Team Members

Instructors at Gracie Barra Dana Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu martial art school in Dana Point, California.

 

Gracie Barra has many Instructors that teach classes and others that take key roles that are essential to the success of our organization. To insure our students understand the titles, we have listed the hierarchy and responsibilities associated with them. 

 

Professor Flavio Almeida

3rd Degree Black Belt

Professor Flavio sees his life through Jiu-Jitsu. As a practitioner he believes we are challenged daily to improve to become better then we are now. The lessons he has learned in practice transcend the dojo and allow him and his students to see life and its challenges from a very exciting and powerful perspective: "If we wrestle with challenges, we can overcome all the obstacles that lay between who we are and who we dream to be."

He has accomplished my different things in his life to compliment his Jiu Jitsu. He dedicated a lot of his time in his early 20's towards a degree in economic science. He still has a strong interest in the human side of economics and that has led him towards what is called economics of sustainable development. After he graduated, he worked as a consultant for very exciting projects related to climate change, corporate responsibility, and environmental education. after a few years pursuing a business career, he decided to make a 180 degree turn and dedicate his life to something he always thought he was born to do: Build a Gracie Barra school.
 

Coach Felipe Guedes

Brown Belt

"BJJ is a essential part of my life, where I find happiness. It is
where I learn how to fight inside and outside of the mat, it is where I test myself and my limits always trying to get better on everything I do, it is where I build friendships that will last a lifetime, it is what
makes me Physically healthy and mentally balanced and finally now more than ever it is my tool to change people's life and get them to share with me the same benefits of this great lifestyle."

Felipe was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil where he lived for 25 years with his parents and one younger brother. He was always fascinated by the "Human Machine" in all its aspects. He always wanted to be involved in something that would give him a the ability to help people.


 

Coach Scott Pearson

Purple Belt

“BJJ is the study of nutrition, fitness, and self-defense.  As an instructor, my duty is to pass along these ideas to my students. In addition, I must challenge each student to advance their own study of BJJ. “

Scott has a passion for motor vehicles and is in the automotive industry.  The industry allowed him to drive race cars.  He has created and built his own dealership:  it specializes in emergency vehicles.  They are very proud to provide both Fire and Police departments with the finest vehicles that can be engineered.  Scott was educated at the Virginia Military Institute, and has advanced studies in Logistics.  He served as a U.S. Marine both on active duty and in the reserves and holds the title:  Officer of Marines.
 

Kanai Brown

Purple Belt

For Coach Kanai Brazilian Jiu Jitsuis not only a sport, it's a lifestyle. He has come to the realization that the choices he makes everyday affect his performance on the mats. This has helped him to make make better and healthier decisions in all aspects of life.

Coach Kanai was born in San Clemente, CA. His father is in the military, and he's lived from coast to coast in the united States. When he was fifteen he and is family were re-stationed in San Clemente, where he completed his last two years of wrestlling and graduated from San Clemente High School. After graduating he moved to Hawai'i, where he found the sport of Jiu-Jitsu and attended the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He has moved back to San Clemente and is now Coaching at the Gracie barra Dana Point location.
 

Viviane Almeida

Purple Belt

"Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu is more then a martial art that i study for self-defense purposes. through bjj, my body and mind grow stronger so i can face the challenges on and off the mats surpassing my personal limits. "

Vivi grew up in Barra da tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, the place where GB was born. Jiu-Jitsu has always been part of her life. at all tournaments, she was there cheering for gracie barra. after getting her degree in physical education, which gave her unique insight and experience into all kinds of sports, she found that bjj was the one sport that allowed her to train her body, mind, and spirit, which is why she's chosen to dedicate herself to bjj training.
 
 

Coach Chris Reitan

Purple Belt

“Gracie Barra to me is a way of life.  When I began training at Gracie Barra, it was for a physical workout, to get healthy, but this program has taught me more than that.  It has taught me camaraderie and respect for others on and off the mat, a positive way of approaching life with family, friends and acquaintances.  It has helped me become a better husband, father, and human being.”

Chris is married with four children; two boys, two girls, and seven grand children.

Chris believes that “Family is number one!”