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Rinaldo Santos

Head Instructor/Owner

Professor Rinaldo Santos is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, competitor, and referee with deep roots in the sport. He began his BJJ journey as a teenager at the legendary Carlson Gracie Academy Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he was one of the youngest members of the renowned Carlson Gracie Competition Team during the 1980s and 1990s.

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A former BJJ World Champion and Vale Tudo fighter, Professor Rinaldo brings firsthand experience from some of the toughest competitions in the world, blending technical expertise with real-world application. Beyond his accomplishments on the mat, he is also one of the sport's most respected referees, ensuring a deep and comprehensive understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from multiple perspectives.

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With over two decades of teaching experience, Professor Rinaldo has dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge with students of all ages. He leads the majority of classes at our academy, guaranteeing consistent, high-quality instruction rooted in traditional yet evolving techniques.

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Beyond his passion for BJJ, family is at the heart of his life. He is married to Agnes Cruz dos Santos and is a proud father to Raiane Gracie dos Santos (born in 2001) and Victor Hugo Battaglion dos Santos (born in 2009). His love for Jiu-Jitsu and his family fuels his dedication to building a strong, supportive academy where students thrive both on and off the mats.

(407) 403-9317

rinaldosantosbjj@gmail.com

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Education

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  • Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education – University of Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1999)

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BJJ Refereeing Experience
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  • Senior Referee – North American Grappling Association (NAGA)

  • Senior Referee – Kuwait Open

  • Senior Referee – International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)

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Additional Accomplishments
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  • Founded Carlson Gracie Central Florida Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Winter Garden (2008)

  • Earned 6th Degree Black Belt (2022)

  • Inducted into the Florida Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2023)

Tournament History

 

Blue Belt

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – 1st Cup Bank of ITAU State Champion, Brazil (1987)

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – 1st Cup Artuzão National Competition, Brazil (1990)

  • 2nd Place (170 lbs) – 1st Cup Arrebentação State Championship, Brazil (1991)

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – 1st Cup Beneficiate Carlos Rollyson State Championship – Awarded "Most Technical Fighter" (submitted all opponents), Brazil (1991)

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – 1st Cup RAUF State Champion, Brazil (1991)

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – Brazilian State Champion, Brazil (1991)

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – Brazilian State Champion (1991) – Selected to compete in "Oscar do Jiu-Jitsu"

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – Oscar do Jiu-Jitsu National Champion, Brazil (1991) – Awarded "Most Technical Fighter – Top Blue Belt"

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Purple Belt

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – State Champion, Brazil (1992)

  • 1st Place (170 lbs) – Brazilian National Champion, Brazil (1992)

  • 2nd Place (Open Weight) – Cup Rio Sport Center Competition, Brazil (1993)

  • Winner – Top Purple Belt Challenge – Defeated Eduardo Galvão (20 min match) at Cup Rio Sport Center, Brazil (1993)

  • 1st Place (Open Weight) – Brazilian University Jiu-Jitsu Competition, Brazil (1994)

  • 3rd Place (172 lbs) – Pan American BJJ World Championship, USA (1995)

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Brown Belt

  • 1st Place (Open Weight) – Brazilian University Jiu-Jitsu Competition, Brazil (1996)

  • 1st Place (185 lbs) – State Champion, Brazil (1996)

  • 1st Place (185 lbs) – Freestyle de Petrópolis World Champion (No Holds Barred), Brazil (1997)

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Black Belt

  • 1st Place (185 lbs) – State Champion, Brazil (1998)

  • 1st Place – Black Belt Pre-Qualification – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, Brazil (1998)

  • 3rd Place (185 lbs) – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, Brazil (1999)

  • 2nd Place (185 lbs, Masters Division) – Pan American Championship, USA (2006)

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