About Us
Instructors
Head Instructor, Bernardo Pitel
Born in Brasília, Brazil, on October 10, 1976, Bernardo Pitel is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His martial arts journey began with Judo at age 11, followed by Capoeira, but at 18 he discovered his true passion—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Training under João Roque of the renowned Nova União team, Bernardo quickly rose through the ranks to become a world-class competitor and teacher.
A multiple-time world champion, Bernardo captured gold at the IBJJF World Championships in both brown and black belt divisions in the early 2000s. He went on to win titles at the World Cup, Brazilian Nationals, Pan American Championships, and many other prestigious events. His 1998 victory over Ricardo Vieira, then considered unbeatable, marked a defining moment in his career and solidified his reputation as a top competitor in the sport.
In addition to his competitive success, Bernardo holds a degree in Physical Education from the Universidade Católica de Brasília (2004) and has dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring students. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not just technical mastery but also the mental and emotional growth that Jiu-Jitsu inspires. At his academy, he fosters an environment built on discipline, resilience, and personal transformation—helping students reach their highest potential on and off the mats.
Bernardo’s legacy extends beyond medals and championships. It lives in the students he teaches, the athletes he inspires, and the global BJJ community he continues to elevate through his passion and expertise.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Carlson Gracie → André Pederneiras → João Roque → Bernardo Pitel
Main Achievements:
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IBJJF World Champion: 2000 (Brown Belt), 2001 (Black Belt)
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World Cup Champion (CBJJE): 2007, 2010
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Brazilian National Champion: 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008
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Pan American Champion: 1997 (Blue Belt – IBJJF); 2010, 2011 (Black Belt – CBJJE); 2012 (Senior 1 – IBJJF)
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Brazil National Teams Champion: 1999 (CBJJ)
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South American Champion: 2006–2007
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Brazilian National Cup Champion: 2004, 2006 (CBJJO)
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Multiple World, Pan American, and Rio Open medalist
Professor Ítalo Martins
At 20 years old, Professor Ítalo Martins stepped onto the mats for the first time—overcoming his own hesitation that he might be “too small” for combat sports. What he discovered in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu changed his life. Training under Professor Pedro Galiza at Five Rounds in Brasília, Ítalo quickly became captivated by the art’s unique balance of technique, strategy, and respect.
He was struck by how effortless technique could overcome strength, and by the camaraderie that followed every hard session—handshakes, laughter, and shared growth. Jiu-Jitsu became his outlet, his challenge, and ultimately, his way of life.
As a professor, Ítalo is dedicated to guiding students through that same transformation. He finds deep fulfillment in watching students evolve from complete beginners into confident, capable practitioners. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: with focus, consistency, and the right guidance, anyone can learn and thrive through Jiu-Jitsu.
Today, Professor Ítalo brings that passion to every class—helping others unlock their potential, both on and off the mats, through the art that forever changed his own life.
Sensei Adrian Alonzo
Sensei Adrian Alonzo began his martial arts journey at just eight years old, when his parents introduced him to Judo as a way to build discipline and character. Under the guidance of Sensei Ray Gomez, and later Javier Garriga and his lifelong mentor Sensei Jaime Lazcano, Adrian developed a deep respect for precision, perseverance, and competition.
His path to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began unexpectedly. During a Judo tournament, he was submitted by an American-Georgian black belt—one of the only people besides Olympic champion Satoshi Ishii ever to do so. That moment ignited a fire. Determined to understand the ground game fully, he returned to train under Professor Jeff Messina, vowing to train and compete harder than anyone else. Eventually, his journey led him to refine his craft under Professor Bernardo Pitel himself.
Though he began Jiu-Jitsu seriously at 38, Adrian’s lifelong competitive drive pushed him forward. He continued to test himself on the mats—competing, teaching, and proving that passion and discipline know no age. His unique approach fuses the explosiveness of Judo with the fluidity of Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing modernized takedown systems that he believes represent the “New Wave” of the sport.
As a coach, Sensei Adrian is committed to passing on his lifetime of experience so that the next generation can go even further. His mission is simple: to ensure the techniques and lessons that shaped his journey continue to inspire and empower those who follow.
FREE TRIAL!
Come try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and us out --- on us. No cost nor obligation. We'll provide everything you need.
- 2,400 sq ft facility
- 1,000 sq ft mat space
- Men & Women’s changing rooms
- Showers
- Seated viewing area
- Large parking lot