About
GFTeam
Over 100 affiliated GFTeam academies worldwide
GFTeam, or Grappling Fight Team, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2003 by Julio Cesar Pereira. The team quickly gained popularity and recognition for its successful competition record and strong emphasis on technique, discipline, and camaraderie. Today, GFTeam has over 100 affiliated academies worldwide, making it one of the largest and most respected BJJ teams in the world.
GFTeam Joondalup was founded by Marcelo Guimaraes, in 2017, out of a desire to bring the structure and knowledge around learning BJJ to those living in the northern suburbs. From Two Rocks to Fremantle, students travel to GFTeam Joondalup because of a clear understanding of how to share this information to a diverse range of students.
Why join GFTeam Joondalup?
One of the benefits of joining GFTeam Joondalup as a beginner is the high-quality instruction and emphasis on fundamentals. GFTeam instructors prioritise teaching solid technique, which is essential for building a strong foundation in BJJ. Additionally, the team has a strong focus on discipline and respect, which can help beginners develop good habits and attitudes towards training that will benefit them in the long run.
Another benefit of joining GFTeam Joondalup is the opportunity for competition. GFTeam has a reputation for producing top-level competitors who have won major tournaments such as the World Championships and the Pan American Championships. This can be appealing for those who are interested in competing at a high level and want to be part of a team that has a proven track record of success.
Beyond the technical and competitive aspects, GFTeam is known for its strong sense of community and camaraderie. Members of the team often describe it as a family, and there is a strong emphasis on supporting and encouraging each other both on and off the mats. This can be especially beneficial for beginners who may feel intimidated or nervous when starting their BJJ journey.
Of course, it’s important to note that GFTeam may not be the best fit for everyone. Some individuals may prefer a more casual or laid-back training environment, while others may be drawn to teams that have a different style or approach to BJJ. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether GFTeam is right for you is to visit a local affiliate and see for yourself what the training and community are like.
About Marcelo Guimarães
Born and raised in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro, Marcelo Da Costa Guimarães love for sports was always part of his spirit. He loved all sports but it was traditional Brazilian Capoeira that initially captured his heart at nine years of age keeping him occupied for four years until his parents could no longer afford the tuition.
At 18, Marcelo secured a job and seized the opportunity to join Liga Jiu-Jitsu in Sao José dos Campos, where under the guidance of Erivaldo Junior, Marcelo began what would turn into a lifestyle and career. Starting off in jiu jitsu for fitness, Marcelo was not interested in competing until just three months into his training he took a trip to Ubatuba, with his lovely wife Aline, for a competition on his own, no coach or teammates to support him. It was here he realised how much he loved competing and pushing himself. His passion kept growing turning into a lifestyle. He lived and breathed jiu jitsu.
Marcelo trained with renowned names in the sport, including Cláudio Calasans, Ronaldo Candido, Leandro Brodinho and others that made to the top in the sport. After achieving his blue belt Marcelo and Aline came to Australia with the plan to stay one year and learn English. However, the good people and the weather changed their minds and they decided to stay and make it their home. Marcelo liked to train every day which meant he initially had to move around and train at different gyms to keep up his training schedule. Then he found GFTEAM founded in 1996 by Master Julio Cesar Pereira. He trained there with Fabio Andrade until he received his brown belt and began teaching. His love and passion for the sport was then complete teaching, training and competing in the highest level competitions.
The next step was to open his own GFTEAM gym and was promoted to Black Belt by Master Julio Cesar. Grateful for the support and mentorship he’s received from legends like Rodolfo Vieira and Leo Bobadilla. Marcelo has continued on his competition journey, competing at high level competitions such as the Sydney Open, Pan Pacifics in Melbourne and World Masters in Las Vegas. Training with Thalison Soares, Rodolfo Vieira, Jake Mackenzie, Gutemberg and many more. Marcelo has now been training for over 20 years in Jiu Jitsu and his commitment to the sport extends far beyond personal achievements, as he tirelessly shares his knowledge and expertise with others, both on and off the mats.
GFTEAM - Unit 4, 89 Winton Road - JOONDALUP