Professor Marcos Cerqueira is a distinguished fourth-degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt, trained under the renowned Professor André Terencio. His martial arts journey began in 1994 at the prestigious "Atletica da Tijuca" academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, he encountered Master Carlos Henrique, who would become his mentor and guide for the next 14 years.
 

Under Carlos Henrique's expert tutelage, Marcos honed his skills and progressed through the ranks, earning his blue, purple, and brown belts. His dedication and exceptional talent culminated in 2007 when he received his black belt from André Terencio, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his Jiu-Jitsu career.
Throughout his journey, Professor Marcos enjoyed successful competition years, demonstrating his prowess on the mat and earning numerous accolades. Although he has since hung up his competition gi, his passion for Jiu-Jitsu remains undiminished. Interestingly, he has not discarded the idea of returning to the competition mats, leaving the door open for potential future challenges.
 

In 2008, Professor Cerqueira took a bold step by establishing his own school in South Texas, USA. This move not only showcased his entrepreneurial spirit but also demonstrated his commitment to spreading the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Today, his academy stands as a beacon for aspiring martial artists, where Marcos continues to inspire, educate, and train the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
While his competitive focus has shifted, Professor Marcos' priorities now lie in running his business, helping students reach their goals, and focusing on developing comprehensive programs. Through his teaching, he imparts not just technical skills, but also the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that are central to the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy.