Marcello C. Monteiro is a 4th degree black belt that has been established in the US for many years. He has a vast network of academies with over 50 affiliates in North America! In this interview with BJJEE, Master Monteiro talks about the old days back in Brazil, the growth of BJJ in the US, how he considers himself a ‘Jiu-Jitsu missionary’:
Hi Marcello, can you please introduce yourself to the BJJ Community of Eastern Europe?
My Name is Marcello C. Monteiro, and I’m a 4th Degree Black Belt recognized by the IBJJF, CBJJ, F.J-J. Rio, J-J. Global Fed., as well as CBJJO. I was born in Rio, and received my Black Belt from Ricardo De La Riva in December of 1999. Like a good Brazilian, I’m 29 years old, and have been 29 for MANY years! LOL 😉
I mostly competed in Brazil, and won many titles from 1993 to 2001, including State, Nationals, Company Cyclone Cup, many challenge matches and I fought MMA a few times as well. But the title that means the most to me is winning the first (and only) Carlson Gracie Cup, in honor of the legendary master, as the lightweight representative. In 2010 I competed and won the Brazil Southern Cup Challenge and plan on doing the MUNDIAL/WORLDS for Masters this year.
You started training BJJ in your early childhood. Please tell us about those days before BJJ became main-stream.
Back in those days, the biggest difference I see is the “Mental Game.” Back in those days, we cared about winning on technicalities, but the focus was always the submission. Now days you see great competitors, but they seem to have lost the desire to Finish and they love Stalling. BJJ should always be about the Finish!!! Winning on points is great; but one must go for it (the submission). I speak about this all the time with some of the old masters (Cassio Cardoso, Ricardo Juca, Guilherme Assad; to name a few).
Please tell us about your academies in the USA.
At this time, God has blessed me in many ways. I feel as if I am a “Missionary” of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My goal was not to become famous or rich; but to spread the Art I love, and to give back to the Art, like it gave to me. A lifestyle, a way of thinking; it’s something that you cannot put a price on!
My Headquarters is in Indianapolis, IN. where I operate my “Indianapolis BJJ Coach Academy.” The majority of my Affiliated Academies are in the USA (I have over 50 in North America). I have also been blessed with the opportunity to spread Jiu Jitsu all over the World. I now have Affiliated Academies in Australia, Europe (Ireland, Portugal and Croatia), Africa, as well as Canada, and Brazil. I’m also still deeply involved with my first Academy, which I opened in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, Nova Friburgo. I am definitely blessed!
One of Marcello Monteiro’s academies
What do you think about the growth of BJJ in the USA ? What are threats and opportunities for BJJ there?
Back when I saw how BJJ was exploding in Brazil, I saw the same happening all over the world, especially in the U.S.A. These days many top guys are in the U.S. and spreading BJJ, thus creating an evolution. The only threat I see, is now everyone can claim to teach Jiu Jitsu; this will water down the “Legitimacy” but it will also strengthen the “Legit” academies. I see the exponential growth, and I feel it’s up to me, and to all the other legitimate instructors, to protect our legacy by adhering to the “Old School” values, while maintaining an Open-Mind for the “Modern” evolution.
How do you see BJJ developing in 10 years’ time? What do you think of BJJ being one day included in the Olympic games?
I believe that BJJ will continue to grow at an alarming rate. I think that BJJ Competitions/Events will be on TV in the near future (not only LIVE on the internet, like the METAMORIS event) and it will inevitably be included as an Olympic Sport. It’s just a matter of time.
What is your opinion on “Creontes?”
Not everyone is going to “Mesh” well with their first academy. Some students want self-defense, some to compete, some want to get in shape, and some just seek a social outlet. A good Academy provides all of these things, but not all have the same focus. How does one know if it is the right academy for them? I would answer this on a case-by-case scenario. If you’re a new student, I think it’s good to explore your options. Once you have a good level (high blue/purple), you should have made an educated decision by that time… There are two sides to every story; but you must show loyalty and respect for your Lineage, and to the one who gave you your Black Belt… That’s for sure!!! All Belts, and mainly the Black Belt, is a “Link” that you will have with your Instructor for the rest of your life! So, one must have respect, always.
What is your view on the Self-Defense vs Sport Jiu-Jitsu debate?
Who can answer this question better than Renzo Gracie? Renzo says:
“To try to separate Sport Jiu Jitsu from Street Jiu Jitsu is a sin… Like comparing the beauty of two women… Both are beautiful in different ways… In the case of Jiu-jitsu all you need is blood in your intentions…The sport becomes a magic tool in a street situation…”
I agree with this 100%. The “Self-Defense” aspect of BJJ is found in the Basics. All players should be learning the basics from a knowledgeable instructor. The problem that arises is that great “competitors” become instructors. Just because one is a great competitor, doesn’t mean he has the tools to be a great instructor. Last year at one of the academies that I visited in Brazil (ran by an IBJJF/CBJJ World Champion), white belts were trying to do “Berimbolos” (or Helicopter sweeps, in my day); but they had no Control-Positions, or Guard game, or even a good “basic” knowledge of the game. Good basics are the foundation of the self-defense aspect; while “Sport” BJJ is the evolution at the highest level. Both are extremely important. I feel this way about the “Gi vs. No-Gi” debate as well… I like to say, “Two-Sides-of-the-Same-Coin,” you can’t have one without the other.
I love Self-Defense, Sport Jiu Jitsu, GI and No-Gi. All my students at my academy are awesome with both, but they prefer the Gi because they have more options; and I agree with them. BJJ is a “Chess Game” and with the GI you have more tools to play, so the game becomes more fun!!!
How would you describe your style of BJJ and of teaching?
My style of BJJ: I am very humble/open-minded, so my game is Modern, Technical and Aggressive. Most importantly, my “Mental Game” is very strong. And I am always following the evolution of the sport. If I am on the bottom playing guard, I will do my best to sweep my training partner or tap him out. I love to play Deep Half Guard, Butterfly, De La Riva Sweeps, X-Guard, Arm drags, Berimbolo, Lapel Attacks, etc, etc… All types of games!!! I try to be offensive as much as possible. If my opponent or training partner wants to play guard, I will take it and I will do my best to pass his guard and tap him out. My mental game is strong, so I learned that I must believe, always, that I can pass anyone’s guard, sweep anyone, and tap-out anyone. If I make a mistake and my training partner/opponent sweeps me or passes my guard, the next time I train, I will go with him again. And I will go again a thousand times if necessary, in order to figure out his game. I try to pass this “Mentality” on to my students.
My teaching style: I believe in organization and in a good system; and I love to train with my students, so they can better absorb my game… I intend to keep training until I am 100 years old!!! LOL
I like to teach the most important techniques and details that speed up the learning process and facilitate the performance of each movement.
I believe in good techniques more than everything. A good technique will work for EVERYONE! For my White Belts I teach the most important basic fundamentals, control positions from the bottom and top, basic counters and attacks. After learning the right way, it becomes easier to bring all types of tools/techniques that will work best for your game.
When they become Blue Belts, I try to make their games become more “Solid” and they start learning more advanced techniques.
My higher ranks (Purple, Brown and Black Belts) learn/train techniques for higher ranks and they know how to play De La Riva Guard, Deep Half-Guard, Berimbolos (Helicopter sweeps), attacks using the lapel, all types of Guard Passes, etc, etc… EVERYTHING!!!
As an Instructor I am always trying to follow the evolution of the sport and my goal is to become the BEST Instructor in the World! And the older I get, the more time and experience I will obtain.
What are your plans for 2015?
I am very excited with 2015!!! I just finished a huge project that took me almost one year… All my Instructional DVDs and my Step-By-Step Curriculum have become APPs for Androids and iPhones!!! This is a “supplement” to help the BJJ community, as a whole, all over the World…
My best advertising is “Word-of-Mouth,” so in 2015 I will be traveling to teach (in person) my Step-By-Step System for beginners and advanced students (during my trips I don’t only teach, but I always roll with the head instructors the day before).
I already have many trips lined up for this year. I’m writing to you inside of an airplane, flying from Phuket to Bangkok, Thailand. I’m doing a seminar tour, and enjoying this great country. I will be in the USA in March and I already have a BJJ trip scheduled to Brazil in April. In May I will be back in the USA, and then I will be heading on more seminar tours inside, and outside, the USA (while still maintaining my Academy in Indianapolis). I’m very busy, but God has blessed me with the opportunity to give back to the art that changed my life.
If you want to thank somebody or sponsors, feel free
I would like to first give thanks to GOD, all my students and friends for all the support, all my Affiliated Academies and EVERYONE that has been studying and enjoying my System all over in the World.
And I would like to give a special thanks to EVERYONE from the BJJ Community (as a whole) that has been working to promote our sport all over the World.
Our LOVE and passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu made our sport become the fastest growing sport in the World!
Thanks to everyone that is reading this, and a big thanks to BJJ EASTERN EUROPE for this interview.
Marcello C. Monteiro “Monteirao”
BJJ Coach Intl Association
