BJJ Gyms in Marabá, Brazil

Equipe Vilhena Jiu-Jitsu

A Associação Equipe Vilhena Jiu-Jitsu was founded by Professor Jefferson Vilhena, who began his martial arts journey in childhood, training in Karate, Judo, Boxing, and Capoeira before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1995 at age 17. In 1999, at just 21 years old, he was invited by the Vieira family to teach Jiu-Jitsu in Marabá, Pará, where no academy existed at the time. Starting with only four students, the academy has grown over 25 years to expand across neighboring municipalities, with significant growth led by Professor Islander Sousa in Parauapebas. The association's mission is to inspire and empower individuals to become better versions of themselves using Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for transformation. Beyond self-defense techniques, the academy emphasizes that Jiu-Jitsu is an inner journey that develops discipline, self-confidence, and resilience. The team's grading system is based on three pillars: training time, technical knowledge, and most importantly, student conduct. The academy motto "Jiu-Jitsu na luta pela qualidade de vida" (Jiu-Jitsu in the fight for quality of life) reflects their commitment to holistic personal development. The academy is led by a team of 12 experienced black belt instructors, headed by founder Jefferson Vilhena (5th degree black belt, CBJJ #28972). The instructor team includes Adriano Pádua (3rd degree, CBJJ #49860), Manoel Jeferson (3rd degree, CBJJ #248733), Wildbruno Costa (3rd degree, CBJJ #74673), Jonas Santos (3rd degree), Cintia Suely (2nd degree, CBJJ #49308), Lucio de Paula (2nd degree, CBJJ #43779), Famir Salmen (2nd degree, CBJJ #159621), Luiz Carlos (2nd degree, CBJJ #389805), Gerson Nascimento (CBJJ #142716), Fernando Mota (CBJJ #408011), and Silas Silva (CBJJ #127941). The academy offers specialized programs for children (developing discipline, respect, self-control, and confidence) and women (promoting inclusion and diversity in the sport).