Background checked
Every professor completes a background check each year.
ALL OUR PROFESSORS ARE FROM BRAZIL
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brazilian professors.
Learn from four Brazilian black belt professors, supported by Coach Pepe. Discover the people, experience, and qualifications behind every class.
KNOW WHO’S TEACHING YOU
Brazilian roots.
Professional standards.
Our professors bring their Brazilian backgrounds and years on the mats to your training. Every one of them also holds the qualifications below.
Gracie Barra certified
Instructor Certification Program (ICP), renewed every 2 years.
CPR & AED certified
CPR & AED certified. CPR renewed every 2 years.
HEADS UP trained
Youth-sports concussion awareness training, renewed annually.
SafeSport certified
Athlete safety training, renewed annually.
Head Professor · Program Director
Head Professor · Program Director
Fabio Alves
Black belts in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu.
- Judo black belt
- 2012
- Jiu-Jitsu black belt
- 2023
- Opened GB West Ashley
- 2024
From Brazil to Charleston
Fabio began practicing Judo at age seven in Brazil. His passion for Judo and Jiu-Jitsu later brought him to the United States, where he continued training and competing in both disciplines. In 2012, he earned his Judo black belt under Sensei Leonard Carter at Charleston Judo Club.
Building a school and a community
After sharing his knowledge at martial arts schools across Charleston, Fabio earned his Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2023 under Professor Henrique Carepa at Gracie Barra Charleston. In mid-2024, he opened Gracie Barra West Ashley, where he serves as Head Professor and Program Director.
Beyond the mats
Fabio holds a master’s degree in Computer Science. Alongside a career spent working with screens and code, Jiu-Jitsu is his outlet for stress relief and social connection. He also enjoys Japanese culture, cuisine, and anime.
Professor · Program Advisor
Professor · Program Advisor
Henrique Carepa
A competitor’s experience. An educator’s perspective.
- Years of training
- 20+
- Moved to California
- 2012
- Moved to Charleston
- 2021
An international Jiu-Jitsu journey
Born in Brazil, Henrique moved to California in 2012 to work as one of the directors of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). With more than 20 years of training, he brings the perspective of an active Gracie Barra competitor and a passionate instructor.
Putting down roots in Charleston
Henrique and his family moved to Charleston in 2021 with the mission of opening his own school. His goal was to share Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s vision and bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the local community. He supports Gracie Barra West Ashley as a professor and program advisor.
Balance beyond training
Henrique earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in Brazil and has a background in business. He understands the demands of a busy professional life and sees Jiu-Jitsu as an outlet for stress, as well as a tool for education and personal development.
Professor
Professor
Rafael Carepa
A lifelong student of the art.
- Began Jiu-Jitsu
- 1999
- Earned his black belt
- 2012
- Born and raised
- Brazil
A practice that became a way of life
Rafael began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1999. Born and raised in Brazil, he embraced the discipline, respect, and personal growth that come with consistent training. After more than a decade on the mats, he earned his black belt in 2012.
Always something more to learn
For Rafael, progress means continuing to refine technique and deepen his understanding of the art. His approach is shaped by the belief that the journey never ends: there is always a new skill to develop, a question to explore, or a challenge to work through.
Teaching with purpose
Rafael is passionate about helping students build confidence and discover what Jiu-Jitsu can bring to their lives. His teaching emphasizes discipline, humility, and respect. He sees himself as both a mentor and a lifelong student, helping build a community where students at every level can grow.
Professor
Professor
Rodrigo Godoy
Decades on the mats. A passion for teaching kids.
- Began Jiu-Jitsu
- 1984
- Started teaching
- 2007
- Earned his black belt
- 2010
From São Paulo to San Diego
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Rodrigo started Jiu-Jitsu in 1984 at age seven. He began teaching in 2007 and earned his black belt in 2010. He later moved to California, where he taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego for five years.
Experience at the highest level
Rodrigo is a certified IBJJF referee. He has officiated major competitions, including the Pan-Ams, World Championships, and IBJJF Open tournaments, bringing extensive knowledge of competition rules and experience on the tournament floor.
A special focus on young students
Teaching Jiu-Jitsu, especially to children, is central to Rodrigo’s work. In the UAE, he received consecutive Best Kids Coach titles in 2018 and 2019. He brings that experience and enthusiasm for kids’ classes to the team at Gracie Barra West Ashley.
Coach · Brown Belt
Coach · Brown Belt
Pepe Lacerda
Grew up on the mats. Still chasing the next challenge.
- Current rank
- Brown belt
- Multiple titles
- Competitor
- GB West Ashley
- Coach
A life around Jiu-Jitsu
Pepe grew up on the mats and has made Jiu-Jitsu a central part of his life. An avid competitor with multiple titles, he brings firsthand competition experience to the school.
Continuing the journey
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, Pepe continues to train and compete while serving as a coach at Gracie Barra West Ashley. His role brings the perspective of an active competitor and a student still developing his own game.
COME MEET YOUR TEAM
Your first class.
A familiar face.
Meet the instructors, ask your questions, and find your place on the mats.