There are various ways to gauge the success of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school: its commercial prosperity, the size of its student body, the number of victories achieved by its members in competitions, and the affiliation with renowned teams such as Brazilian Top Team.
While all of that it’s also true for the School of Jiu Jitsu, if you’ve been following us for a while now, you probably noticed that – more than championship belts and medals – we’re most proud of the family that we’ve built around our mat.
And this community of brothers and sisters that we got, here at Lake Jackson (TX), is part of an even larger family that’s spread across the world, with thousands of members: the Brazilian Top Team (BTT).
In this article, you’ll discover BTT’s history, meet some of its most notable members and learn more about the many advantages of becoming a member yourself.
Brazilian Top Team’s history
As the name suggests, the BTT is a (originally) Brazilian martial arts academy, focused on teaching and furthering the values and the technique of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) around the world.
It was founded in 2000 by the Jiu Jitsu fighters Murilo Bustamante (now its current leader), Ricardo Libório, Mário Sperry and Luis Roberto Duarte, all former members of Carlos Gracie’s (Hélio’s Gracie nephew) academy.
Since then, BTT has established itself as one of the best and most renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies, encompassing dozens of gyms with thousands of members spread worldwide and building an enviable hall of champions.
While that’s no easy accomplishment, the recipe for BTT’s success is simple to explain. Along the way, the Brazilian Top Team has structured a team of coaches devoted to Jiu Jitsu’s values, with plenty of experience – as competitors and as teachers -, capable of forming high-level athletes and creating a real impact on the lives of their students.
Who is Murilo Bustamante
One of the founders of BTT and its current leader, Murilo Bustamante is native from Rio de Janeiro, a land of amazing beaches and home of Gracie’s first Jiu Jitsu academy. Contrary of what you’d expect, young Murilo’s childhood dream was focused on the sea, rather than on the mat.
Bustamante’s first dream-job was to become a surf teacher, when he started training at 10 years old. The rest is history: the mat’s calling was louder. Murilo began officially competing in Jiu Jitsu when he was 15 and, soon after, earned his black-belt under Carlson Gracie.
He’s four times medalist in Brazilian National Championship, four times medalist in World Jiu Jitsu Championship and former UFC Middleweight Champion. After this long career as a Jiu Jitsu and MMA fighter, Bustamante retired from the rings and focused on teaching at BTT.
Like all great families, the Brazilian Top Team has its own impressive family tree. Bustamante, who trained with Carlson Gracie (Carlos and Hélio’s disciple), was Ricardo Marques’ teacher. Marques, in his turn, was Fernando Halfeld’s (our head-coach) master.
What are Brazilian Top Team locations in the USA
California
North Carolina
Colorado
Florida
Massachusetts
Oregon
Texas
- BTT Austin
- BTT San Antonio
- BTT Humble
- BTT Lake Jackson
- BTT North Dallas
- BTT South Houston
- BTT El Paso
- BTT Shertz
- BTT Irving
- BTT Somerset
And, of course… Lake Jackson!
What are Brazilian Top Team main advantages for members
More than an MMA academy, BTT is a family – no matter if you’re a graduated black-belt or a white-belt beginner, just giving your first steps on the mat. And no family would ever leave you deserted when away from home.
One of the most practical advantages that BTT offers to its members is the possibility of training in any of its schools when traveling – no matter if to California, to Cambridge or to Ceará: it’s all the same.
This exchange also happens with teachers and coaches! By training in BTT gyms, you’ll have the opportunity to train and learn from champions from all over the world, in the frequent workshops offered by the academies.
Beyond all that, by joining BTT you’ll become part of a long history and tradition that connects Hélio Gracie himself to champions of today, and will put your own name in this big family tree that’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.
How to become a Brazilian Top Team member
That’s easy: all you need to do is give the first step into discovering the life changing potential Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Don’t wait any longer: sign up for a free trial class and start your journey through the mat!