Maeda-Carlos-Helio-Rolls-Romero "Jacare" Calvalcanti-Roberto Traven-me

I am incredibly fortunate to have embarked on my journey in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of the absolute best practitioners and coaches globally. The pivotal chapter of my odyssey commenced in 1997 under the tutelage of the legendary Romero "Jacare" Calvalcanti in Atlanta, Georgia. It was within the esteemed Alliance team, under Jacare's leadership, that I laid the foundation for my approach to Jiu-Jitsu practice and competition. ​ As my journey unfolded, I continued to refine my skills under the mentorship of the esteemed Roberto Traven, my master. The culmination of this dedication and growth led to the honor of being awarded my black belt by Master Traven in 2007. Since then, I have proudly represented both Team Roberto Traven and Alliance, carrying the legacy of elite Jiu-Jitsu. ​ Driven by the wealth of knowledge acquired from my esteemed training partners and coaches, I made the decision to forge my own path, leading to the establishment of Smithbjj in 2010. Serving the metro-Atlanta community, Smithbjj has become a bastion of Jiu-Jitsu excellence, rooted in the principles instilled by my mentors. ​ Jiu-Jitsu, beyond being a physical discipline, has instilled in me a passion for pursuing endeavors greater than myself. Initially manifesting through competition, this goal-oriented paradigm evolved to encompass academia as well. My aspiration is to channel this fervor into the tradition of aiding others in overcoming obstacles and achieving their aspirations in both life and the realm of Jiu-Jitsu. ​ I consider it a privilege to have coached and mentored individuals to championship victories, both on and off the mats. Smithbjj proudly stands as a member of the esteemed Checkmat team, further solidifying our commitment to excellence in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. ​