the #2 ranking worldwide in the Master 4 All Weights division. His teaching philosophy emphasizes simplifying the learning of the gentle art and making jiu-jitsu accessible to all ages, fitness levels, and experience. The instructing team includes Alex "Lekinho" Gonzaga (4th degree black belt, 25 years experience, 2014 CBJJO World Champion) and Antônio "Toninho" Martins (1st degree black belt, 2017 IBJJF International Masters bronze medalist, 2024 FJJRIO Ranking Champion). Together, they provide expert instruction for all programs from kids to masters, competition training to self-defense. The academy maintains high standards with a welcoming environment, pristine white mats, professional equipment from partner Atama Kimonos, shower facilities, and a strict white gi policy to maintain the team's identity while respecting visiting students' affiliations.

ERON - Escola de Lutas is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, affiliated with GFTEAM (Grappling Fight Team), one of Brazil's most prominent BJJ organizations. Founded in July 2020, the academy is led by Professor Emmanuel Rodrigues de Oliveira Neto, who brings the GFTEAM methodology and competitive spirit to the Campo Grande community. As part of the GFTEAM network, ERON benefits from a proven training system developed by some of Brazil's most accomplished competitors and coaches. The academy focuses on technical excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while maintaining the welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere that GFTEAM affiliates are known for. Students train in both gi and no-gi grappling, with instruction suitable for practitioners of all experience levels. Professor Emmanuel Rodrigues de Oliveira Neto ("ERON") maintains the high standards of GFTEAM instruction, emphasizing fundamental techniques, positional control, and competitive preparation. The academy serves the Campo Grande neighborhood and surrounding areas in Rio de Janeiro's western zone, providing accessible, quality BJJ instruction to the local community.

DDR JJ (Dedicação, Disciplina, Respeito - Dedication, Discipline and Respect) is one of the most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams in Rio de Janeiro state. Founded in Araruama in 1998 by Master Juarez Soares, the academy has built over 25 years of tradition in the sport. The team officially began competing as DDR JJ in 2006 and has produced numerous accomplished black belts, including José Junior, Marcos Tinoco, José Carlos, and Marcos Paulo Costa. The academy represents the prestigious Fadda lineage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a non-Gracie lineage that traces through Mitsuyo Maeda, Luis França, Oswaldo Fadda, and Monir Salomão. Master Juarez Soares is a black belt under Marcos Siqueira and has dedicated his career to developing high-level grapplers while maintaining the core values of dedication, discipline, and respect that define the DDR JJ philosophy. The academy is affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) federation.

EPJJ Team is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in the heart of Barra do Piraí, Rio de Janeiro. Founded in March 2019 by Emerson Leandro de Paula, the academy has established itself as a dedicated training center for BJJ enthusiasts in the region. The academy is led by Emerson de Paula, who has dedicated over 15 years to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and actively represents EPJJ Team in International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions, including the South American Championships. His commitment to the sport is reflected in the academy's training approach and competitive spirit. EPJJ Team operates out of a centrally located facility in downtown Barra do Piraí, making it accessible to students throughout the city. The academy focuses on traditional BJJ training and developing both technical skills and competitive readiness for students of all levels.