(15 votes, average: 2.80 out of 5)
Loading...At Ricardo Barros Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Brentwood, California, our main goal is to provide you with best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training we possibly can. We strive to create a family environment where every member of your family can train. Whatever your goals may be- whether it is to get in shape, to be a competitive fighter, or just to learn the art- we will work with you to achieve your goals. You will always be treated with dignity and respect because you are a member of our family.
Head Instructor Ricardo Barros was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and began his martial arts career at the early age of five when he began taking Judo classes. He earned his brown belt in Judo, but had to stop training when he was 15 years old in order to get a job to help out his family.
One day, when he was 18, he passed by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and was captivated. Ricardo didn’t have any money to train, so the owner let him work his tuition by cleaning the bathrooms and the mats everyday. After about a year of training, Ricardo began to train with the late Ryan Gracie, from whom he received his purple and brown belt.
In 1997, Ricardo began his mixed martial arts career in Brazil. He fought twice in one night, without gloves, under the old “vale tudo” rules, winning both fights. In 2000, Ricardo traveled to Hawaii to fight in the Warriors of the New Millennium event. He was defeated, but redeemed himself the next year with a win in the same show. Ricardo put his MMA career on hold when he moved permanently to the United States.
While training and living in Brazil, Ricardo also began competing in Greco- Roman wrestling. In 2003, he earned a spot on the Brazilian National Team. He competed in the Pan-American Greco-Roman Championships in Guatemala. Although he didn’t win, the champion of the tournament won all of his matches by pinning his opponents, however he defeated Ricardo on points.
When he moved to the U.S., he focused on his jiu-jitsu as he trained under Ralph Gracie. Ricardo was awarded his black belt from Ralph in October 2003 and was the head instructor at the Ralph Gracie Academy in Antioch. Ricardo taught in Antioch until 2006 when he decided to focus again on his mixed martial arts training.
In January 2007, Ricardo opened the doors to his own academy in Brentwood. That summer he traveled to Brazil to compete in the International Master’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships. He fought in five matches that day and came in 3rd place.
He has also continued with his MMA training, having two fights in 2008. In January, Ricardo fought in the Palace Fighting Championship submitting his opponent with a rear naked choke in the first round. In October 2008, Ricardo, sponsored by Fairtex, traveled to Thailand to strengthen his Muay Thai skills. In December, he fought in Las Vegas at the World Extreme Cagefighting event. He was defeated in this fight, but is looking forward to more fights in 2009.
One of Ricardo’s greatest achievements in life is being able to help people learn jiu-jitsu. He likes to help people see life differently through jiu-jitsu. He believes that jiu-jitsu is the true self-defense, and that through jiu-jitsu you can train your body, your mind, and your spirit.
Thank you for visiting us. If you have any questions, just give us a call. We look forward to meeting you!
Want to train “seriously”, want to get in “shape”, want to learn “jiujitsu”…This is the place to be… Very family friendly, awesome instructor, big, clean facility… The place to be if you want to feel better in life…