Marcelo Perdomo loves Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  He took up the art at the age of four, at the legendary Carlson Gracie gym in Rio de Janeiro.  He got his first taste of coaching as a blue belt at the age of 16.  He began assisting the academy’s black belts by teaching the youngest students.  As soon as he started he knew it was what he wanted to do and he hasn’t stopped since.

Marcelo first came to America to compete in the US Open Jiu Jitsu tournament, which he won.  He would later return for a mixed martial arts bout in 1997.  Although Perdomo’s opponent seemed to have the early edge with some flashy standup, the Brazilian was able to use his superior Jiu Jitsu to bring the bout to its bizarre end.  Marcelo locked on a deep kneebar as time expired.  Although his opponent never tapped his knee was damaged so severely that he was unable to stand.  The officials decided to declare the bout a no contest.

Perdomo later opened a Jiu Jitsu academy in Bellflower with his cousin Allan and Francisco Bueno.  The gym eventually folded and Marcelo made a return to Brazil to earn his black belt from Murilo Bustamante at the newly formed Brazilian Top Team.  From there he returned to the area and opened his current gym in Long Beach.

The academy moved in February to its current location on the corner of Ximeno and Anaheim.  Thanks to a partnership with Zebra Mats the new space has 2200 square feet of mat space, making it one of the largest in Southern California.

Those interested in contacting Marcelo about membership or sponsorship opportunities should look to the website or call at (562)-331-0138.