Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands

Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands is led by Professor Marcio Santos, a 7th degree coral belt whose journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began as a child in Teresópolis, Brazil, under Gracie red belt Geny Rebello. After earning his black belt in 2000, Prof. Santos moved to the United States and deepened his training with the Machado family. He settled in Dallas in 2009, and by 2012, opened the academy with the goal of building a school rooted in discipline, respect, and the Machado tradition. Prof. Santos remains active on the mats every day, personally teaching both kids and adults, and sharing the values that have guided his own lifelong practice. The academy offers a structured program for students of all ages, starting with the Cubs program for ages 3-4 and continuing through kids, teens, and adult classes. There is a dedicated Ladies Jiu Jitsu program, and the teaching staff includes instructors with competition and coaching backgrounds, such as Professors Michael Craycraft and Tony Pesina, as well as coaches focused on youth and women’s classes. Alongside traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the academy also features Capoeira, summer camps, and birthday party events, reflecting a broader commitment to physical development and cultural heritage. Classes are designed to progress students through fundamentals and advanced techniques, with an emphasis on both self-defense and sport. The curriculum is shaped by the Machado association’s lineage and Prof. Santos’s decades of experience. Visitors will find a multilingual staff and a facility equipped with custom mats designed to reduce impact injuries. The school welcomes students from across Dallas, with a focus on helping each individual develop confidence, resilience, and skill through consistent training.

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