Prof. Marcelo Ribeiro

Professor Marcelo Ribeiro is the founder and head instructor of RMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Nolensville, Tennessee.\u00a0

With more than four decades of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring, and building strong communities through martial arts.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Marcelo began training in Judo at age five before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He earned all of his belts in Brazil, training at Del La Riva Jiu-Jitsu, under Master Paulo Maurício Strauch, and at Gracie Humaitá with legendary members of the Gracie family, including Royler, Rolker, and the late Hélio Gracie.

By 2001, Marcelo was an academy owner in Brazil, teaching Jiu-Jitsu in his academy, schools, and community programs. He also served as an IBJJF referee, contributing to the growth and professionalism of the sport.

In 2006, Marcelo moved to the United States, opening Gracie Barra West Palm Beach and serving as an IBJJF Referee Director. He later helped expand Gracie Barra in Austin, Texas, where he played a key role in developing multiple academies and instructors.

Throughout his career, Marcelo has also trained law enforcement officers, firefighters, FBI personnel, first responders, and other professionals, helping them develop practical skills for control, safety, and real-world situations.

In 2011, Marcelo and his family made Tennessee home and founded RMA Jiu-Jitsu Academy. What began as a vision for world-class instruction has grown into a thriving community serving children, adults, families, hobbyists, and competitors throughout Middle Tennessee. Today, RMA includes a second location, RMA Jiu-Jitsu West Haven in Franklin, led by his son, Professor John Ribeiro.

While RMA has developed successful competitors, Marcelo considers his greatest achievement to be the positive impact Jiu-Jitsu has on his students’ lives. Professor Marcelo continues to teach alongside his family and coaching team, carrying forward the same passion for Jiu-Jitsu and community that began with him as a young boy in Brazil.