Marcelo Mello never imagined that doing a favor for his mentor would lead to one of the most painful moments of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career.
A black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie, Mello was once entrusted with a personal mission…
To find out whether Carlson’s girlfriend was being unfaithful:
Carlson had this girlfriend, 30 years younger than him…
He called me at my house and said: “Marcelo, I want you to take a look at the name of the girl and then you let me know what’s going on because something tells me that it’s not right.”
Mello took the task seriously, discreetly following the woman and collecting detailed information.
When he reported back, recounting the exact time, location, and even the clothing she wore while with another man, he expected gratitude.
However…
When I turned the corner in Copacabana, I saw Carlson and this lady holding hands.
And then he started screaming at me that I was a traitor… He didn’t give me a chance to say nothing.
At the next training session, things escalated. Mello noticed his sparring partner attacking with unusual aggression:
I could see from a little hole from his gi, I saw Carlson cheering him up to beat me more and more.
I was a loyal friend, I did what he asked me and everything turned out against me…
I quit jiu-jitsu for over six-seven months.
Despite everything, Mello still speaks with respect and affection when remembering Carlson:
If I knew now and could go back in time, I would do it all over again…
It was a very, very nice experience.
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
