We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcelo Azevedo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcelo, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Social Impact:

Our Jiu-Jitsu academy is more than just a place to train — it’s a space for personal transformation. We help build stronger, more confident individuals, both kids and adults, by teaching discipline, respect, and resilience through Jiu-Jitsu.

For children, Jiu-Jitsu boosts self-confidence by showing them they can overcome challenges, step by step. They learn to trust themselves, control their emotions, and stay calm under pressure — skills that carry into school, friendships, and family life.

For adults, it offers a healthy outlet for stress and a chance to rebuild self-esteem. Many students find strength they didn’t know they had, both mentally and physically.

In every class, we create a supportive community where people of all backgrounds feel empowered to grow. The lessons learned on the mat — perseverance, humility, focus — help our students become better parents, professionals, and community members.

By shaping individuals, we help build a stronger, more positive world around us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Story:

My journey in martial arts began 40 years ago — not as a business, but as a lifestyle. From the very first day on the mats, I knew this path was something special. I fell in love with every moment: the discipline, the challenge, the camaraderie, and the constant pursuit of growth.

I dedicated myself fully to competition, and through that dedication, I became a 7-time World Champion. But what I’ve come to realize is that my proudest accomplishment isn’t just the titles — it’s the person I became through the process. The mat has taught me how to deal with failure, how to push through pain, how to stay humble in victory, and how to never give up when things get hard.

It wasn’t an easy journey. There were many sacrifices, injuries, and obstacles along the way — but Jiu-Jitsu gave me the tools to face them all. What carried me through was passion, consistency, and the belief that each day on the mat was an opportunity to be better.

Today, my focus is 100% on being the best professor I can be. I’ve shifted all my energy toward helping my students evolve — not just as athletes, but as human beings. Whether it’s a child gaining confidence, an adult finding purpose again, or a competitor chasing a dream, I live for those moments.

What sets me apart isn’t just my experience — it’s my love for this art and my commitment to my students. I’m still learning, still evolving, and still loving every second of the grind.

I want the world to know that our academy isn’t just a gym — it’s a family. We’re here to inspire, to grow together, and to pass on a legacy that goes far beyond the medals. Jiu-Jitsu changed my life, and now I dedicate my life to changing others through it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots here first in s my house and of course walking on the sidewalk of Galveston feeling the ocean wind.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
But none of this would be possible without the incredible team that makes it all happen. I want to recognize the entire GB Pearland staff — a dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly every day to help the school grow and create a positive impact in our community. Your passion and commitment are the heartbeat of our academy.

A special thank you to Professor Vinicius “Draculino”, a true visionary who paved the way for my generation and continues to inspire us with his leadership and legacy.

And most importantly, I want to thank my warrior wife, who stands beside me in this journey. Her strength, love, and unwavering support make everything possible.

Together, we’re not just teaching Jiu-Jitsu — we’re building stronger people, and through them, a better world.

Website: https://www.gbpearland.com

Instagram: @gbpearland

Facebook: Gracie Barra Pearland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Image Credits
@gbpearland.com
@marcelouirapurubjj

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