Carlos is teaching for Triangle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Gold's Gym in Garner on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 with a no-gi class from 2-5 on Sunday. For more information visit www.kickboxingunlimited.com and go to the BJJ page. For private training, seminars, or questions Carlos can be reached via e-mail at calemosjr@zipmail.com.br

I recently caught up with Carlos for a most interesting interview. Read on…



Chad: Thanks for the interview! Your being here these past few months have created a lot of excitement among all of the MMA and BJJ folks! Can you tell us a little bit about your history with BJJ? Who you have trained with and what inspired you to get into BJJ and to compete?

CARLOS: I have always loved martial arts. I have trained in Judo, Muay Thai, and other styles before I started with BJJ. My inspiration to start BJJ was one of my ex-girlfriends who always loved BJJ. When we broke up, she started dating a BJJ fighter. I told myself that I will train in that and I will be better than him. Back in those days, he was the Rio de Janeiro Vice Champion. Well, I did become better than him! I was also inspired by my friends from Gracie Barra and Roberto Gordo who was my first master at Gracie Barra.

Chad: Is their one match that you were in that really stands out as your best?

CARLOS: I don't have a single favorite match. I consider my matches during the 1999 Worlds and 2000 Pan Ams some of my favorites. Also, my fights against Ricardo Viera and Adriano Lucio are very good.

Chad: What brought you to the United States and to North Carolina?

CARLOS: I have great friends here. I decided to offer them what I have from my best Jiu Jitsu because a black belt never tried to invest in North Carolina. My friends (students) and part of my family (The Garner family) live here, so I decided to do that for them and mark North Carolina on the map for BJJ in the Untied States.

Chad: How have you enjoyed life in the United States so far? Is it what you expected?

CARLOS: I have great friends here working hard to improve the level of MMA and BJJ. People like Aitor Canup, Jason Culbreth, Greg Thompson, Joe Hurst, Chris Foster, Tara LaRosa, Brandon Garner, and Billy Dowey; we also have Dee Smith and Richard Solamone in Bristol, Tennessee who are doing a great job there. Also, Gustavo Machado is in Virginia. So I expect great things in the near future. .

Chad: What do you enjoy outside the martial arts world?

CARLOS: I love my dogs. I breed American Pit Bull Terriers. I also like to spend time with my family, the Gracie Barra and my students. They are my best friends.

Chad: Do you have plans to compete here?

CARLOS: Sure Chad, life is not just hard work. We need fun too. I find that in competing and being on the mats.

Chad: From your perspective, how has it been teaching classes here?

CARLOS: At the beginning, we started with five or six students. Right now, the class is growing and growing fast because the BJJ students are starting to realize that they have somebody determined to give his best and build an unbeatable team!

Chad: What is the competitive scene like at home in Brazil?

CARLOS: It's something hard…real hard. The people there look at it as a way of life and not as a hobby.

Chad: What sort of conditioning do you do to prepare for a big match?

CARLOS: Running, lifting, and working hard with my friend Tom Garner. Tom and his kids (Brandon, Eli, Duke, and Ivo) have been an example of very "game" bad to the bone warriors to me!

Chad: Do you have any training tips from back home to share?

CARLOS: No matter what, never quit! Insist to reach your goals. If a movement does not work at first, study it and insist upon it until you do it perfectly. Chad: What do you see for the future of MMA?

CARLOS: I can see a great future where the fighters have a high level of grappling and striking.

Chad: What do you feel makes a good BJJ and MMA instructor?

CARLOS: Love for your profession and dedication to it. But more than anything, love and dedication for your students.

Chad: Again thanks for taking a few minutes with us here. Do you have any last thoughts for everyone?

CARLOS: I would like to say thank you to Master Roberto Gordo and Carlos Gracie for everything that they have taught me. Thank you to all my friends, family, and students in Brazil who are taking care of things for me down there. I am thankful for my family here, the Garner family. They have received me in their hearts and always trust in my potential. Thanks to Billy Dowey for his friendship. Thank you, Chad, for opening one more door for me, my friend. And I also want to thank the Lord Jesus who is keeping me healthy and happy!


***After this interview was conducted, Carlos competed in the Georgia State Grappling Championships on June 1, 2002 promoted by the North American Grappling Association. Carlos won 1st place in his weight division and also took 1st place in the Absolute division where he was the lightest competitor.

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