INSTRUCTORS

There are no shortcuts in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so you can’t waste any minute with the wrong techniques or unqualified instructors. Knowing that, Gracie Barra Texas offers highly trained and certified instructors teaching off an unique system of curriculums tailored for different ages and BJJ experience levels. From self-defense to competition training, from white belt to black belt, from 4 years old and older, Gracie Barra has your back.

VINICIUS "DRACULINO" MAGALHAES

Professor Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes is the head instructor of Gracie Barra Texas and Gracie Barra – BH Schools. Prof. Draculino‘s personality, enthusiasm, integrity, charisma and leadership make the essence of GB Texas and GBBH and touch all those around him. A great competition background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Wrestling and MMA qualifies him as one of the best featherweight competitors in BJJ history. He holds many titles such as: a 4-time Pan American Champion, 1 time no gi pan American champion- 2008, 2 Times Brazilian national champion, 2 Times Silver medalist at the world BJJ championships, MMA lightweight champion in Brazil, Strike Force Feather weight Winner and Abu-Dhabi veteran.

Besides these titles held as a competitor and fighter, Professor Vinicius is considered one of the best instructors in the BJJ world. Among his students, you will find world champions, Pan Ams, national BJJ champions, more than 500 Black Belts, MMA and Grappling champions spread all over the World. Professor Vinicius is also a Lawyer in Brazil and graduated from the UFRJ (Federal University of Rio De Janeiro) which is one of the top three Law schools in the country.

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, he is a primary example of a man who is fully dedicating his life to his children, his wife, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members. “I joined GB because some of my childhood friends were training there and I saw how confident, fit and brave they became.,” Draculino said. “The family atmosphere of the school was at is amazing. I have my blood family and my Gracie Barra family!

You can count that Professor Draculino will be by your side. This is a life long Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey and he is here to help in any way he can.

MARCELO AZEVEDO

Marcelo Azevedo, also known by his nickname “Uirapuru” is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the illustrious Vinicius Draculino. Prof. Marcelo filled in Draculino’s boots as head coach of Gracie Barra Belo Horizonte head quarters after the departure of the famous instructor to the United States. Marcelo Uirapuru is an accomplished grappler with wins in important Jiu Jitsu tournaments such as the Worlds in Gi and No Gi having also vast experience in MMA. Marcelo is the only person to win three fights in one night in an MMA tournament in Brazil.
Besides being a decorated competitor, Professor Marcelo has helped develop the games of world champions such as Felipe Preguica, Gabriel Arges, Pedro Araujo and many others. He has also worked with UFC fighters Valentina Shevchenko and Juliana Lima to develop their ground game.
Professor Marcelo has over 40 years of experience in martial arts having practiced Capoeira, Muay Thai, Boxing and Westling.
”Jiu Jitsu is my passion and life style and I will always dedicate my body and soul to my students”

BLACK BELT
5 Degree

6X Jiu Jitsu World Champion
4X Jiu Jitsu World Champion Silver Medal
3X Jiu Jitsu World Champion Bronze Medal

5X Jiu Jitsu Pan American Champion

4X Jiu Jitsu Brazilian National Champion

1X World No Gi Champion
2X World No Gi Champion Bronze Medal
1X Pan American No Gi Champion
1X Brazilian No Gi Champion

ADCC VETERAN

ISAI CABRERA

Isai Cabrera

Black Belt 2 Degree

Isai Cabrera is a Second degree black belt under Draculino for 15yrs and has been teaching for 10 years. In competition he achieved multiple wins at the Houston Open in multiple belts, runner up at American Nationals, an undefeated amateur MMA record, and currently has a 2-1 MMA professional record. As an instructor he teaches Gi BJJ, No-Gi BJJ, and MMA for all levels and age groups.

MARIANA AZEVEDO


Black Belt 1 Degree

Professor Mariana is a first degree black belt who started jiu-jitsu in 2015 when she moved from Brazil to Houston. Since then, she has won important titles as multiple times world champion, Pan American champion, and others. Professor Mariana contributed to the jiu-jitsu scenery, being one of the pioneers in implementing an exclusive program for women within a Gracie Barra school, creating her own program in 2019 and inspiring other schools to also invest in this audience, which today is the fastest growing within the sport.
Mother of two kids, before moving to Houston, Mariana taught yoga classes in addition to working as a model for many years of her life, but it was jiu-jitsu that made her a stronger and more confident woman. Today her biggest goal is to continue sharing her experience through the sport so that more and more women can learn about this powerful tool that can change lives just as hers has changed.

4X Jiu Jitsu World Champion
2x Jiu Jitsu World Champion Silver Medal
3X Jiu Jitsu Pan American Champion