“The Marines step up to be instructors; they help with our kids,” he said, “They have the training and discipline from being a Marine. We have to appreciate how they go to war to defend and fight for our views. It’s also important to do this through Jiu-Jitsu and they help us with that as well. The Marines and Jiu-Jitsu have a lot in common. We have the same attitude of respect and discipline.”

After Almeida thanked the Marines for their service to the country and his school, they exploded on the mats with their own hand-to-hand combat demonstration. It was a very exciting, multi-dimensional performance including weapons-based combat, a variety of martial arts and practices, including Jiu-Jitsu techniques, and their own combat style and type of fighting. Kids and adults alike were riveted to the scene they caused as their conflict situations continued to change and escalate on the mats in front of them.

Professor Marcelo Brandão, whose brother, Pedro, an Army Ranger and Gracie Barra black belt, recently passed away while on base in Georgia, assisted Almeida with the organizing and running of the event. Brandão had the children from the kid’s classes write letters to the Marines, thanking them for their service to our country. When the Marines finished their demonstration, Brandao called a few kids up from the line to read their letters to the Marines, who stood stoically in front of them listening to their heart-warming sentiments of thanks and gratitude.

GBSC Coach, Scott Pearson, an ex-Marine and current blue belt, addressed the children when they were done, “I was a Marine,” he said, “Now I’m a student here like you. Whenever something goes wrong in the world, we have these Marines. How they are used depends on the president in power. The U.S. owns the Marines. The Marines make everything better. That’s how we think and that’s how we’re trained.”

Each speech and demonstration was an attempt to teach the children in Southern California a little more about the Marines and how they affect their community and the world at large. Pearson said, “It’s part of the evolution for these kids. We live in San Clemente and the Marines are living and stationed right here with us.”

Almeida closed the ceremony by saying, “One of the reasons we have such a wonderful life is because of these Marines. They fight for our rights so we can live a free life. We all need to appreciate that.”

Today is Pedro Brandao Lacerda’s birthday. Pedro was my teacher in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and an older brother to me. On May 29, 2010 Pedro was victim to a brain aneurism while leading a squadron of Army Troops through training. He was immediately brought to the hospital and put on life support but later passed away at the Columbus Regional Medical Center. At Fort Benning, Pedro had become a legend. His Jiu-Jitsu skills, warrior attributes, and charismatic personality were well known all over the base.

In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, Pedro had accomplished much, he was a champion at many levels of Jiu Jitsu competitions (Brazilian Nationals and Pan Americans, to name a couple!) with wins over some of the sports greats such as BJ Penn, Baret Yoshida, and Danial Moraes. More importantly, he had a love for the art and was able to express that love to his students. Both on and off the mat, you could always find a smile on Pedro’s face. In 2010, Pedro led the first Army Rangers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team to the Pan Americans.

I met Pedro when I was 13 years old and consider myself one of the luckiest men in the world for being able to spend hours a day training and learning from Pedro, both on and off the mat. My daily routine normally consisted of waking up and going to school, getting picked up from school and going straight to the academy. We (Pedro, my family, and any visitors we had at the time) would train for a couple of hours and then I would stick around and help teach class at night. At the time, I had a blast and these were some of the best years of my life, but I may not have realized quite how good I had it!

Some of my fondest memories with Pedro include:

• Rolling (obviously);
• Eating McDonald’s;
• Eating McDonald’s and training;
• Eating McDonald’s before a competition;
• Eating miojo (Ramen Noodles) and Chicken McNuggets;
• Eating Brazilian barbeque (steak, farofa, molho a campanha);
• Snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg;
• Playing chess;
• Playing Jiu Jitsu chess;
• Playing paintball;
• Playing pool at the mountain house;
• Learning to drive;
• And building out martial arts academies (three over the course of the few years he lived in Knoxville!)

In 2005, Pedro decided to join the United States Military. The U.S. had provided his family a way to make a living doing what he loves, and after being around a military family for a few years, he decided that that is where he wanted to go next with his life. Pedro went through Basic Training, Airborne School, Ranger Indoc Training, U.S. Army Ranger Training, Warrior Leader Training and Army Combatives Levels 1-3. He became a member of the elite United States Army Rangers and served 3 tours in the Middle East. Pedro was recognized by the Rangers as the most deadly unarmed soldier in the United States Army.

On February 21, 2009 I received my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Pedro and it is one of the proudest moments of my life!

Pedro continues to live through his wife Marina, daughter Yasmin, son Pepe, brother Marcelo, sister Tatiana, father Pedro and all of the lives he has touched in the Army, on the mats and everywhere in between. We will always miss him.

Pedrinho (in the middle in grey shorts) and his childhood crew

On the 29^th of May this year, exactly one month ago, Pedro “Pedrinho” Brandão died unexpectedly. Everyone who knew him or had come in contact with him knew of his vitality, attitude, ruggedness, courage… Indeed, one would need an infinite list of adjectives to describe the teammate and friend.

His courage extended well beyond the gentle art, a style in which he won numerous major tournaments like the Brazilian National Championship and Jiu-Jitsu Pan-American, having overcome opponents of the caliber of Fredson Paixão, BJ Penn, Baret Yoshida, Daniel Moraes, Rodrigo Damm and Ramon Lemos, among others.

Pedrinho was a member of the American Army’s elite Rangers. He was the first to introduce Jiu-Jitsu to the troops, teaching the style to more than 150 children and approximately 50 soldiers, who represented the Rangers for the first time in competition, at the Jiu-Jitsu Pan-American.

Pedro with a student from the Rangers at the Pan

For all that – and much more – it was hard to understand how a brain aneurism could end his life so unexpectedly. To speak of this true warrior from Gracie Barra and pay tribute to him, there is nothing more fitting than to leave the final word to those who spent the most time with the fighter.

Master Carlos Gracie Jr

Pedro alongside his master Carlos Gracie Jr

Pedro, despite not living a long life, always lived very intensely. I always admired him for his loyalty, character and principles. He was someone who represented Gracie Barra wherever he went.

There’s no such thing as death. One day we shall meet again” Carlos Gracie Jr.

He embraced our philosophy and carried it with him in life. As a member of the American army, he managed to achieve everything he wanted to, became an Army Ranger, a special operations soldier. In everything he was involved with, he achieved results. That was because of his determination when he wanted something.

It is a tremendous loss, but, as there’s no such thing as death, we shall meet again for sure!

Marco Joca “Piu Piu”

He had Gracie Barra in his heart and the philosophy of a warrior in his mind” Piu Piu

All I can say is that only a select few people in this world can be blessed with having a friend like Pedrinho, with his iron cast personality, his unwavering character and his eternal loyalty.

Pedrinho always was a leader, ever since childhood, and taught his friends a lot through his actions. On the occasions when I’d spend time with him, what always impressed me was his will to face challenges and the surety he would overcome them. He truly had a relentless spirit that could overcome any battle life threw his way!

We lost a brother who had Gracie Barra in his heart and a warrior’s philosophy in his mind. It is with great honor and respect that I now recognize that Pedrinho’s achievements shall remain in the hearts and memories of all of us for eternity.

Pedrinho and I, along with Flavio Almeida, met as children and trained together at GB. We participated in tournaments together ever since 1994; we studied together in school, lived in the same neighborhood, would go to parties and the beach together… We were friends of about 16 years.

Alexandre Soca

Pedro with friend Soca

“Pedro was a great friend who I consider to be a brother. As a fighter, a great competitor, he always fought with disposition and grit. He won numerous important competitions and in nearly all of them I was there in his corner. I encouraged him to train more and more and, over many years, we trained together. Every week, besides training together at Gracie Barra, he would train at my old academy in Rio de Janeiro.

“When he told me he wanted to join the US Army, I tried to dissuade him. But when I saw that was truly what he wanted, I encouraged him, because, knowing him as well as I did, I was sure he would make it.

Alexandre Crispim

The Rangers are known as Superheroes” Crispim

I feel honored to be able to write about Pedrinho, but it is hard to describe what Pedrinho represented to me and all of us who knew him and who didn’t know him.

To me Pedro was a best friend, brother and counselor who was always there for me.

I haven’t lived in Brazil since 2003 and I didn’t just see, but participated in his evolution in becoming the great and fearless man he was. Ever since we left our neighborhood in Barra da Tijuca he inspired me to try and improve my life, as he was always his friends’ greatest motivator; he always made us believe the sky is the limit and we should never let ourselves feel down, because life never stops!

He was a model father, husband, brother and many other things; there aren’t enough words to describe his many qualities! He was very enlightened and is with God, watching over his family, his daughter Yasmim and son Pepe.

For those who knew him, he was a best friend who was always there for you! For those who didn’t know him, he became a superhero! That’s how he was known by a lot of Americans after he enlisted in the Army Rangers, and bravely took part in three wars representing the USA.

It was funny when I’d ask him why he enlisted. He’d say he needed a different kind of adrenaline! Should I continue I think I’d end up writing entire books on Pedrinho with all the words of praise that represent what a great man needs to be like him.

Pedrinho, myself and our Barra Brothers feel honored to be able say we were his friends and we will be forever and continue to teach all the values he taught us! Go with God. We will pray for you and your family every day for the rest of our lives!

Alexander Crispim, Barra Brothers Forever!!!!

A happy Brandao back to BJJ training at GB America

If Pedrinho Lacerda Brandao was judged by these tenets, then his life would be deemed a success.

Brandao had the heart of a lion. He was a warrior; a soldier; a fighter; a competitor…he was all those things and more. He was a Gracie Barra black belt; an Army Ranger; a husband; a father; a brother; a teacher; a mentor; and a friend. He was fearless in life, which he lived to the fullest. His young, accomplished life was suddenly and tragically cut short, but the legacy he leaves behind runs long and deep.

Brandao’s journey in life began in Rio, and was molded by Jiu-Jitsu and the friends and family he made through it. “I started training BJJ because of Flavio (Almeida),” Brandao said, “We lived next to each other and surfed together. Flavio, Marcio (Feitosa), Piu Piu (Marco Joca), and I were all friends, along with my brother Marcelo. We trained under Master Carlos. He was my mentor growing up.”

Brandao and his mentor, Master Carlos

Brandao said he did not have the easiest childhood, but Master Carlos was always there for him, and Brandao always listened to him. “He always helped me out,” he said, “He got me focused on Jiu Jitsu and he kept me straight. I will always be thankful to him because he gave me BJJ and it opened all the doors for me. He gave me something that no one can take away from me. It’s in my blood now.”

Later in life, Brandao moved to the States and met Bruce Corrigan, another man who changed his life. Corrigan owned a martial arts school in Tennessee and hired Brandao to work for him. Corrigan not only gave him a way of life, but also helped him get his green card so he could stay in the U.S. “Bruce was like my family in the States,” Brandao says, “When I had nothing, he gave me a hand. He gave me the chance to teach in his school. He always supported me and gave me a life here. He was fair with me. He’s a good guy.”

Brandao with one of his Rangers, Don E. Bowen, at the 2010 Pan

As you can see, Brandao lived an exemplary life of gratitude. He never took anything for granted and he worked hard for what he got. He appreciated what people did for him and also what they meant to him. This was evident when the time came that he decided to do something meaningful with his life. “I decided to change my life,” Brandao said, “I wanted to do something for the country that gave so much to me, so I joined the Army Rangers.”

A person has to be extremely physically and mentally tough to be in the Army Rangers. Brandao said training Jiu-Jitsu in his youth made him mentally strong and taught him the discipline he needed to be successful in the Army.

Brandao ended up being one of three, out of 60 who made it through Basic Training and Airborne School, then he went on to the Ranger Assessment Selection Program and passed that as well.

Brandao eventually became an instructor with the Army Rangers. He said he trained 150 kids at a time, but only an average of 40 to 50 guys made it through his program.

Brandao was in the Army for 5 years but had plans to stay longer. He said he really liked his job serving the country he’d grown to love so much.

Brandao competed in Jiu-Jitsu a lot as a kid and his record was impressive. He won the Pan at blue, purple, and brown belt. He took 3^rd place in the Worlds at brown and purple belt and was a two-time Brazilian Nationals Champion.

GB Black Belt Brandao competing for the Army Rangers at the 2010 Pan

Brandao’s presence at the 2010 Pan was made on different terms than his past attendance at these events. This time Brandao led a team of U.S. Army Rangers to the tournament, for the first time in IBJJF history. It was also the first time the Army had ever sent a Jiu Jitsu team to any Jiu Jitsu tournament, all because of Brandao. “I kept pushing for it,” he said.

Brandao said his team did ok at the Pan with the amount of training they were able to do beforehand. “BJJ is like chess,” he said, “You make one little mistake and you’re done. But this is just the beginning. The only way we can go is up. The only way to get better is to keep fighting.”

Training at GB America with Kayron and Otavio

And fighting is what Brandao did best. “It takes a lot of discipline to be able to do my job,” he said. “It’s hard to stay sharp at all times. But you don’t quit. You keep moving forward no matter where you are, no matter where you go. The Rangers always lead the way.”

Even in death, Brandao continues to lead the way. He lived an honorable life and that is inspiring. He was a respected member of his family, his GB family, his circle of friends, and within his Army team. He will be remembered for the valiant, gracious, and respectful way he lived his all-too-short, but very powerful life.

We’re talking about the United States Army, which is sponsoring nine fighters to show their mettle in Irvine, California, from April 8 to 11.

Commanding this troop is black belt Pedrinho Brandão (Gracie Barra), an elite member of the Rangers who has done two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

To secure your place in the front row and the Pan to check out these and so many other warriors in action, click here!

O sargento Pedro Brandão Lacerda, of the 75th regiment, with Alexandre Soca (left).

For more, see socabjj.com.

Also check out a video showing Soca’s academy in Long Island, below.