Brazilian JiuJitsu is a crescent and explosive movement across the globe. Don’t you think ? Just look Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Facebook). This year awarded with a Blue Belt (Blue Belt in JiuJitsu is the 2nd belt in the Rank System by IBJJF – International Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation. Actually look for a Brazilian JiuJitsu School near by and make sure the school have the proper credentials and you do not want wasting your money away.
The Professors. Background check is necessary and a must for a parent that wanna enroll kids; teens or even law enforcement in a curriculum that allows you learn this majestic Martial Arts.
Actually, when I started, we were a bunch a kids just having fun, until this day I do have fun when I do BJJ.. and let me tell you something that time, there’s no Law enforcement at all practicing with us… Today I believe is a must for all departments learn Brazilian JiuJitsu.
Professor in Brazilian JiuJitsu is someone that reach the status of a Black Belt, and in a unique case, a Professional that is been Black Belt for at least 3 years. Specially now, with the popularity of the sport, many when they get theirs, they believe they can start teaching with no experience at all. And they end up getting in trouble…seriously, if you dig a bit in each one..several cases appeared in the past years, but they will be extinct as the days go by.
Atmosphere should be a friendly one, since day one. Brazilians in most of the cases, we like fun, and when the vibe connects is easy to feel that energy in the air. Students mingle with each other, training to push each other, but with a friendly environment is rare you get seriously hurt.
Hygiene coming from both parts is a must. A clean and dry Gi for practice should be obviously, but there’s students that need that reminder and we here do our part. Tip from this old pal here: If you can only afford one Gi, once you finished your class carry your gi. Don’t put straight inside your bag. Once you in your car, open the windows at leas for he dry. Wear a rash guard underneath will help extra sweat from you attach to your uniform. If you are the first one reading this, and you send me a message guessing the name of my BJJ club is located in Rio, I will send you a Gi. So you can have an extra one. You just need to send me your size. Oh remember the mats should be clean as well, so like I said before. Both of us need to be in the same page.
How about a Curriculum ? Sure, like it is important follow the steps so your learning experience can be pleasant. Have a certain you learning the moves proper and with the patience will guide you to a satisfying ending when you be able to apply a Armlock; Triangle or even a Omoplata.
Here a summit for what to learn in my vision and experience:
HIP ESCAPE; BREAK FALL; FRONT ROLL.
MOUNT ATTACKS : CHOKES; AMERICANA AND ARMLOCK.
GUARD PASS: STAND UP AND ON YOUR KNEES.
TAKEDOWNS.
ATTACKS FROM GUARD.
SWEEPS FROM GUARD.
HOW TO START TRAINING ON THE KNEES.
Thanks for reading this. English is not my first language and if I made a mistake I apologize in advance.
Look for https://ghostsquadbjj.com
Ghostsquadbjjteam 
This article is full of amazing insight. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of law enforcement training in Jiujitsu as well as background checks for instructors. While most Jiujitsu instructors are great people, there are some that should not be instructing. Online background checks are cheap and I would highly recommend doing one on any potential instructor.
Professor Buiu and the Ghost Squad Bjj team have changed my life in so many’s ways. I’ve been training under Buiu and Professor Pita for almost 4 years. Not only have been able to continue to learn this martial art but also I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been in my entire life. Most importantly for me would be the energy I receive when I’m around my teammates. They’re truly some of the best people I’ve met
Great insight and very important information for both new and experienced jiujitsu practitioners! Thank you for sharing your knowledge professor!
Finding the right jiujitsu school is essential, when I first came to Carlson Gracie ghost squad in Miami I immediately knew I was in the right place. Exactly what Professor Buiu is discussing in this post he practices and preaches this every single day. The curriculum will help you grow from a beginner to an advanced level in the right way. The lessons I’ve learned on and off the mats are priceless.
Thank you, thank you, thank you… The Transformative Power of BJJ is second to none, it is a magical journey that enhances both physical and mental health while fostering humility and gratitude. Through countless training sessions and the mentorship of experienced instructors like my dear professor Michel Pereira, and the support of my fellow peers, I have grown not only as a martial artist but also as an individual. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been an absolute transformative journey in my life, offering me numerous benefits to both my physical and mental well-being. It has enhanced my physical health in various ways, firstly, it provides a dynamic full-body workout that develops strength, endurance, and flexibility. The intense grappling and rolling sessions push my cardiovascular system, helping to improve heart health and overall stamina. By engaging in BJJ, I have gained functional strength, enabling me to overcome physical challenges both on and off the mats. Additionally, BJJ has sharpened my body awareness and control, allowing me to develop improved balance, coordination, and agility. The intensity of training sessions channel my energy, helping me alleviate stress and anxiety. The physical exertion releases endorphins, leading to an improved mood and a sense of well-being. The supportive environment in the mats, coupled with the camaraderie among fellow practitioners, fosters positive relationships and a sense of belonging, enhancing mental resilience and overall emotional health.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been a transformative addition to my life as a surgeon. The discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills I’ve honed on the mat have seamlessly translated into my operating room practice. Just as in BJJ, where each move requires strategic thinking, surgery demands meticulous planning and adaptability. This martial art has not only improved my physical fitness but has also deepened my mental resilience, enabling me to navigate complex procedures with a clear mind and steady hands. At Carlson Gracie Miami, Professor Buiu and Professor Pita instill outstanding technique, great values, and sportsmanship in all students. I am proud to be a member of the Ghost Squad BJJ Family. I recommend to anyone who is interested in training BJJ to look for a dojo where they feel they can grow as an individual and athlete under the guidance of black belt instructors that are positive role models in the community, such as what I have witnessed firsthand at Carlson Gracie Miami.
I agree 100%
This is a must in Bjj schools.
I used to do MMA and in those gyms there was constantly competition mind set. Wich was extremely exhausting.
In Bjj you can be competitive, but most of the time there’s easy going atmosphere.
Great insight to the world of Jiu Jitsu. The art of Jiu Jitsu has transformed many lives for the better. Every day I am great full that I walked in the doors of Carlson Gracie Miami where I met Professor Buiu. Professor Buiu is the epitome of a professional. As a law enforcement officer of 23 years and SWAT member I truly believe Jiu Jitsu should be in everyone’s lives.
Profesor Buiu has been one of my greatest mentors and friend. He helped me in my time of need through Jiujitsu when I lived in Miami and it seems like everywhere he goes he carries this energy to improve people all around him, especially on the mats. Along with proper training, he always inserted jokes and knew us so personally that he would bring up a memory or two from last session or our personal lives. Good men like this come by so rarely, mentors like this live in as legends.
Walking into Carlson Gracie Miami, home of the Ghost Squad, stands as one of the best decisions I have ever made. How to categorize BJJ?, martial art?, discipline?, fitness?, yes all of the above but much much more, it is self discovery, mind and body medicine, overcoming, meeting AMAZING PEOPLE from all walks of life, police officer, firefighters, doctors breaking people bones and then fixing them again, crocodile tamers ( yeah!!! John is the best!, IT guys, xray specialists, actors, Randy, MMA fighters, dads, I could go on forever, but all of them without exceptions have one distinctive feature, every time they step on those mats they become a better version of themselves vs who they were the day before. The kindness too, you would be hard press to find better camaderie and brotherhood-like environment. It’s hard to argue when the person chocking you out a minute before now genuinely hugs you and thanks you for your effort and helping them get better, also you get to choke them back too next time, if you are able, because in the mats there is no place for lies, one of the best perks of all. And on top of all of that sits a very special group of people leading from example, Professor Buiu, Professor Pita, the indomitable Jacobo, and many many others, actually all of us, because without exception we teach each other, we support each other, and suffer together as well. There is no end to the good things I could say about BJJ, but if something sticks let it be this: Go and get some!. Thank you to all of the professors and my brothers at BJJ!
Walk into Carlson Gracie Miami stands as one of the best decisions I ever made. How to define BJJ?, martial art?, discipline?, fitness?, self-defense?, yes, all of that and much much more, self discovery, overcoming, mental and physical health, community, getting to know truly AMAZING PEOPLE from all walks of life. Police officers, fire fighters, military, teachers, students, doctors, cocodrile tamers( heck yeah John!), x ray specialists, IT guys, Randy, actors, you name it, all of us inevitably sharing one fact, every time we step on those mats we become a better version of ourselves vs who we were the day before. The kindness too, you will be hard pressed to find a more camaderie brotherhood like environment, where the person choking you out 10 seconds ago is now giving you a genuine hug and thanks you for your effort and helping him to get better. And you get to choke him too on the next go!, if you are able that is, because within those mats there is no place for lies, one of the best perks of all!. At the pinnacle of that sits a very special group of people leading from example, Professor Buiu, Professor Pita, the indomitable Jacobo, Marcia, Sergio, The Dragon, and so many many others, in fact all of us, because from white to black belt we all teach each other, help each other, support each other, and suffer together as well. There is no end to all the good things I could say about BJJ, but if anything sticks let it be this: go and get some!. Thank you to all the Professors, and all my brothers and sisters who train!, Osss!!!.
Thank you for taking the time to share your hard earned knowledge that took you countless hours to learn.
I commend your bravery for sharing your thoughts in written form in a foreign language. That is jiu jitsu applied to life.
You are one of the best stewards for jiu jitsu on this planet. Thank you for everything.
After competing in UFC5 I was looking for a Brazilian Jiujitsu school that was credible after searching for years and training with different instructors (remember back then in 1995 very few schools were around barely none due to it was just in to introduced to the world in 1993 UFC1 with Royce Gracie. I found a Carlson Gracie school I went and trained with Buiu not only did I love his style dedication and commitment I went on to get my Black Belt under him I cant say enough about him as a professor and as a friend and family man. He is simply the best. If your thinking about starting this wonderful art this is the place to go. It will change your life forever !! Ernie Verdecia “Ghost Squad Member”
Great article professor,
It’s so important to always go over the basics and remind ourselves and our students of what’s really important in jiu jitsu.
You went over the fundamental points of: choosing your professor wisely, appropriate mat etiquette, structured learning system and most importantly a friendly training environment.
Jiu jitsu is not only the art of learning how to defend yourself but it provides you with life long friends and the confidence that if you apply yourself and persevere you will achieve anything you set your mind to in your life.
Thank you professor for providing us with this opportunity.
I couldn’t agree more with Professor Buiu. A few years ago I was looking for a Jiu Jitsu school for my kids and I to join, when I was recommended Carlson Gracie Miami. After doing my research about the professors and realizing they come from a strong lineage, I sat in on a couple of classes before signing up. I was instantly impressed with the knowledge and dedication of the professors and coaches. But what truly impressed me was the family friendly atmosphere while maintaining the professionalism. We have fun, but we also train hard and take the art and culture of Jiu Jitsu serious. This is important because I believe a good Jiu Jitsu school will have a mix of hard core competitors and recreational practitioners that take care of each other. This is what my boys and I have found at Carlson Gracie Miami, and I am proud to say that we are part of the Ghost Squad Family.