Cicero Costha is the instructor of 3 of today’s brightest stars: Leandro Lo , Paulo and Joao Miyao.

In an interview with tatame, the Jiu-Jitsu coach tried to explain what is the formula for the success of his academy.

“Everyone asks me what I do for the guys stand out so much … In the gym, everybody works with what they like the most and we work as a family, and if that happens, the results end up appearing. The results are there: the Miyao brothers, Leandro Lo, Tiago Barros, who was also recently Brazilian champion. We have a project for over six years and only work with teenagers. And we have many athletes who come from other states. It is very difficult for me to tell you what is the secret of success. At the academy the staff is very friendly, very united. So people train hard, and fight one another. At the time of serious training, the guys train really serious. Every weekend the guys are competing, entering various events, large or small, no matter the size.”

Miyao bros and Leandro Lo

The coach also gave some advice to those who would like to start practicing Jiu-Jitsu, but feel a little intimidated by the art. Cicero revealed that his first encounter with the Jiu-Jitsu was not the best, but, over time, learned to love the gentle art.

“I think you need to start with at least a week of classes in any gym, because it will end up liking. I started from scratch. The first time I went I did not like to train. Then after a couple of months ago a friend took me again and I started practicing and now I’m so far in Jiu-Jitsu. I now have one of the best teams, full of good guys who are excelling out there.”