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

Hi Claudio, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Transforming and improving lives through the Art of Jiu Jitsu

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From Brazil to Breakthrough: A Journey of Faith, Jiu Jitsu, and God’s Favor
In 1996, I left my home country of Brazil and moved to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. There, I worked in the surfboard industry and was blessed to seed and playing a part in the global development of the iconic Havaianas footwear brand. It was a season of adventure and new beginnings, but also of challenges that would later lead my family and me to the West Coast of California, to the serene city of San Clemente.
Through all of life’s transitions, one passion remained a constant in my life: Jiu Jitsu. I had been training since 1986, and even when life got busy, I continued to nurture this art as best I could. But I never imagined it would become my life’s calling—until one day, everything changed.

A friend and Jiu Jitsu professor asked me to help teach kids’ and beginner adult classes. I had never officially taught Jiu Jitsu before, but from the moment I stepped on the mat as an instructor, I knew I had found something truly special. Teaching wasn’t just a job—it became a joy. The connection with the students, the chance to help them grow, and the respect and love they gave in return—it captivated my soul. For the first time, I felt fulfilled in a way no career ever had.

Soon after, another friend who was overseeing the Jiu Jitsu program for UFC Gyms in San Diego offered me a position as a professor and program manager. Out of many candidates, I was chosen. I moved to San Diego and began developing the Jiu Jitsu program for five different UFC Gym locations—Spring Valley, San Carlos, Point Loma, Mission Valley, and Carlsbad.

But in 2018, another calling came—this time, to be closer to our kids and grandkids. We left California and moved to Arizona, not knowing exactly what God had in store. I left behind a steady, stable job with no clear plan ahead. I worked various trades and positions to support my family until an unexpected door opened: an opportunity to teach senior citizens chair gymnastics at a local gym. I asked the owner if he would rent me a small space to teach Jiu Jitsu, and after sharing the benefits and potential to grow his membership, he agreed.

That’s how our humble school began—with just a few students and a lot of heart. One day, a parent told me he could no longer afford to keep his son enrolled. I told him not to worry—we could trade the tuition for a website since he worked in media. He agreed, and when the website went live, some glowing Google reviews followed. Things were starting to pick up—until COVID hit.

The gym closed. We lost our training space. A few adult students trained in my garage, but the Arizona summer heat made it nearly impossible. Still, I kept receiving emails from parents wanting to enroll their children. With schools and other activities shut down, families were desperate for something positive—and Jiu Jitsu was the answer for many.

Though we had no official location, I kept replying to the emails, praying and trusting God. Then, I felt it was time to act in faith. I found a small commercial space and told myself, “If we can just get 15 students, we can cover the rent.” We prayed, and sure enough—15 students signed up.

Then we prayed for 20. God sent 20.
Then 30. God sent 30.

God kept answering our prayers, one by one.

Today, by His grace, we run a thriving Christian Jiu Jitsu school with over 150 students. It’s more than a business—it’s a ministry. I get to teach Jiu Jitsu, pour into people’s lives, and see transformation happen not only on the mats but in hearts and homes.

We are currently praying and preparing to open a second location as soon as we find the right professor to join us. This journey has been nothing short of miraculous, and we give all the glory to God. What started with a step of faith has grown into something beyond what we could have ever asked or imagined.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say the Usery Mountains and Lakes, the Revel Surf Waves, Grand Canyon, Brazilian Barbecue places, Mexican food restaurants etc…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Website: https://www.solidgroundbjj.com

Instagram: @solid_groundbjj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1solidgroundbjj/

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