Our mission isn’t only to build champions, but to build good people through Jiu-Jitsu.
PROF. JEFFERSON MOURA
Head Professor
Valerio Ubaldini
Interview with Head Prof. Valerio Ubaldini
Meet the professor who doesn’t just teach Jiu-Jitsu, he transforms lives.
Professor Valerio, for those who may be meeting you for the first time, can you please introduce yourself and share a little about your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey?
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You made the bold decision to leave Italy and pursue a career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What inspired that choice, and what did that leap of faith mean to you personally?
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You spent time training in Brazil at the original Gracie Barra headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. What was that experience like, and how did it shape you both as an athlete and as a person?
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You earned your black belt in just seven years under Professor Jefferson Moura. What do you believe helped you progress at such a high level in that period of time?
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Along the way, you trained under respected instructors such as Professor Victor Estima and Professor Jefferson Moura. What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your professors?
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Your competition record is incredibly impressive, with world titles and major championships in Gi and No-Gi. Out of all your achievements, which moment stands out to you the most and why?
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Having lived and trained in Italy, Brazil, and the United States, what cultural differences have you noticed in the way people approach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and how have those experiences influenced you as both a practitioner and an instructor?
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As Head Instructor at Gracie Barra Denver, what kind of environment and experience do you hope to create for students and families who walk through the doors?
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When you are off the mats and not teaching or training, what do you enjoy doing in your personal time?
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Main BJJ Competition Awards
2015
- Draw in MMA Debut – Lago di Garda, Italy
- UIJJ No Gi Italian National Championship – 1st Place – Florence, Italy
- UIJJ BJJ Italian National Championship – 1st Place – Florence, Italy
- AEJJB Islas Canarias Open – 1st Place – Canary Islands, Spain
2014
NAGA Europe – 2nd Place – Birmingham, England
WTKA No Gi World Championship – 1st Place – Viareggio, Italy
ADCC Trials – 1st Place – Viareggio, Italy
Abu Dhabi Trial – 3rd Place – Birmingham, England
2013
- Tercera Taca do Rio – 3rd Place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Campeonato Estadual – 2nd Place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Copa Helio Gracie – 1st Place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Copa Sao Conrado – 1st Place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Vitamin and Mineral Championship – 1st Place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- CBJJO Brazilian National Championship – 1st Place – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- IBJJF No Gi European Championship – 2nd Place – Rome, Italy
- IBJJF Lisbon Open Championship – 1st Place – Lisbon, Portugal
2012
- FIGMMA Italian No Gi Championship – 1st Place – Rome, Italy
- NAGA Europe – 2nd Place – Paris, France
- Italian BJJ Championship – 3rd Place – Rome, Italy
2011
- FIGMMA Italian No Gi Championship – 2nd Place – Rome, Italy
- FIGMMA Italian No Gi Championship – 1st Place – Rome, Italy
2010
- IBJJF European Championship – 1st Place – Lisbon, Portugal
- FIGMMA Italian No Gi National Championship – 2nd Place – Rome, Italy
- Rio Grappling Cup – 1st Place – Livorno, Italy
- FILA Grappling World Championship No Gi – 1st Place – Dakovo, Croatia
- FILA Grappling World Championship Gi – 1st Place – Dakovo, Croatia
2009
- Copa Cataluny – 3rd Place – Barcelona, Spain
- IBJJF European Championship – 2nd Place – Lisbon, Portugal
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professional Cup – 1st Place – Biella, Italy
2008
- Roma Challenge – 1st Place – Rome, Italy
2007
- WTKA World Championship – 1st Place – Viareggio, Italy
2006
- WTKA World Championship – 2nd Place – Viareggio, Italy
- Italian WJJF Championship – 3rd Place – Livorno, Italy
- WTKA World Championship – 1st Place – Viareggio, Italy
A Local School,
A Global Family
At Gracie Barra, you’re not just joining a Jiu-Jitsu gym, you’re becoming part of a global community with over 1,000 schools worldwide.
Our martial arts classes combine high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training with a strong focus on physical fitness, mental resilience, and personal growth. You’ll break a sweat, learn real self-defense, and connect with supportive teammates who encourage you to do your best.
Whether you’re training Jiu-Jitsu to get in shape, manage stress, or pursue athletic goals, you’ll be part of something bigger, a worldwide community. So keep your kimono close, because wherever life takes you, there’s always a Gracie Barra school nearby.
