Head Instructor
Prof. Anderson "Curuma" Santos
Anderson Santos (a.k.a. Curuma), as he's known among friends and family, holds a third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Jacare Manimal Family Academy in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Curuma has been training in BJJ since he was 18 years old. He is honored to share his knowledge of the art as it was taught to him at Jacare and by Master Luis "Manimal" Carlos, a Carlson Gracie 6th Degree Black Belt. As BJJ constantly evolves, Curuma believes in focusing on the fundamentals that make the art so efficient and effective, while respecting the innovations that are made on a seemingly daily basis.
Among many renowned titles, Curuma is also specialized in sport and strength training. He also holds a B.A. in Sports Science and is certified in CPR.
Visiting Instructor
Master Luis "Manimal" Carlos Mateus Dias
A Rio de Janeiro native, Luis Carlos Mateus Dias started his jiu-jitsu training under the guidance of Carlos Gracie, Jr. with whom he stayed until his blue belt, though he already had a background in martial arts, namely Capoeira. It was then that Manimal would come to meet the man that would become his master and one of his closest friends, Master Carlson Gracie. He achieved all his belts from there on from Carlson including his black belt and was considered a true force when competing, always fighting (and winning) on the open weight divisions even though he was a lightweight. Manimal was so proud when he got his Carlson Gracie black belt that he took it to his graduation ceremony (graduating in Company Administration).
Manimal coached at Carlson Gracie’s as an assistant at first and later opened an academy of his own – with his master’s consent. With time, Manimal became one of Carlson Gracie’s closest friends and accompanied his master on many of his trips abroad.
“Manimal” was the name given to Luis Carlos at the Carlson Gracie gym as a way to describe his wildness when fighting. This wildness he has carried to his coaching style, always extremely vocal and not afraid to display his emotions.
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Luis Carlos Mateus
Main Achievements:
•Campeao Brasileiro (1992)
•International Masters and Seniors Champion (1999)
•3x Copa Company Champion
•2x Copa Lightning Bold Champion
•Rolls Gracie Cup Champion Weight Division: Lightweight 76kg-167lbs (when competed in Adult division)
Team/Association: Carlson Gracie/Manimal Fight Team