Forged by Legends.
A look inside the Brabus Academy facility in Lake Mary, plus articles on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, José Aldo, Léo Santos, and training kids and adults. Step in before you step on.Um olhar por dentro das instalações da Brabus Academy em Lake Mary, além de artigos sobre Jiu-Jitsu Brasileiro, José Aldo, Léo Santos e treino para crianças e adultos. Conheça antes de pisar.Un vistazo al interior de las instalaciones de Brabus Academy en Lake Mary, además de artículos sobre Jiu-Jitsu Brasileño, José Aldo, Léo Santos y entrenamiento para niños y adultos. Entra antes de entrenar.
Championship locker-room meets luxury showroom.Vestiário de campeão encontra showroom de luxo.Vestuario de campeón se encuentra con showroom de lujo.
Black marble, warm cove lighting, spotless mats, and a championship belt under glass. This is where you'll train.Mármore negro, iluminação quente, tatames impecáveis e um cinturão de campeão sob vidro. É aqui que você vai treinar.Mármol negro, iluminación cálida, tatamis impecables y un cinturón de campeón bajo vidrio. Aquí es donde vas a entrenar.
The Mat HallO TatameEl Tatami
Spotless training floor under a black ceiling, flanked by the Nova União roundel.Tatame impecável sob um teto negro, ladeado pelo brasão da Nova União.Tatami impecable bajo un techo negro, flanqueado por el emblema de Nova União.
The Belt WallA Parede das FaixasLa Pared de los Cinturones
José Aldo's UFC championship belt under glass, with the red neon line that says it all.O cinturão do UFC de José Aldo sob vidro, com a linha de neon vermelha que diz tudo.El cinturón del UFC de José Aldo bajo vidrio, con la línea de neón rojo que lo dice todo.
ReceptionRecepçãoRecepción
Premium and welcoming from the moment you walk in.Premium e acolhedor desde o momento em que você entra.Premium y acogedor desde el momento en que entras.
The WordmarkO LogotipoEl Logotipo
Bold block letters and the red Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu line — the primary brand lockup.Letras em bloco robustas e a linha vermelha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — a marca principal da academia.Letras en bloque robustas y la línea roja Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — el identificador principal de la marca.
The BadgeO BrasãoEl Emblema
A crown over the BA shield, enclosed in a thin ring — the compact stamp that marks everything Brabus.Uma coroa sobre o escudo BA, dentro de um anel fino.Una corona sobre el escudo BA, dentro de un anillo fino.
Training FloorPiso de TreinoPiso de Entrenamiento
Room for every level — kids, adults, competitors, and complete beginners, all under one roof.Espaço para todos os níveis, todos sob o mesmo teto.Espacio para todo nivel, todos bajo el mismo techo.
See the latest from the mat on Instagram: @brabusacademyofficial.Veja as últimas novidades do tatame no Instagram: @brabusacademyofficial.Ve las últimas novedades del tatami en Instagram: @brabusacademyofficial.
The legends behind the academy.As lendas por trás da academia.Las leyendas detrás de la academia.
José Aldo at the UFC 189 World Tour, and head coach Léo Santos on the Brabus mat — the championship era that built the standard now taught here.José Aldo no UFC 189 World Tour, e o treinador-chefe Léo Santos no tatame da Brabus — a era dos campeonatos que construiu o padrão ensinado hoje aqui.José Aldo en el UFC 189 World Tour, y el entrenador principal Léo Santos en el tatami de Brabus — la era de los campeonatos que construyó el estándar que hoy se enseña aquí.
The King of RioO Rei do RioEl Rey de Río
First and longest-reigning UFC Featherweight Champion. UFC Hall of Fame, 2023. Brabus co-founder.Primeiro e mais longevo Campeão Peso-Pena do UFC. Hall da Fama do UFC, 2023.Primer y más longevo Campeón Peso Pluma del UFC. Salón de la Fama del UFC, 2023.
The Head CoachO Treinador-ChefeEl Entrenador Principal
A 7× World Jiu-Jitsu Champion and UFC veteran who runs training at Brabus every day.Um 7× Campeão Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu e veterano do UFC que conduz o treino na Brabus todos os dias.Un 7× Campeón Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu y veterano del UFC que dirige el entrenamiento en Brabus todos los días.
Forged at the topForjado no topoForjado en la cima
Seven straight title defenses and an 18-fight win streak built the standard now taught on the mat.Sete defesas de título consecutivas e uma sequência de 18 vitórias construíram o padrão ensinado hoje no tatame.Siete defensas de título consecutivas y una racha de 18 victorias construyeron el estándar que hoy se enseña en el tatami.
José Aldo photographs by Andrius Petrucenia (UFC 189 World Tour, London 2015), licensed CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons; resized for the web.Fotos de José Aldo por Andrius Petrucenia (UFC 189 World Tour, London 2015), licenciadas sob CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons; redimensionadas para a web.Fotografías de José Aldo por Andrius Petrucenia (UFC 189 World Tour, London 2015), licenciadas bajo CC BY-SA 2.0 vía Wikimedia Commons; redimensionadas para la web.
José Aldo
The King of Rio — first and longest-reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, and a Nova União black belt long before he was a striker.
José Aldo's UFC Legacy: The First Featherweight King
His historic reign as first-ever and longest-reigning UFC featherweight champion.
ReadFrom Capoeira to Championship: José Aldo's Manaus Roots
His humble beginnings in Manaus, and how capoeira shaped his movement before jiu-jitsu ever did.
ReadJosé Aldo and Nova União: Forging a Champion in Rio
His rise through the Nova União system under André Pederneiras.
ReadInside José Aldo's Seven Title Defenses
What made his title-defense streak historic — and the discipline behind it.
ReadThe 13-Second Fight: What Happened at UFC 194
The infamous McGregor fight, and what students can learn from how he handled it.
ReadUFC Hall of Fame: Why José Aldo Belongs Among the Greats
What his 2023 Hall of Fame induction recognizes.
ReadThe Jiu-Jitsu Behind the Striker: José Aldo's Black Belt Game
He was a decorated grappler before he was a feared striker.
ReadWhy José Aldo Co-Founded Brabus Academy in Lake Mary
The story behind a legend building an academy in Lake Mary, FL.
ReadDiscipline Over Talent: José Aldo's Training Mentality
The work ethic behind a decade of dominance.
Read5 Lessons Brabus Students Can Learn From José Aldo
A practical listicle for anyone starting jiu-jitsu today.
ReadLéo Santos
A 7× world jiu-jitsu champion, ADCC veteran, and UFC lightweight who now runs training at Brabus every single day.
From Age Four to World Champion: Léo Santos's Path in Jiu-Jitsu
Started at age 4, became one of the youngest BJJ world champions in history.
ReadLéo Santos at ADCC: Grappling's Biggest Stage
His run at grappling's most elite invitational event.
ReadThe Day Léo Santos Submitted Georges St-Pierre
What that ADCC moment says about the level he competed at.
ReadThe Ultimate Fighter Brasil 2: Léo Santos's UFC Breakthrough
Winning TUF Brasil 2 and earning his UFC contract on merit.
ReadA Decade in the UFC: Léo Santos's Lightweight Run
Proving BJJ fundamentals under the brightest lights in MMA.
ReadPresident of Nova União: Léo Santos's Role in the Lineage
A rare honor, entrusted with the legacy of the team that raised him.
ReadDetails First, Ego Last: Léo Santos's Coaching Philosophy
How he coaches — and why students learn the "why," not just the steps.
ReadMeet the Head Coach: Léo Santos at Brabus Academy
What students can expect from the coach who runs Brabus every day.
ReadWhy the Best Competitors Don't Always Make the Best Teachers
The rare skill of a champion who can actually teach.
ReadWhat a 7x World Champion's Standard Looks Like on the Mat
What it actually means to train under someone who reached the top.
ReadJiu-Jitsu for Kids
Confidence, discipline, and real anti-bullying skills — an honest look at what jiu-jitsu actually does for kids.
How Jiu-Jitsu Builds Real Confidence in Kids
Confidence built through earned skill, not empty praise.
ReadJiu-Jitsu as Anti-Bullying Defense
Composure and real physical tools, without needing to be aggressive.
ReadDiscipline and Focus: The Hidden Benefits of Kids BJJ
How class structure builds focus that carries into school life.
ReadCan Jiu-Jitsu Help Kids With ADHD Focus Better?
An honest, careful look at what parents and instructors observe.
ReadWhat's the Right Age to Start Jiu-Jitsu?
General guidance on starting ages and what different ages get from it.
ReadA Parent's Guide to Your Child's First Jiu-Jitsu Class
What to bring, what to expect, and how to prep a nervous kid.
ReadHow BJJ Teaches Kids to Handle Conflict and Respect Others
The social contract of the mat, and how it transfers to friendships.
ReadThe Physical Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for Growing Kids
Coordination, body awareness, balance, and full-body fitness.
ReadJiu-Jitsu vs Team Sports: What Makes BJJ Different for Kids
Why the belt system gives every kid a personal pace.
ReadTrading Screen Time for Mat Time
Why parents are choosing a physical, social, in-person activity.
ReadReal Self-Defense Skills Every Kid Should Have
Age-appropriate self-defense — awareness and confidence first.
ReadLittle Ninjas & Little Warriors: How Brabus Structures Kids Classes
Why age-appropriate class structure matters for kids' development.
ReadBJJ Basics
History, terminology, positions, and honest answers to the questions every beginner asks.
The BJJ Belt System Explained: White to Black
The adult belt progression and what each belt generally represents.
ReadGi vs No-Gi: What's the Difference?
How grips and strategy differ between the two formats.
ReadThe History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Judo to the Gracie Family
From Mitsuyo Maeda to UFC 1 and the sport's global rise.
ReadThe History of Nova União: One of Rio's Legendary BJJ Teams
Founded in 1995, home to some of the sport's greatest competitors.
ReadBJJ Positions 101: Guard, Mount, Side Control, Back Control
The fundamental positions and why position comes before submission.
ReadCommon BJJ Submissions Explained for Beginners
Armbar, rear naked choke, triangle, and kimura — made accessible.
ReadBJJ Etiquette 101: What to Know Before Your First Class
Mat manners every new student should walk in knowing.
ReadWhat to Expect at Your First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class
The arc of a typical first class, from warmup to rolling.
ReadHow Long Does It Really Take to Get a BJJ Black Belt?
An honest answer about the journey, not a shortcut.
ReadBJJ vs Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo: How They Compare
A fair comparison of grappling and striking arts.
ReadBJJ vs Wrestling: Similarities and Differences
Why many top grapplers cross-train both.
ReadBJJ Terminology: A Glossary for Beginners
The common terms explained simply, in plain English.
ReadHow to Choose Your First BJJ Gi
Fabric, fit, and what beginners actually need.
ReadTraining Smart: Injury Prevention Tips for BJJ Students
Practical mat-safety habits for every student.
ReadThe Mental Health Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Stress relief, flow state, and the connection of training partners.
ReadA Beginner's Guide to Your First BJJ Competition
What a local tournament is really like.
ReadWhy BJJ Is Called "The Gentle Art"
What the nickname really means, and why it matters.
ReadWhy MMA Fighters Cross-Train in Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ as a foundational skill set in modern MMA.
ReadJiu-Jitsu for Adults
Fitness, stress relief, self-defense, and starting jiu-jitsu at any age — honest guidance for adult beginners.
Starting BJJ as an Adult: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Realistic expectations, gear, and mindset for your first class.
ReadCan Jiu-Jitsu Help You Lose Weight? The Real Answer
An honest look at fitness, consistency, and results.
ReadWhy More Women Are Training BJJ for Self-Defense
Leverage-based technique that doesn't depend on size or strength.
ReadJiu-Jitsu as Stress Relief: How Rolling Clears Your Head
Why you can't think about work while defending a choke.
ReadIs It Too Late to Start Jiu-Jitsu at 40?
No — and here's why technique beats athleticism.
ReadThe Functional Strength Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu Training
Grip strength, core stability, and full-body movement.
ReadDoes Jiu-Jitsu Actually Work for Real Self-Defense?
An honest answer about control, options, and real-world limits.
ReadHow Adults Fit Jiu-Jitsu Into a Busy Work Schedule
Morning, lunch, or evening — practical scheduling advice.
ReadCommunity & Lineage
What Nova União means, why lineage matters, and what makes Brabus a home rather than just a gym.
What Nova União Lineage Means for Your Training
Why lineage matters, and how it traces to Brabus.
ReadWhy Training Under World Champions Changes Your Jiu-Jitsu
The direct benefit of learning from the very top of the sport.
ReadBuilding a Jiu-Jitsu Community in Lake Mary, Florida
What a real training community looks like.
ReadWhy Families Train Together at Brabus Academy
The value of parents and kids sharing the same academy.
ReadHow to Choose the Right BJJ Academy for You or Your Child
A practical checklist for evaluating any academy.
ReadThe Nova União Standard: What Makes Brabus Different
What "standard" means in practice, carried from Rio to Lake Mary.
ReadA Guide to Martial Arts Training in the Lake Mary / Orlando Area
A local guide to martial arts options, and where BJJ stands out.
ReadSee it in person.Venha ver pessoalmente.Vélo en persona.
No experience required. No commitment. Walk in and stand under the belt wall yourself.Sem experiência necessária. Sem compromisso. Entre e fique na presença da parede das faixas.Sin experiencia requerida. Sin compromiso. Entra y párate frente a la pared de los cinturones tú mismo.
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