Guttenberg Melo Jr.

Master Gutenberg Melo was a highly revered pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly celebrated for introducing and cementing the martial art in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A direct disciple of the legendary Carlson Gracie lineage, Melo dedicated his life to passing down the Gracie family methodology, transforming the city of Recife into one of Brazil’s major Jiu-Jitsu hubs. Beyond being an accomplished martial artist, Melo was also a history teacher, masterfully blending academic discipline with the philosophy of combat sports.🥋 Martial Arts Journey & LineageOriginally from Rio de Janeiro, Gutenberg Melo developed his skills under the old-school, highly competitive umbrella of the Carlson Gracie Academy. His official BJJ lineage is highly prestigious:Mitsuyo Maeda ➔ Carlos Gracie ➔ Carlson Gracie ➔ Gutenberg MeloIn the 1990s, Melo relocated to Recife, Pernambuco. At the time, Jiu-Jitsu was vastly undeveloped in the region. Leveraging his background as an educator, Melo took the sport into local schools, making it accessible to a broader demographic and breaking down socio-economic barriers.🏆 Legacy as a Master MakerMelo served as the President of the Pernambuco Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Over decades of teaching, he personally trained and promoted a multitude of high-profile black belts. Many of his students went on to become global pioneers and MMA coaches themselves:Daniel “Cachorrão” Wanderley: Prominent BJJ black belt and renowned MMA coach who trained world champions like Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren.The “Sukata” Brothers (Mario Sukata): Influential figures who expanded Melo’s and Carlson Gracie’s teachings across South America and Europe.His international reach extended beyond Brazil, establishing an official network of academies under the Gutenberg Melo International banner, with a significant presence in countries like Chile.🎖️ The Coral Belt HonorGutenberg Melo passed away in May 2021. To honor his immense contribution to the sport, the Jiu-Jitsu community gathered for a historic tribute three years after his passing. During the ceremony, he was posthumously awarded the prestigious Coral Belt (7th Degree Black Belt)—a rank reserved only for those who have held an active black belt for over 30 years.The personalized belt, bearing his initials GM, was presented to his widow, Marielle, and his son, Leon, cementing his everlasting legacy in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.