This is the story of how I met Master Ricardo and the friendship that has lasted over twenty years.

For those who do not know about Master Ricardo, I will take information from BJJ Heroes and share his biography with you.

Ricardo Cavalcanti was born on the 26th of June 1964 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He found Jiu- Jitsu early in life, having had his first class at the age of 7 influenced by his good friend Otavio, after seeing him dismantle his opponent with BJJ in a street fight.

Master Cavalcanti’s first coach was none other than Gran Master Alvaro Barreto, a historical figure of the sport. He stayed with Barreto until 1978, time in which he moved to the academy of another iconic figure, Carlson Gracie. Cavalcanti stayed true to his master until the time of his passing away (2006), in those years Ricardo climbed up the ladder of success, earning his black belt from the Gracie master in 1995. In his usual spirits, the charismatic Master Carlson liked to surprise his students with the unexpected, and surprised Ricardo Cavalcanti was indeed when he received his black belt outside a steak house in Barra (Rio de Janeiro) after a fine meal.

In June 2001 former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Frank Mir travelled to Rio de Janeiro with his coach to sharpen his Jiu- Jitsu. Ricardo met Frank Mir as Ricardo had coached Frank Mir’s instructor in previous years. When the professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter returned to the USA he invited Ricardo to come along and help with the training. Ricardo Cavalcanti accepted, which came to be the first step into Ricardo Cavalcanti Association in America.

The two time World Champion in both Gi and No Gi, is one of 109 people to ever receive a black belt from Grand Master Carlson Gracie Sr.

After many years in the US, the 6th degree black belt, Mr Ricardo Cavalcanti, has awarded several black belts.

In 2002, I was a police officer in Henderson, NV. I had studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while I was a police officer in New York under Walt Bayless for a short time in 1996 to 1997. Since that time, I was not able to find an academy in Las Vegas. It is not the mecca for MMA like it is today.

I was in the parking lot walking around of Ford Country (car place) and I was the back of a shirt with a Carlson Gracie logo on it.

I went up to the person, introduced myself and asked do you train Jiu-Jitsu. His answer was in broken English, and he responded, “Of course! I am Master Ricardo Cavalcanti.”

Master Ricardo informed me he just got to Henderson, Nevada about 5 or 6 months ago, and I offered hi a job teaching at my academy a few days a week until he can find something better.

From that point we hit it off, and he taught 3 days a week at our academy, and we then moved to a larger location where he continued to teach until he was able to open a few of his own academies. I was able to get him a job as an instructor to the police department SWAT team, where I worked to share his teaching in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

It had been over 20 years now we have been friends. He is my brother, and I truly mean that. I was not always able to train with him due to my job. I was in his wedding party, and we shared a lot of great times together and continue our friendship to this day.

It was an honor to be promoted by him in person to black belt in September 2022. I was able to bring him here to the Philippines, so my students were able to meet Master Ricardo. A truly humble Master, not like many of these BJJ Masters and practitioners on FB who are so arrogant and pompous donkeys. Ricardo Cavalcanti Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was actually established in the Philippines in 2002 under another instructor in Paranaque Manila. That instructor is no longer with the organization and I was able to come here and restart an academy in 2018.

Lineage is important to me, and we strive to make people better off the mats, just not on. I don’t care if you are a great Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, if you are a donkey!

See you on the mats!!!

Coach Adam Brooks

Facebook Comments Box