Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulo Brandao. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Paulo Brandão, also known by his nickname “Coelho” (Bunny), is a historic competitor for the Gracie Humaitá academy, having been a black belt world champion at the very first World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (1996). Graded by Royler Gracie, the Manauara Paulo “Coelho” became a reference in the sport as a fighter and also as an instructor, having moved to the United States in 2012 to pursue his coaching career.
Main Achievements:
- World Champion (1996)
- Brazilian National Champion (1995, 1997)
- Amazonas State Champion
- North-Northeast Interstate Champion
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Jiu-Jitsu has so many ups and downs, but the lack of support initially was my struggle. The amount of travel I had to do back in the day to get the best training was hard. I had to travel to Rio a lot to get the top-level training I needed, but I did not have financial support. When I was young, I had to sell my bike or things I loved to support my dream or ask to borrow money from friends. I did this for 10 years at the beginning of my journey. My parents did not like me doing Jiu-Jitsu because they felt it wasn’t a real career, so it was tough. So for me, that was the first struggle I had starting Jiu-Jitsu. This is one of the primary struggles that many people battle with. Jiu-jitsu is a mental journey through and through, and it can start here for many.
We’ve been impressed with Gracie Humaita Austin, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gracie Humaita Austin is a traditional Jiu-Jitsu school I have been running for 10 years here in Austin. The Gracie Humaita schools started in Rio De Janeiro by Master Helio Gracie and his sons and expanded to the United States and the rest of the world. We are one of the most traditional schools, but we also offer self-defense, a part of the Gracie curriculum. Self-defense is part of the core of martial arts school.
My passion is passing on the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle to help others protect themselves and gain more confidence and self-esteem. I have been a black belt since 1995 and have excelled, winning many competitions, including a world championship in 1996 and a two-time Brazilian National Championship in 1995-1997. I have several other state champions around brazil and have been doing this for a long time. We also specialize in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense and have a competitive team.
What sets me apart is that I have experienced all of the levels of Jiu-Jitsu. Since I was a kid, I have competed through all belt levels, including championships, 5 MMA fights, and many No-Gi fights. I have experience teaching all my life. On top of all this, I have had a chance to grow with the top players in the Jiu-Jitsu game and have even trained with the ones who helped start it all. I am eager to help pass down my knowledge to the next generation.
I am incredibly proud of the Gracie Humaita brand. Royler and Rolker Gracie, a direct lineage of Maser Helio Gracie, directly started the brand. Master Helio Gracie was the beginning and creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have had the privilege to train under Royler Gracie and earn my black belt from him. I and a couple of other black belts are the very first to become promoted as black belts from Royler. The second is the culture we create in the academy. Students from all walks of life come to train with us; we are like a big family. Additionally is the self-defense program I discussed before.
People are concerned about Jiu Jitsu because they fear getting hurt or cauliflower ears. Our academy is here to accommodate all paces and levels in a safe environment. Even if you do not want to do Jiu Jitsu, I encourage everyone to learn self-defense for their confidence and safety.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
A coral belt is a 7th-degree professional in Jiu Jitsu, which means you’ve actively maintained your black belt for 31 years teaching, competing, training, etc. My goal is still to continue developing traditional Jiu-Jitsu in Austin and helping new students train BJJ, gain confidence and self-esteem, and defend themselves. I also have 3 more years until I get my coral belt, but I know that will be a huge achievement for Gracie Humaita Austin and me. It’s great that so many different academies are coming to Austin, bringing Austin to another level of Jiu-Jitsu. I see the other brands or professors as something other than competition for me. It is encouraging to help me grow my craft and maintain our excellent service for my students.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ghaustin.com/
- Instagram: @graciehumaitaaustin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciehumaita
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gracie-humait%C3%A1-austin-austin
Image Credits
IG: @shots_X_nathelie EMail: shotsxnathelie@gmail.com
