Professor Filipe "Jerry"

Head Instructor - Black Belt

Professor Filipe “Jerry” is a first degree Black Belt under Master Carlos Gracie Jr. He is part of the Gracie Barra family for over 14 years. He received his Black Belt at age 23 after years of dedication to this gentle-art. Teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 7 years, he has travelled around the world to share his knowledge in this sport. As a competitor he has achieved the titles of Pan American, Brazilian National, European and many others. Now, Professor Filipe wants to set a foundation and develop a big Gracie Barra family in Huntington Beach.

Mike Farah

Gracie Barra HB Member

I would like to start off by saying: Jiu-jitsu changed my life! My entire life I always saw myself as being a very skinny, weak, shy person. Those characteristics kept me from expressing who I really was as a person. Little did I expect, when I was nearly twenty one years old, that on the mat is where I could grow as a person and that's where I found friendships that will last a life time. The fact that I don't have to be the strongest guy in order to practice this sport or defend myself effectively, made me feel very passionate about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. As training progressed I started realizing how even my eating habits were getting healthier. Outside of the mats I felt the need to be in shape. It couldn't have made me feel any better about myself. The feeling of accomplishment that Jiu-jitsu brought to me was tremendous.

I met Professor Filipe “Jerry” in San Francisco. His methods of teaching; emphasizing on the basics, his patience, and his dedication, showed me that there is no better way to learn and teach. I was honored when professor asked me to move down to Huntington Beach and help him teach in his Gracie Barra academy.

Now, I feel like I have the chance to pass on to you the art/sport/martial art that has been such a positive influence in my life, and in the life of all those who train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.