Professor Mario Aiello
When I first started Jiu-Jitsu twenty-three years ago, I was looking for something different in my life that could make me feel better mentally; as well as provide me better health and more energy. Having played judo for some time, my father convinced me to try Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art with perfect techniques, providing strength to surpass all kinds of challenges…It was exactly what I was looking for.
As a result, I met the Gracie family; Helio and Rickson Gracie were my first teachers. When, Rickson Gracie left for the United States, I continued training in Brazil under Royler Gracie, who eventually gave me my black-belt.
While still a brown belt, I opened my own Jiu-Jitsu studio on Bonsucesso (a suburb of Rio de Janeiro); and during the next 6 years I taught there forming a team of successful athletes, such as Daniel Dias, Cristiano Venancio, Joao Miguel, Marcio, Carlinhos, Rogerio and many more…
I was presented an opportunity to come to the U.S. October of 2001. I arrived here with the intention of teaching a brand new group of students everything I knew about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For three years I taught at the Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and shared all of the knowledge I had acquired during my life.
Still wanting to give something more to my life and my family, I decided to open my first BJJ studio here in the States. Situated right in Hollywood, I continued my work, teaching Jiu-Jitsu with enthusiasm and determination.
With my second school open in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California; I look to continue my success in graduating many more successful athletes from my Royler Gracie Team.
–Mario Aiello