Our Team

Marcio Antony was born and raised in the heart of the Amazon, in the state of Amazonas, in Manaus, in the north of Brazil. He moved to Canada in 2016 and has managed Gracie Barra Delta as head instructor since January 2017.

Marcio started his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1982 and won several notable competitions, including the 1998 Pan Amaricano in Hawaii. He also trained countless world champions and Brazilian nationals. He used his knowledge of self-defense to train the Special Forces of the Military Police of Brazil and the Brazilian Army.

Professor Marcio was the creator of the Special Operation Units of the Military Police of Roraima, instructor and commander for several years. He commanded the Academy of Military Police of Roraima and the School of Training of soldiers, works for six years as head of personal security of the Governor of the State of Roraima.

Graduated in Physical Education by the Military Police Academy of Ceara, which proved to be essential for his understanding of the physical needs of athletes. Professor Marcio is fascinated with the formation of character and behavior in athletes, and strives to address the physical and mental health of the athlete.

Coach Marcello Mendes is a purple belt under Professor Rodrigo Carvalho and the Program Director of Gracie Barra Delta.

Joe is honoured to be a Brown Belt under Professor Marcio Antony. Just as the philosophy of safe worker ergonomics teaches workers to ‘make the work fit the worker,’ and NOT make the worker fit the work, Joe has been privileged to witness Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) be moulded for people of various diverse abilities. To Joe, truly, “Jiu Jitsu (is) for everyone,” just as the Gracie Barra slogan says. Joe feels BJJ and other real/applicable martial arts give people the physical, cognitive and emotional skills to persevere through adversity wether it be professional or personal. Joe also brings his life and career experiences into his BJJ coaching philosophy. Joe had worked in various facets of law enforcement, is a registered BC teacher, and currently is a government consultant. It brings Joe great pleasure to be a part of the Gracie Barra family, and to be learning with Coach Marcello Mendes, and Professors Marcio and Marcinho Antony.