BJJ Gyms in São Paulo, Brazil

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.

Academia Thiago Almeida

Academia Thiago Almeida (TA Academia) is part of the prestigious Alliance team, one of the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams in the world. Located in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, the academy is led by head instructor Thiago Almeida and offers a welcoming family atmosphere for martial arts training. The academy provides comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing for both adults and children. TA Academia emphasizes friendship, support, motivation, dedication, and hard training with respect and care. The team includes experienced instructors with high-performance backgrounds who help students achieve excellent results. The instructors include: Thiago Almeida (head instructor for BJJ), Jonnathan Braga (BJJ for adults and kids), Luiz "Bisnaga" (BJJ for adults and kids), Douglas Costa (Muay Thai), Lukinha (Muay Thai for adults and kids), and Thiago Moret (Boxing). As part of Alliance Indaiatuba TAJJ, the academy benefits from the lineage and training methodology of one of the world's leading BJJ organizations.

Atos Itatiba

Atos Jiu-Jitsu Itatiba is an affiliate of the world-renowned Atos Jiu-Jitsu team, recognized as the #1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in the world. Founded in 2008 by Andre Galvao and Ramon Lemos, Atos has grown from its origins in São Paulo to a global powerhouse with its headquarters in San Diego, California. The team is known for revolutionary techniques including the 50/50 guard, leg drag, berimbolo, and lapel guard, which have profoundly impacted the evolution of modern jiu-jitsu. Under the leadership of Head Professor Airton "Testa" Andrade, a 3rd degree black belt with 26 years of experience, Atos Itatiba brings elite-level training to the São Paulo region. Professor Airton received his black belt in 2010 from Professor Bruno Frazzato and has achieved remarkable competition success, including Brazilian and South American No-Gi Championship titles, 3rd place at the 2025 IBJJF World Masters, and European IBJJF Champion 2025. He has been sharing his extensive knowledge as an instructor since 2008. The academy offers comprehensive programs for all ages and skill levels, from kids (ages 4-13) to adult programs ranging from beginner fundamentals to advanced competition training. With the support of Professor Jovair, a black belt and nutritionist who teaches fundamentals and kids classes, Atos Itatiba maintains the high standards and family atmosphere that the Atos team is known for worldwide. The gym recently moved to a new facility offering enhanced training conditions and comfort for all students.