# Carbon Submission Grappling > Fort Lauderdale, United States ## Overview **Name:** Carbon Submission Grappling **Description:** Carbon SG offers the highest level of no-gi Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling training in South Florida. Located in Fort Lauderdale, the gym is led by world-class coaches AJ Sousa (3rd degree black belt, World Champion), Martin Corvetto (black belt, No-Gi World Champion), and D1 Big Ten wrestler Erich Byelick (3x NHSCA National Champion from Northwestern University). The team brings over 20 years of combined experience and real competition pedigrees to guide students from beginners to elite competitors. The gym's training philosophy emphasizes a structured curriculum that blends elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling methods in a supportive, inclusive environment. Their approach breaks the status quo of traditional Jiu Jitsu with organized structure, meta study of evolving grappling techniques, and full game development covering all aspects of submission grappling. Classes are carefully sequenced from fundamentals to advanced systems, ensuring progress is intentional rather than accidental. Carbon SG features over 2,000 sq ft of training space with an 80-inch high-def TV for instructional content, mezzanine viewing area, changing rooms, gear storage, and free Wi-Fi. The facility also includes a 1,000 sq ft outdoor exercise turf area with weight training equipment, hot/cold showers, and a cold plunge for recovery. The gym serves the Fort Lauderdale community with programs for adults, children, and competitors, with all kids classes live-streamed to parents through the website or mobile app. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 331 E Commercial Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334, United States **Phone:** +1 (954) 998-3524 **Email:** carbonsubgrappling@gmail.com **Website:** https://carbonsg.com/ **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://instagram.com/carbongrappling - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carbonsg ## Instructors ### AJ Sousa - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** AJ Sousa was born on July 30th, 1992 in the state of Florida – USA. Martial arts entered AJ’s life through taekwondo when he was a child, an activity he dropped early on. He re-established his connection with combat sports (BJJ) when he was 16 years old. Throughout school, AJ played (American) football, but being 5′ 7″ and 140 pounds by the end of his junior year, he realized he would struggle if he chose to pursue a career in the sport. For this reason, Sousa quit football before the end of the year. Shortly after AJ quit the football team, a good friend, who was a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, convinced Sousa to visit Pablo Popovitch ‘s BJJ Centre. Sousa enjoyed the experience and signed on to the team. At the BJJ Centre, AJ was primarily taught by Vagner “Ceará” Rocha, who awarded Sousa his blue and purple belts. After the purple belt, the instruction was taken over by Popovitch. Pablo awarded AJ his brown belt (early 2013), and one week later Sousa was called in by Lloyd Irvin to participate in the BJJ Kumite. The Kumite was a tournament developed with the intent of discovering the best brown belt in the sport at the time. The event was filmed and displayed in a series of YouTube episodes, earning many of the participants a well-deserved fan base. AJ earned his black belt from Pablo Popovitch on the 21st of June, 2014. Sousa also earned the title of head coach of the BJJ Center when his instructor decided to relocate to Abu Dhabi. With time, and once established that Popovitch would not return to the US, the BJJ Center was taken over and re-branded as AJ Sousa BJJ. AJ Sousa vs Michael Liera Jr. AJ Sousa vs unknown ### Martin Corvetto - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Black belt and No-Gi World Champion. Martin specializes in modern no-gi grappling techniques and brings elite competition insight to students at all levels. ### Erich Byelick **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** 3x NHSCA National Champion and D1 Big Ten wrestler from Northwestern University. Erich brings elite wrestling expertise and takedown mastery to Carbon SG's curriculum. ## Programs ### Adult No-Gi Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Structured curriculum for beginners focusing on core no-gi Jiu Jitsu fundamentals, positional control, and basic submissions. Clear progression from fundamentals to advanced techniques. **Classes:** ### Adult Advanced No-Gi **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Advanced no-gi training covering modern grappling techniques, transitions, entries, and strategies. Designed for experienced practitioners and competitors. **Classes:** ### Kids BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Fun, safe, and structured Jiu Jitsu program for children emphasizing discipline, coordination, teamwork, and confidence. Age-appropriate instruction with positive reinforcement. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 10, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/florida/fort-lauderdale/carbon-submission-grappling)