Marcos Santos holds a Black Belt 3rd Degree awarded by The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). The International Brazliian Jiu Jitsu Federation was created by Carlos Gracie, Jr., head of Gracie Barra and son of Grand Master Carlos Gracie, the founder of the art. The IBJFF is the major governing body for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and hosts several of the biggest tournaments in the world, including the Mundials, Pan AMerican and European Championships. Professor Marcos Santos is the East Coast Representative for Rigan Machado, nephew of Grand Master Carlos Gracie and Eternal Grand Master Helio Gracie Sr. Marcos began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 6, and has had the unusual pleasure of training with many of Brazil's top instructors. The jiu Jitsu that Marcos learned in Brazil has been further refined by the Machado brothers. Marcos practices the Macado philosophy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is to incorporate the martial art way of living and not merely a method of combat. He believes that a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition and positive mental attitude, must be the base from which all self-defense begins. With over 30 years training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Marcos has a level of experience that few others can claim and he brings a wealth of fighting knowledge to his role as head instructor of the NYBJJ Academy. Marcos opened his first NYC academy in 1997 and is experienced in teaching a wide range of individuals including martial arts competitors, everyday people and children. In Addition to teaching at his own academy, Marcos has conducted over 100 seminars for a variety of organizations including the NYBPD, Law Enforcement and Military Personel. Martial Arts Education - Former Brazilian Army - (Special Force Unit).
- 3rd Degree Black Belt under world renowned Rigan Machado.
- 30 years Jiu-jitsu experience under various teachers, including Grandmaster Geny Rebello, Grandmaster Fransisco Mansur, and Master Rigan Machado.
- Certified Instructor in Senzala Capoeira.
- Certified Instructor of US Army Combative.
- Certified Instructor of Israeli Self-Defense ( F.I.G.H.T - HAGANA )
- 10 years of Gym Boxing
- 12 years of Greco Roman and Free Style Wrestling.
Championships and Awards - 5 Time Brazilian Jiu-jitsu City & National Champion (Teresopolis, Petropolis, and Cabo Frio Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), 80's & 90's.
- 1st Place, Joe Moreira International Invitational, Los Angeles, California, 1997
- Grappples Quest Team East Coast Champion, 1999
- Certificate of Appreciation of United States Marine Corps, 2005
- Army Certificate Instructor of Combatives Trainer Level I, II & III, 2005
- Thai Boxing Association U.S.A certificate, 2006
- New York State BJJ Federation 2nd Place-Team Championship, 2006
- Certified trainer for FBI, NAVY SEAL, NYPD, ARMY and MARINES
- 2nd Place Pan American, Los Angeles, CA, 2007
Press Appearances
- Inducted into the Black Belt World Karate Union Hall of Fame, 1999 .
- Nominated as Instructor of the Year by World Karate Union Hall of Fame, 1999 .
- Capoeira performance at Times Square for change of Millennium, 1999-2000 .
- Selected to perform a Jiu-jitsu and Capoeira exhibition for Fox News Live, 2004 .
- Demonstration for the Geraldo Rivera Show for Fox News .
- Recognized as a Master of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by Action Martial Arts Magazine, 2000 .
- Selected to perform a Jiu-jitsu exhibition at Madison Square Garden for World Champion Kick-boxer, Chuck Norris, 2000 .
- Recognized as a Master of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by Action Martial Arts Magazine, 2000.
- Appeared in several articles in Budo International Martial Arts & Self Defense magazine.
- Honored in a feature story on Boardbreaker magazine of martial arts, 2004.
- Nominated as Instructor of the Year by World Black Belt Hall of Fame-International Budo Magazine, 2005.
- Portuguese Interpreter for HBO Boxing After Dark: Freitas vs. Raheem in Foxwoods - Connecticut, 2006 .
- 2x in the TapOut Maganize
Work History:
- Operate a Martial Arts Academy for the instruction of authentic Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, which has served the community for nearly fifteen years.
- One of the pioneers of East Coast under the Machado Family.
- Personally instructed over 3000 students in the United States.
- Currently the sole representative of the Machado Brothers in the Eastern United States.
- Have personally trained members of the FBI, NAVY SEAL, NYPD, ARMY and MARINES.
- Head instructor of grappling for the New York Police Department's tactical Training Unit for the last 12 years.
|
