Luciano
Black Belt
Luciano began BJJ training at the age of six in Brazil.
Under the tutelage of world famous Jiu-Jitsu master Renzo Gracie and Roger Gracie, he received his blackbelt in July 2011.
Luciano has competed in the world's most prestigious BJJ events, winning the...
World Championship
European Championship
Pan-American Championship
My philosophy is simple. That is; the practice of Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond the execution of strikes, throws, chokes, immobilisations, and submissions. A true understanding and appreciation of the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy prepares you for life and everything it throws your way.
Beto
Black Belt
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, the cradle of world jiu-jitsu, I had my first contact with the sport as a child through my uncle, who was friends with members of the Gracie family. Away from the mats as a teenager, at the age of 18 I returned to training with the Soul Fighters team, where I graduated as a black belt under master Bruno 'Tank' Mendes.
I currently have a degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and I'm an artist with over 20 years' experience in the painting and illustration market. Art and jiu-jitsu are two passions that have always gone hand in hand in my life.
John
Black Belt
A Londoner born and bred, I started martial arts at the age of 17. I practised various styles such as Aikido, Japanese Jiujitsu, Kung Fu, Full Contact Stick Fighting and also achieved my black belt in Kempo Karate. Seeking to better challenge myself, I first got to try Jiu-jitsu whilst living in Dublin in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I have been fortunate to train in Paraestra (Tokyo) & London Fight Factory (London). Jiu-jitsu has always played a big part in my life, helping create good mental health and strengthening physical awareness. To me, it's a form of meditation.
Working as a Personal Trainer in the City, Jiu-jitsu has given me the tools to help push myself and create discipline in my life. The discipline, mobility, strength and mental robustness I have acquired from Jiu-jitsu are the traits I strive to instil in those I teach and the clients I train.
Zion
Brown Belt
Born and raised in London, I got into fitness training at the age of 15 when I started swimming, weight training and boxing. I eventually started working in the fitness industry and became a Level 3 qualified fitness instructor. Around 18 years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to an MMA gym, London Shootfighters, where I fell in love with the sport of grappling.
Grappling became a powerful and calming influence in my life, providing me with confidence and control, which I have applied in all aspects of my life. I have since shifted career, but grappling is still a big part of my life and something I'm passionate about. I currently teach NO-GI fundamental classes at Luciano Cristovam Academy, where I enjoy a great sense of community and imparting my knowledge.
Miles
Brown Belt
I started martial arts at the age of 16, beginning with kickboxing. Martial arts were the first thing that 'clicked' in my life. I found that the more I trained, the more focus and discipline I had in my life outside of training. I started Jiujitsu at 17 and got my blue belt at 18, then went on a five-year hiatus, training and competing in mixed martial arts.
I have recently rediscovered my love for Jiujitsu and training in the gi, especially integrating the techniques and philosophies one has learnt from mixed martial arts into Jiujitsu. Teaching people Jiujitsu is rewarding for me as it means I can share all of the great things I have gained from it.
Joao
Purple Belt
Hello, I'm Joao Ulysses, and I hail from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I'm a passionate 25-year-old with a profound love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Fluent in both Portuguese and English, I've spent a significant part of my life honing my skills and pushing the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. My journey in physical discipline started at a young age when I delved into the world of Olympic gymnastics. I quickly became engrossed in the sport, dedicating myself to rigorous training and competition. The fruits of my labor were evident as I proudly clinched Gold in numerous prestigious competitions, representing the International Gymnastics Federation.
My gymnastics background equipped me with an incredible level of body control and awareness. This invaluable skill set seamlessly transitioned into the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With the grace and precision of a gymnast, I've learned to apply my unique talents to the art of grappling, and I'm eager to share this expertise with others. My journey in these two worlds has allowed me to harness an unparalleled understanding of the human body and its capabilities. As your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, I am dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential and elevate your skills to new heights. Join me on this exhilarating journey, where the art of Jiu-Jitsu meets the finesse of gymnastics, creating a truly dynamic and effective approach to mastering this ancient martial art.
Phil
Purple Belt
Hailing from Cumbria in the north of England, my sporting background was in rugby, which I played in the UK and Belgium while working as a consultant in public finance. After hanging up my boots due to injury, I began training in BJJ as a way to regain my fitness and soon fell in love with the art.
With previous experience in rugby coaching and professional training, I gravitated early to assisting with children and adult classes to improve my technical understanding of BJJ. In 2023, I left my consulting career to pursue training, competing and coaching full-time with the aim of enabling others to experience the physical and mental benefits I have gained from BJJ. Whether your interest is in improving your own or your child’s confidence and fitness, learning grappling-based self-defence techniques, or competing in sport BJJ, I look forward to helping you achieve your goals
Nelly
Blue Belt
I was born in London and began my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 11 at Roger Gracie’s academy in Shepherd's Bush. I trained consistently for three years and achieved my junior grey belt. After a long break, I returned to the mats in 2024, joining LCBJJ. I began coaching and teaching physical education at the age of 16, which rekindled my passion for martial arts. I was fortunate to meet Luciano, who became a key mentor in my coaching development.
Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from such a young age instilled a strong sense of discipline in me, which continues to guide me today. I'm inspired by the legacy of Jiu-Jitsu and am deeply committed to growing as a coach while learning more about the art with every step I take.
Umit
Blue Belt
Born in Ankara, Türkiye and based in the UK since 1999, I have a lifelong passion for sport and personal development. My journey began with basketball before moving into martial arts, including Karate, Thai Boxing, and boxing. I discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in my mid-50s through my son, and it quickly became a key part of my life, helping me stay fit while strengthening mental resilience and confidence.
Alongside my martial arts background, I hold a degree in Photography and was named UK Student Photographer of the Year in 2000 and 2001. I later worked with actors and public figures before moving into acting in 2009. As a coach, I focus on creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where students can build confidence, discipline, and respect while enjoying their training.
Kofi
Striking
Kofi is a seasoned martial artist who has been in the field since 1986. Starting off as an amateur boxer, Kofi then went on to train in Karate and Judo before finding Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.
Kofi would go on to compete in Pro Muay Thai, being on the title scene in WKA, ISKA, and UKMF. Kofi has also competed in MMA and is now bringing his skills to share with the students of Luciano Cristovam’s Academy.
