Marcelo Pereira

Black Belt

Professor Marcelo Pereira’s involvement in martial arts began in Bahia Brazil, where he initially studied the Brazilian stand-up fighting art of Copaeira. In 1988, Marcelo was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) through friendships formed in his new home of San Diego. In these early years of his training, he studied with instructors and friends who belonged to the renowned BJJ lineages of Carlson Gracie, Gracie Barra and Rickson Gracie. Later as the sport and its representatives became more organized in the United States, he rose through the ranks of Gracie Barra. Marcelo also trains without the Gi (Submission Grappling), and is also familiar with Boxing and Muay Thai (Kickboxing from Thailand).

Marcelo is now a 3^rd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and head instructor of both of Gracie Barra San Diego’s Del Mar and Oceanside locations. Marcelo’s black belt and teaching credentials are certified by the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and International Federation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Master Carlos Gracie Jr., son of Brazilian Jitsu’s founder Carlos Gracie, Sr. Marcelo started teaching BJJ from the beginning of his career, giving him 20 years of experience. He continues to train once a year at the Gracie Barra headquarters in Brazil to bring home the most advanced techniques and training skills. He has also graduated many of the Brown and Black Belts that now run BJJ and MMA schools in San Diego.

Marcelo has been and still is an avid competitor. Below are selected highlights from his competition career in local, national, and international competition:

• 2007 World (Mundial) No-Gi Absolute (Open weight) Champion
• 2007 World (Mundial) No-Gi Medium Heavyweight Runner-up
• 4 Time Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion
• 2 Time Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Runner-up
• 2 Time California State Open Champion

More importantly, Marcelo has trained and coached numerous competitors in BJJ, Pankration, and MMA. Among these are:

• World (Mundial) No-Gi BJJ Champions
• Pan American BJJ Champions
• US National BJJ Champions
• International Master and Senior Champions
• Armed Forces Pankration Team and Individual Champions
• Top King of the Cage (MMA) Fighters

Chang Hwang

Brown Belt

Chang "Acai" Hwang began his Jiu Jitsu training about 7 years ago. He has trained with many great instructors including Master Carlos Gracie Jr., and Professors Marcio Feitosa and Carlos Machado. Currently Chang is a brown belt under Marcelo Pereira. Chang teaches classes in both the Del Mar and Oceanside locations. Chang also competes at the local, national and international levels.