“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!!!!

Pedrinho (no centro, de bermuda cinza) aprontou muito com essa turma!

No dia 29 de maio deste ano, há exato um mês, de forma inesperada, faleceu Pedro Brandão, o Pedrinho. Todos os que o conheceram ou tiveram experiência ao lado do faixa-preta sabem da vitalidade, atitude, hombridade, coragem… Enfim, seria necessária uma lista infinita de adjetivos para descrever o companheiro e amigo.

Sua coragem foi muito além da arte suave, modalidade em que venceu torneios importantes como o Campeonato Brasileiro e Pan de Jiu-Jitsu, tendo derrotado adversários duríssimos nos dojôs como Frédson Paixão, BJ Penn, Baret Yoshida, Daniel Moraes, Rodrigo Damm e Ramon Lemos, entre outros.

Pedrinho esteve em ação pelos Rangers, um soldado exemplar na elite do exército americano, conhecido como “Super-Herói”. Foi o primeiro a levar o Jiu-Jitsu para as tropas, ensinava a modalidade para mais de 150 crianças e aproximadamente 50 soldados que, pela primeira vez, representaram os Rengers numa competição, o Pan de Jiu-Jitsu.

Pedrinho com o aluno dos Rangers no Pan de Jiu-Jitsu.

Por tudo isso – e muito mais -, foi duro entender o fato de um aneurisma cerebral ter tirado a sua vida tão inesperadamente. Para falar desse verdadeiro guerreiro da Gracie Barra e homenageá-lo, nada mais justo que dar a palavra a pessoas que puderam, por muito tempo, conviver com o lutador:

Mestre Carlos Gracie Jr.

Pedrinho ao lado do mestre Carlos Gracie Jr.

“O Pedro, apesar de não ter tido uma vida tão longa, sempre viveu tudo de forma muito intensa. Ele é um cara que sempre admirei pela lealdade, caráter e os princípios que tinha. Um cara que, onde estivesse, representava a Gracie Barra.

A morte não existe. Um dia nos encontramos novamente” Carlinhos Gracie

“Ele abraçou a nossa filosofia e levou para a vida. No exército americano, conseguiu chegar aonde queria, se tornou um Ranger, um soldado de operações especiais. Em tudo que ele se envolveu, tinha resultados. Isso é por causa de toda a determinação que ele tinha quando queria algo.

“É uma perda muito grande, mas, como a morte não existe, ainda vamos nos encontrar, com certeza!”

Marco Joca “Piu Piu”

Ele tinha a Gracie Barra no seu peito e a filosofia do guerreiro na mente” Piu Piu

“Eu só posso dizer que apenas algumas poucas pessoas no mundo conseguem ser abençoados em ter um amigo como o Pedrinho, com a sua personalidade de ferro, o seu caráter inabalável e a sua lealdade eterna.

“Pedrinho sempre foi um líder desde a sua infância e ensinou muito aos amigos próximos através de suas ações. Dentre todas as oportunidades que tive em compartilhar momentos com ele, o que sempre me impressionou foi a sua vontade em encarar desafios e a certeza em superá-los. Ele realmente tinha um incansável espírito capaz de vencer qualquer batalha da vida!

“Perdemos um irmão que tinha a Gracie Barra no seu peito e a filosofia do guerreiro na sua mente. É com muita honra e respeito que eu reconheço neste momento que os feitos do Pedrinho ficarão eternamente na memória e no coração de todos nós.

“Eu e o Pedrinho, ao lado do Flavio Almeida, nos conhecemos desde crianças e treinávamos juntos na GB. Participamos de competições juntos desde 1994, estudamos juntos no colégio, morávamos na mesma vizinhança, saíamos para festas e íamos para a praia… Enfim, uma amizade de aproximadamente 16 anos.”

Alexandre Soca

Pedrinho com o amigo Soca

“Pedro foi um grande amigo e quem eu o considero como um irmão. Como lutador, um grande competidor, sempre lutando com muita disposição e raça. Ganhou várias competições importantes e em quase todas eu estava presente no seu corner. Eu incentivava muito ele para treinar mais e mais e, durante muitos anos, treinamos juntos. Toda semana, além de treinarmos juntos na Gracie Barra, ele ia treinar na minha antiga academia no Rio de Janeiro.

“Quando ele me disse que queria entrar para o exército americano, cheguei a tentar direcionar ele pra outro caminho. Mas, quando vi que ele realmente queria isso, o incentivei muito, pois do jeito que o conhecia sabia que ele podia chegar aonde chegou.”

Alexandre Crispim

Nos Rangers era conhecido como Super-Herói” Crispim

“Me sinto muito honrado de escrever sobre o Pedrinho, mas sei que será muito difícil descrever o que o Pedrinho representa para mim e para  todos nós que conheceram ele e os que não conheceram.

“Para mim o Pedro era o melhor amigo, um irmão e conselheiro de todas as horas.

“Estou fora do Brasil desde 2003 e não só vi, mas participei de toda a sua evolução para se tornar um grande e destemido homem. Desde que saímos de nosso bairro, a Barra da Tijuca, ele me inspirou a tentar melhorar a minha vida, pois ele sempre foi o melhor incentivador de seus amigos, sempre nos fez acreditar que o céu é o limite e nunca devemos nos botar para baixo, porque a vida nunca para!

“Um grande exemplo de pai, marido, irmão e muitas outras coisas, pois palavras são poucas para descrever uma pessoa com tantas qualidades! Ele era muito iluminado e estará com Deus, olhando sua família, sua filha Yasmim e o seu filho Pepe.

“Para os que conheciam, era o melhor amigo para qualquer hora e qualquer momento! Para os que não o conheciam, ele se tornou um super-herói! É como era chamado por muitos americanos após se alistar no exército, o Army Rangers, e participar bravamente em três guerras representando os EUA.

“Era engraçado quando eu perguntava para ele porque ele se alistou. Ele falava que precisava de uma adrenalina diferente! Se eu continuar eu acho que posso escrever alguns livros a respeito do Pedrinho com todas as boas palavras que representem o que um grande homem precisa para ser alguém como ele.

“Pedrinho, eu e todos os ‘Barra Brothers’ nos sentimos honrados de poder falar que somos seu amigo e continuaremos a ser para sempre e continuaremos a passar todos os valores que você nos ensinou! Fica com Deus. Vamos orar todos o dias de nossas vidas por você e sua família! 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.

Trata-se do time do exército dos Estados Unidos, que está patrocinando nove lutadores para fazer bonito em Irvine, na Califórnia, nos dias 8 a 11 de abril.

O líder dessa tropa é o faixa-preta Pedrinho Brandão (Gracie Barra), um soldado de elite dos Rangers que já esteve duas vezes no Iraque e uma no Afeganistão.

Para estar presente nas primeiras fileiras do Pan e ver esse e tantos guerreiros em ação, clique aqui!

O sargento Pedro Brandão Lacerda, do 75º regimento, com Alexandre Soca (à esquerda).