All individuals qualified to teach at a Gracie Barra School are instructors, including Masters, Professors, Head Instructors, Chief Instructors and Coaches. Gracie Barra Instructors are held responsible to high standards of etiquette, instruction and philosophy set by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and the Gracie Barra Association. To maintain the integrity and focus on safety in our schools, all of our instructors are certified. Additionally, our instructors are all required to be CPR/Basic First Aid certified.
At Gracie Barra Fort Bend you train with the best
GOING BEYOND THE BASICS
PEDRO ARAÚJO
Pedro Araújo was born on October 15, 1989 in in Belo Horizonte – state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Pedro’s initiation in martial arts was made through judo, a sport he played throughout his childhood, competing on a regional and state level.
In 2009 Araújo decided to give mixed martial arts (MMA) a try. After 3 months of MMA practice, the gym where he trained cancelled the classes, leading Pedro to pick up on Jiu-jitsu. He knew very little about grappling, but it was the only martial art left on the time-table for which he was curious about, particularly since a few of the Jiu- jitsu students also participated in the MMA training.
Araújo stood out from the get-go, conquering numerous important state tournaments with the help of his coaches and also Cássio Francis, one of the team’s top black belts.
While in the US, Pedro Araújo made of Gracie Barra Northridge his home, earning both of following belts (purple and brown) from the team’s leader, Romulo Barral, at the podium of the World Championships. It was also at GB Northridge That Pedro found his interest for coaching, making that a big part of his grappling evolution.
Today manages 2 Gracie Barra Academys in Houston, Texas. Both offer classes with stars of Brazillian Jiu-jitsu. Professionals that really stands out and offer great experience and unique perspective to the students.
4 x BJJ WORLD CHAMPION
Main Achievements
Weight Division
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World Champion (2015 brown, 2014 purple, 2012 blue absolute)
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World No-Gi Champion (2013 purple)
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Pan American Champion (2014 purple)
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World Championship Runner-up (2012 blue)
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World No-Gi Championship Runner-up (2014 brown)
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Abu Dhabi World Pro Runner-up (2014 purple)
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World No-Gi Championship 3rd Place (2014 brown)
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Abu Dhabi World Pro 3rd Place (2015 brown)
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Pan American Championship 3rd Place (2015 brown weight + absolute, 2014 purple absolute)
Favorite Position/Technique
MATHEUS DA SILVA
EUROPEAN CHAMPION
CASSIO FRANCIS
Cassio Francis, commonly known as “Cassão” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Vinícius “Draculino” Magalhães, being one of the strongest heavyweight competitors produced by the famous Gracie Barra instructor. Francis is also a great example of a persevering mind: In 2011 Francis was told he would never be able to compete again due to a spinal injury. Overcoming the odds, Cassio returned to the sport two years later as strong as ever, regaining his spot as a contender in the heavyweight division.
Once returned to the international jiu jitsu circuit in late 2013, Francis picked up where he left off with incredible performances, making himself one of the tougher names in the heavyweight division and conquering numerous important medals.
Cassio is Jiu-jitsu instructor ere at Gracie Barra Fort Bend. Train with champions, train with us!
BLACK BELT WORLD CHAMPION
Main Achievements
Weight Division
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Pan American Championship (2016)
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Brazilian National Champion (2014/2015)
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Brazilian National No-Gi Champion (2009 brown, 2014/2015)
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South American Champion (2010 brown, 2013)
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Rio International Open Champion (2014)
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Rio Summer Open Champion (2016 absolute)
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European Open Championship Runner-up (2009 brown)
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South American Championship Runner-up (2009 brown)
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Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2010 brown)
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Brazilian National No-Gi Championship Runner-up (2009 brown absolute)
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Rio Summer Open Championship Runner-up (2016)
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Rio International Open 3rd Runner-up (2008 purple, 2009 brown)
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World Championship 3rd Place (2016)
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Pan American Championship 3rd Place (2010 brown)
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Brazilian National Championship 3rd Place (2011/2016)