Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonardo Machado.
Leonardo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. I started training Brazilian Jiujitsu in 2003 at the age of 20. I received my black belt in August of 2011 form Professor Ricardo Marques of Brazilian Top Team Juiz de Fora. Brazilian Jiujitsu has always been a passion of mine. I didn’t even stop training while I was attending university for my degree in civil engineering. I started teaching jiujitsu, part-time, in 2009 as a brown belt. Once I received my black belt I continued to teach part-time.
Late 2014 I was presented with the opportunity to move to the US to teach Jiujitsu full time. It wasn’t until late 2016 that I was finally able to realize my dream of owning my own Academy. It is definitely hard work but worth every bit of it. This year (2019) has been exceptionally rewarding. We opened a second location in Irving. I also promoted several students to black belt and many of my students had great success in competition. I also had personal success in competition with 29 gold medals and reaching a ranking of 8th in word among master 2 black belts.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While still living in Brazil there were times where it was challenging to balance family, my education, career and Jiujitsu. But hands down the hardest was picking up my family and moving over 5,000 miles away and to a foreign country no less. Where I barely spoke the language. I only briefly studied English while in Brazil. Since arriving in the US over five years ago I have spent much time learning to read, write and speak English. English is a tough language to learn…I am still learning!
Please tell us about Brazilian Top Team North Dallas.
In 2016, with the help of my business partner, we opened Brazilian Top Team North Dallas. We specialize in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for children and adults. We also offer Muay Thai. Brazilian Top Team has a presence worldwide and is known to have high-level competitors.
I believe we are unique in the environment we offer, not only is it clean and welcoming but we are able to foster a very family-friendly environment. It is not uncommon for the entire family to train. We are also able to provide a balance between the students with a desire to compete and those that choose the sport purely for hobby!
What were you like growing up?
I was your typical child growing up, went to school and played sports. I have always been balanced, I neither buried my self in my studies nor was I an exceptional athlete. I played soccer for a bit but also dabbled in other martial arts (Capoeira and Karate) before finding jiujitsu.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Brazilian JiuJItsu $135
- Muay Thai $80
- Unlimited Muay Thai and Jiujitsu Combo $155
Contact Info:
- Address: Brazilian Top Team North Dallas
670 N. Coit Rd. Suite #2373
Richardson TX 75080 - Website: www.BTTNorthDallas.com
- Phone: 214-498-7437
- Email: info@bttnorthdallas.com
- Instagram: @bttnorthdallas.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bttnorthdallas/
Image Credit:
Mike Climbas
Jeri Melancon
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