Gracie Barra is like a big family, open to people of all ages and backgrounds!
PROF. SEIDLER RODRIGO
Coach Pedro Santos
Interview with Coach Pedro Santos
Get to know Coach Pedro Santos: inspiring the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu champions at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City
JIU JITSU CLASSES for kids
Hey Coach Pedro, let’s have a quick chat so people can get to know a bit more about you.
Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Pedro Santos and I am 17 years old. I have been training BJJ for over 10 years. I attend high school – 11th grade and I moved to Utah with my family in January 2020.
How were your first impressions of Utah? What did you like the most and what did you feel was too strange?
Utah is beautiful, and the mountains are unbelievably pretty. It’s really different from Rio, which is a huge city; it’s quieter here and really nice to live in. No traffic jams. I love living here. The safety compared to Rio is what I liked the most, but on the other hand, I miss going to the beach.
You are Prof. Seidler Rodrigo's son, so we assume that you have been training Jiu Jitsu since you were born. How was your start in Jiu Jitsu as a kid?
I started when I was 5 years old, and I remember playing on the mats and having a lot of fun. When I turned 6, I had my first tournament and won the Rio de Janeiro State Championship. I loved training, but I was not a student under my dad. I mostly trained at Gracie Barra Jacarepaguá, under Professor Villem Coelho and his team of coaches.
What do you do at Gracie Barra Utah?
I train and work as an assistant coach. I teach the Tiny Champs and Little Champs 1 (3-6 years old), and I assist with the Little Champs 2 and Jrs Programs (7-12 years old) classes.
What are the biggest challenges you face in dealing with kids?
I believe that the main challenge is keeping the attention of little kids. They get easily distracted, and we have to really enter their world to communicate properly and keep them engaged.
How do you think Jiu Jitsu can help kids and teens?
For sure, self-control, discipline, and communication. We have noticed that little kids have been really shy recently, not even greeting others due to a lack of confidence. We also see kids who can’t manage anger properly and need to understand that there is a time for everything, and of course, the discipline to build skills over time. All this makes kids more confident and helps them everywhere.
Is there a special moment you had during classes that you could share with us?
I remember when my dad was teaching me a specific sweep for a tournament and how much I repeated and practiced it. It is still one of my favorite moves. It reminds me that we need to put effort into what we want to develop. I do the same at school to get good grades, and it has been working.
What do you like to do off the mats?
I like to stay with my family and friends. Hiking in Utah is great, and I love it. I listen to music almost 24 hours a day, and I also like to play video games.
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU CLASSES NEAR YOU
Our Passionate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructors
At Gracie Barra Salt Lake City, all our BJJ instructors are certified through the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program (ICP). This rigorous program ensures they possess the highest level of knowledge, teaching skills, and leadership qualities. Also, all our instructors have their background checked and receive CPR training. Through ICP, they gain access to cutting-edge techniques, proven teaching methods, and ongoing support from the Gracie Barra team. This dedication to continuous improvement allows them to effectively guide you on your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in Utah.
OUR BJJ SCHOOL LOCATIONS
Experience life-changing moments with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at one of our Gracie Barra locations in Utah!
Find the nearest Gracie Barra location to you:
Gracie Barra Salt Lake City
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66 East 3750 South Salt Lake City,
UT 84115 - 801.449.0162
- info@gbslc.com
Gracie Barra West Jordan
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8018 Welby Park Dr #2 West Jordan,
UT 84088 - 385.220.5284
- info@gbwestjordan.com
Gracie Barra Riverton
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2936 W 12600 S Ste 1&2, Riverton,
UT 84065 - 801.436.7373
- info@gbriverton.com