About Us

Professor Nelson Monteiro was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started training when he was 13 years old under the direct tutelage of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. at the world-renowned Gracie Barra Academy. With unrivaled dedication, Professor Monteiro trained diligently until he was awarded the black belt in 1989; and in the same year, he received a bachelorʼs degree in physical education from Gama Filho University. Professor Monteiro is one of the original pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States. After receiving his black belt and graduating from college, Professor Monteiro moved to San Diego in 1990 and began teaching Jiu-Jitsu out of his garage in Encinitas. After steady growth in enrollment, Professor Monteiro moved to a larger space in Del Mar, where the academy continued to prosper. After the 1993 debut of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. The world had now witnessed the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the unassuming Royce Gracie used leverage and technique to defeat his larger and stronger opponents. People from all walks of life began to search for qualified instructors. As a result, the academy experienced even greater growth. 

In 1995, a new student arrived at the academy. This new student would soon have a profound effect not only on Professor Monteiro but also on the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The new arrival was Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nayan, a prince of the United Arab Emirates. Bin, as his friends would call him, became a dedicated private student of Professor Monteiro. After training for 8 months, the prince invited Professor Monteiro to come to the UAE to become his private Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Professor Monteiro accepted. 

While training the prince and other enthusiasts in the UAE, Professor Monteiro helped to form the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), which would evolve into the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world, the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Championships. During this four-year period, Professor Monteiro also trained many champions in Vale-Tudo, MMA, and sport Jiu-Jitsu. With many accomplishments resulting from his stay in the UAE, Professor Monteiro decided to make his way back to Brazil. 

In 2000, he and his family moved back to Rio de Janeiro. While living back in Brazil, Professor Monteiro opened a health club and continued his education in the field of sport physiology. In addition, Professor Monteiro continued his efforts in spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by traveling around the world conducting seminars. After four years in Brazil, Professor Monteiro and his family decided to come back to San Diego. 

In 2006, Professor Monteiro opened Gracie Barra Encinitas. Since its grand opening, the academy has become one of the most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the San Diego area. Professor Monteiroʼs positive attitude, charismatic personality, and passion for Jiu-Jitsu have been an integral part of the academyʼs success. Professor Monteiro is still an active athlete, competing in many of the major Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournaments worldwide. With over 25 years of experience, Professor Monteiro is one of the most knowledgeable instructors teaching today.