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Gustavo was born August 8, 1974 in Rio De Janeiro, Brasil. At the age of fifteen, friends such as Tinguinha, Gordinho, Soneca, Soca, the late Ryan Gracie and others encouraged Gustavo to start training in Jiu-Jitsu. He began to practice at the Oficina do Corpo Academy under Professor Jean Jaques Machado. Gustavo was soon promoted to the rank of Blue Belt at the age of sixteen. When Professor Jean Jaques Machado left Brazil, Gustavo began to train at the legendary Gracie Barra Academy under Professor Carlos Gracie Jr. Gustavo quickly became a strong competitor, winning and placing in numerous tournaments throughout his study.  

At the age of nineteen, Gustavo was awarded his Purple Belt and began teaching under the authority of Professor Carlos Gracie Jr. In 1996 Gustavo received his Brown Belt. In 1998, Gustavo began his journey to relocate to the United States to teach in Virginia. In the year 2000, Gustavo was awarded his Black Belt from Roberto Correa (Gordo), a Gracie Barra Head Instructor.  

Gustavo is the Head Instructor and proprietor of Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Gustavo is currently a 5th Degree Black Belt under the legendary Roberto “Gordo” Correa. He has dedicated his life to teaching and spreading the understanding of the technique that he has mastered from his teachers in Brazil. There are many outstanding students at his academy in Virginia Beach, with a few embarking upon careers of their own as BJJ instructors. 

There are 16 Gustavo Machado affiliate academies along the East Coast create a Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team Association. The Gustavo Machado Team has become both nationally and internationally renowned with many champions on the mat. In addition to his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accomplishments, Gustavo has also had the opportunity to work closely with Law Enforcement and Special Operations units from the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and U.S. Army for the last 13 years.