Authority and History

Coach Marcio Pimentel’s Story

From the Brazilian mats to the heart of Orlando

With over 40 years of martial arts experience, I’ve had the honor of training and preparing Olympic medalists, world champions, and elite fighters in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.

Before becoming a coach, I was a competitive athlete, living the discipline, passion, and grit of high-level competition.

Now based in Orlando, I share my knowledge with children as young as 3, as well as teens and adults of all levels—whether their goals are confidence, discipline, fitness, or competition.

What I bring to the mat:

• Black Belt in Judo (since 1987)
• Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under UFC Champion Murilo Bustamante
• Former Strength & Conditioning Coach for athletes from the Brazilian National Judo and Wrestling Teams
• Experience as both fighter and coach in UFC, PRIDE FC, Bellator MMA, and other major MMA events
• Academic background: UGF, UFRJ, and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB)

My mission is to share a lifetime of experience in a fun, safe, and empowering environment—building strong minds, bodies, and values through martial arts.

Marcio Pimentel – From Lineage to Legacy

Judo Black Belt since 1987
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt since 2007 under Murilo Bustamante

Coach of World and Olympic-level athletes
Nationally recognized Strength and Conditioning Coach in Brazil

Coach at UFC, PRIDE, Bellator, Judo Pan American and World Championships
Judo coach for Olympic athletes since 2000

Marcio Pimentel carries this lineage with responsibility, not just as a title but as a commitment:

To preserve its principles, evolve its science, and pass it forward.

Build athletes.
Shape character.
Honor the lineage.
Create legacy.

The Lineage – Where It All Began

Jigoro Kano – Founder of Judo and the philosophy that shaped modern martial arts.

Mitsuyo Maeda – The judoka who brought jiu-jitsu to Brazil.

Carlos Gracie – Founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Carlson Gracie – The innovator who expanded BJJ worldwide.

Murilo Bustamante – BJJ and MMA champion, UFC Middleweight Champion.

Tradition matters because it connects knowledge across generations.

Teaching by Living

Since 1977, the mats have been my stage.

I’ve been an athlete, coach, teacher, volunteer, referee, and mentor.

I teach students from 3 to 60+.

Some seek strength.
Some seek discipline.
Some seek confidence.

True teaching adapts.

With children: patience.
With athletes: clarity.
With beginners: awareness.

Every student teaches something back.

I don’t just teach techniques.

I share values.

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