BJJ Gyms in IlhaBela

Equipe IlhaBela Jiu-Jitsu

Equipe IlhaBela Jiu-Jitsu is a municipal sports program operated by the Secretaria Municipal de Esporte e Lazer (Municipal Secretary of Sports and Leisure) in Ilhabela, São Paulo, Brazil. Founded by Professor Marcelo de Siqueira Santos, known as "Cyborg," the program is part of the city's grassroots sports development initiative aimed at forming young athletes through structured training and competitive opportunities. The program has established itself as a prominent force in regional competitions, with notable achievements including multiple podium finishes at the Copa Caiçara de Jiu-Jítsu 2025, which drew approximately 1,500 athletes from São Paulo state and beyond. The team also competed at the prestigious Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Sports Championship at São Paulo's Ibirapuera Gymnasium, where athletes earned championships and medals across multiple categories including youth, adult, and master divisions in both gi and no-gi competitions. Under Professor Marcelo "Cyborg" Siqueira Santos's guidance, Equipe IlhaBela Jiu-Jitsu focuses on developing youth athletes ages 7 and up through dedicated training and competitive experience. The program reflects the municipal government's continuous investment in sports education and provides support through the Bolsa Atleta sponsorship program, which covers expenses related to athletic performance including nutrition, equipment, competition fees, and transportation. According to Professor Marcelo, jiu-jitsu is among the most practiced sports in Ilhabela, with more than ten academies operating in the city.