Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Claudio França Pires

Claudio França Pires pioneered the teaching of BJJ in Santa Cruz, California - coming to us from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1995. He has studied BJJ since the age of seven and holds a 4th degree Black Belt from Master Francisco Mansor, who is a 9th degree red belt certified by the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro. Professor França also holds a black belt in Judo from Gama Filho University in Rio de Janeiro.

Professor França has more than 30 years experience teaching and competing in BJJ. He took a Silver Medal in the 2001 Mundials (World Championships), in Rio de Janeiro, and was a two-time Pan-American Middleweight Champion ('97, '98), four-time Lightweight Brazilian Champion, and three-time Lightweight State Champion.

Claudio has coached several students who have won in the Mundials and Pan Americas.
Since 1995, Master França has hosted one of the most lauded international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the country, held right here in Santa Cruz: the U.S. Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament.
Professor França is happy to share the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with bay area communities.


Mike Weaver earned his Black belt from Master Franca in 2006. His titles include 2005 Copa Pacifica Champion, 2004 IGJJF Champion, and 2004 U.S. Open Silver Medallist. He is also a certified personal trainer with physical conditioning second-to-none.	Joey Thomas, already a local legend in the professional surf scene, earned his Black belt from Master Franca in 2005. He is also a Brown Belt in Korean Kuk Sul Won under Master Jin, a Black Belt in Okinawan Karate under Sensei Kerry Dunfey, and a certified Crossfit Trainer.	Mike Roberts earned his Black belt from Master Franca in 2006. His titles include 2003 Pan-American Silver Medallist and 2004 Pan-American Bronze Medallist. Mike is also a certified instructor of Muay Thai kickboxing under Master V. Phon.

Chris Zephro has been training in martial arts disciplines and boxing for over 27 years and holds a Brown Belt in BJJ. He has trained at numerous BJJ schools across the U.S. and South East Asia and holds an annual BJJ seminar in Singapore.	Caren Camblin holds a Brown belt in BJJ. Her titles include 1999 U.S. Open Champion and 2002 U.S. Open Silver Medallist.	Carlos Melo is a Brown Belt. His recent titles include 2006 Pan Am Bronze Medalist, 2006 Gracie Open Champion and a 4 time US Open Champion. He is also a 7 year verteran of the San Jose Police Department.

Nathan Mendelsohn has been training since he was 10-years-old, and holds a Purple belt in BJJ. Over the years he has garnered over 25 competition medals. His titles include 2008 Rio Open Silver Medal, 2005 and 2006 U.S. Open Junior Middle Weight and Absolute Champion, 2004 California Open Silver Medalist, and 2006 Pan American Bronze Medalist, among others.	Scott Savage is a Brown belt. His accomplishments include 2004 U.S. Open Champion, as well as 2005 and 2006 U.S. Open Silver Medalist. He assists with the kids and adults classes at the San Jose Dojo.	Justin Parish is a Purple belt and has been training with Claudio for 4 years. He has 3 years experience in self defense courses; boxing, kickboxing, submission wrestling, and was on Shamrock’s MMA and Demo Team for one year. He is a two time BJJ Bronze Medalalist at the U.S. Open. He is the administrator of our San Jose School.

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