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From Rio de Janeiro to Montreal’s West Island, Professor Marcelo Bonança talks about starting in martial arts, leaving a finance career, reconnecting with jiu-jitsu in Canada, and what it means to teach in a way students can actually absorb.
We also get into Gracie Barra’s structure, the realities of opening a school in Quebec, why principles matter more than information overload, and what a good first jiu-jitsu experience should feel like.
About Marcelo Bonança
Professor Marcelo Bonança is the owner and head instructor at Gracie Barra Sainte-Anne in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec.
Marcelo grew up surrounded by martial arts, first in judo, then jiu-jitsu. He pursued a fast-paced career in finance: long hours, endless meetings, constant travel, which meant he took time away from Jiu-Jitsu.
Years later, while living in Toronto, he stepped back on the mats, training alongside world-class names like Bruno Fernandes and Jorge Britto. From that moment, he never looked back. Returning to Brazil, Marcelo began training under Master Leão Teixeira, one of the legendary cofounders of Gracie Barra. He immersed himself in teaching children, community programs, and competitions, discovering that his true purpose wasn’t in boardrooms, but on the mats.
In 2016, Marcelo received his black belt, later earning his degrees directly from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. He has since lived by one clear principle: lead by example. Competing, teaching, and training with unwavering consistency, he proves daily to his students that progress is built through discipline and dedication, no matter when you start.
Website: https://gbsainteanne.ca/en/
Location: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, West Island, Montreal
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About Grappling Monthly
Grappling Monthly is an independent editorial media brand covering the culture, people, and business of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the grappling arts. Based in Los Angeles, the brand produces in-depth conversations with the coaches, gym owners, competitors, and practitioners shaping the sport. The Grappling Monthly Podcast is the flagship property — a weekly long-form interview series hosted by Sébastien Maniatopoulos, a BJJ black belt with roots in the Southern California grappling community. Past guests include Robert Drysdale, Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller, Alberto Crane, Chris Haueter, Bruno Fernandes, Tinguinha Mariano, and Keith Krikorian.
