About Filipe Barbosa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Filipe Barbosa - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Head Coach
I've been involved with martial arts since my childhood. I started with Judo in Recife, Brazil, where I was born, and loved it! I learned this beautiful art of Judo with Professor Nagai, a legendary instructor and great inspirational leader! After that, I tried many different forms of martial arts... and found Karate: Kyokushin Oyama style, the most full contact form of Karate! I continued trying to find the perfect martial art, realizing there were many different styles and cultures to choose from. One day I watched the best Kyokushin brown belt from my gym get dominated and choked out by a man called “Coelho” (Rabbit). This man was a fighter of a martial art with a very different approach that was unknown - to me at least!! JIU-JITSU!!! Intrigued, I finally began my training in what most consider the most effective and exciting form of self defense; known today as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! I initiated this training in Manaus, Brazil (The capitol of the Amazonas state) training with the Monteiro Brothers, under Royler Gracie. It immediately became my love and my passion! At that time I attended many international tournaments and seminars. This brought me to America where I started training Jiu-Jitsu under Marcello C. Monteiro! Since I began training with Marcello C. Monteiro I've accomplished many goals as purple belt, brown belt, instructor, father and friend; with hopes of giving back to YOU, by helping you achieve all your goals through hard work and dedication.
Allan Messa - Boxing Instructor
I have been a fan and student of the game of Boxing since I was five years old. Boxing is a passion that I’ve shared with my father growing up. From being a fan, to studying tapes of different fighters and techniques, I myself have trained the physical and the mental aspects of the game in and out of the ring for over fifteen years. I have been fortunate enough to have spent time with some of the best trainers in the history of the sport, including Russ Anber, who is one of the best coaches in the world at preparing Olympic and amateur boxers as young as ten years of age. I’ve also studied under Teddy Atlas, who has trained under the famous Cuss D'Amato and helped Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer capture heavyweight titles, as well as spending time with Emanuel Steward who has had notable champions such as Tommy Hearns, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and now Miguel Cotto.
Demian Decorah - MMA Coach
