Meet Professor Carlos Daniel: The New Head Professor of Gracie Barra Salt Lake City

We’re excited to introduce Professor Carlos Daniel Rodrigues, recently promoted to Head Professor of Gracie Barra Salt Lake City. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Professor Carlos brings not only impressive skill on the mats but also a deep sense of care and connection to his students. Young, focused, and incredibly attentive, he’s already making a strong impact in our community. In this interview, let’s get to know more about his journey, philosophy, and the passion he brings to sharing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with everyone who steps through our doors.

1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Yes, My name is Carlos Rodrigues, and I am from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am married to my beautiful wife Eduarda. 

2. Congratulations on becoming a Head Professor at Gracie Barra Utah! How did you feel when you received this promotion?

I feel super honored with this promotion and with big responsibility to give my best for this new chapter in my life. 

3. What were some of the biggest lessons you learned training under Professor Villem at Gracie Barra Jacarepaguá in Rio de Janeiro?

I learned many valuable lessons from Professor Villem, but the most important is to use Jiu Jitsu as a tool to change people’s lives. 

4. What was the most challenging moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

It was in the pandemic, I was in Brazil with my professor and it was a scary moment, since the lockdown was in charge of people at home. We started to teach classes online, it was a big challenge, put everyone active, but in the end everything was back to the regular life and this challenge was hard, but im happy to be part of this and nowadays look to the Gracie Barra Jacarepagua and see success means a lot for me.

5. How would you describe your teaching philosophy now that you’re leading a school?  

My teaching philosophy is based on Gracie barra values. Especially, make classes safe for everyone and safety. My main goal is to make Jiu Jitsu classes even more welcome for the entire community, so those things I mentioned are very important. 

6. What are your goals for the future of Gracie Barra Utah?

My goal for Gracie Barra Utah is to give the best service possible to the students, and make Gracie Barra bigger in Utah.

7. How do you create a welcoming and supportive environment for students of all levels and backgrounds?

I started with the idea that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone, then I would like to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, no matter your level or age. 

8. What advice do you have for someone who’s just stepping onto the mats for the first time?

My advice is don’t push yourself a lot on the first Jiu Jitsu day, because it is something that you are doing for the first time, and everything that you do for the first time is hard, have fun and don’t pressure yourself.

9. What impact has Jiu-Jitsu had on your life outside of the academy?

I would say the person I am today is because of Jiu Jitsu. I was too shy when I started and i didnt have self confidence in myself, Jiu Jitsu made me more confident and more social and many other things.

10. Can you share a moment on the mats, either as a competitor or coach, that you’ll never forget?

I have many moments good to share as coach and competitor. As a coach, a special moment for it was when I saw that Jiu Jitsu is really for everyone. I have an opportunity to teach people with special needs that make my day more special. Back in Brazil I had a student with sindrome down, she is brown belt, almost a black belt. Here in America,I have a student with paralyzed cerebral that is on the way to be a black belt too, many others that trained with me. I think that the things i wont forget never.

11. What keeps you inspired and motivated to train and teach every day?

My inspiration is to do for other people what Jiu Jitsu has done for me. Jiu jitsu is a smart art that changes lives, that is my goal every single day, to change people’s lives. 

12. What does it mean to you personally to be part of the Gracie Barra family?

Being part of Gracie Barra for me is a sense that I am fighting on the right path to change the world, with Gracie Barra values. 

13. What do you like to do when you’re not on the mats? Any hobbies or passions outside of Jiu-Jitsu?

My passion is to have a quality time with my family, explore new places and I love to read books in my free time.

 

Blue Belt

2018

• Rio de Janeiro State Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 3rd place
• Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 3rd place

2017

• Summer Open Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 3rd place
• Helio Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 3rd place
• Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 3rd place
• Rio de Janeiro State Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 1st place
• Compnet Global Jiu Jitsu League Jiu-Jitsu Championship Open Class – 1st place
• Compnet Global Jiu Jitsu League Division Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 3rd place
• King of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 1st place

2016

•  Summer Open Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu Championship – 2nd place