DIEGO BISPO

Professor Diego's jiu-jitsu journey is deeply rooted in the rich history of the art, tracing his lineage back to Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Carlson Gracie Júnior, and Alan Moraes.

Born in Salvador, Bahia, Professor Diego relocated to Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, at the age of 6. Initially more involved in traditional sports like basketball, his interest in martial arts was piqued when he attended Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments with friends. At the age of 19, he officially began his BJJ training at the Associação Caxiense de Jiu-Jitsu (ACAJJ), under Professor Claudio Marculino.

His early training was interrupted when Diego moved to Rio de Janeiro to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science at the Pontifical Catholic University. While in Rio, he joined the Strauch Academy in Gavea, where he trained under Victor Leite (Maninho) until earning his brown belt.

Seeking to refine his skills further, he transitioned to the renowned Carlson Gracie Academy headquarters, where he trained under Professor Alan Moraes. Under Professor Moraes’ guidance, he excelled, capturing titles at the Brazilian Nationals and the prestigious IBJJF International Masters & Seniors tournament in 2014. That same year, on the podium of this event, he was awarded his black belt by Professor Moraes.

In late 2014, Professor Diego moved to Virginia Beach, USA, where he initially planned to train at a local academy. However, after the academy unexpectedly closed, he seized the opportunity to open his own gym in 2015, which quickly became one of the top academies in the region.

In 2016, when Professor Alan Moraes joined the newly formed Ares Association, Professor Diego followed suit, becoming a key figure in Ares Jiu-Jitsu.

Among his many competitive accolades, Professor Diego is a multi-time Gi and No-Gi IBJJF Master Worlds Champion, 2020 European Champion and multi-time IBJJF PANs Medalist.

Mission as an Instructor:

“My mission is to cultivate a well-rounded approach to jiu-jitsu, where students not only learn the mechanics of the sport but also understand its deeper concepts. For beginners, I focus on building a strong foundation, while for experienced students, I emphasize technical precision and competitive fortitude. I believe that jiu-jitsu is not just about fighting—it’s a lifelong pursuit of personal excellence and a way to challenge oneself both mentally and physically."