Today we’d like to introduce you to Camila Souza.
Hi Camila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and my background has always been in health, fitness, and education — that’s what I studied in college, and I worked as a personal trainer back home. At that time, my real passion was dance and fitness, not Jiu-Jitsu.
When I moved to Texas in 2015, I continued in the fitness world, but it wasn’t until 2019 that Andre introduced me to Jiu-Jitsu. A little while later, we met Gary, and together the three of us made the decision to open our own school. Both of them were an important part of that journey, and I couldn’t have gotten here without their support.
Today, as an owner and program director, my focus is more on the administration and operations side of the school, making sure everything runs smoothly and that our community keeps growing.
IG @camilla_ferracini
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any business owner, I’ve faced plenty of challenges — especially in the beginning. Opening a school takes a lot of risk, and we had to learn quickly how to balance the passion for Jiu-Jitsu with the reality of running a business.
There were also personal challenges along the way. I had to adapt to a new country, build a support system from the ground up, and learn how to navigate the ups and downs that come with partnerships and growth. At times it felt overwhelming, but each obstacle taught me resilience and gave me the experience I needed to grow not just as a business owner, but as a person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CARLSON GRACIE LEWISVILLE?
Carlson Gracie Lewisville is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy that we like to think of as much more than just a gym — it’s a community. We specialize in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to both kids and adults, and what sets us apart is the environment we’ve built. We’re known for being welcoming, family-oriented, and professional, while still staying true to the tough, authentic style of Jiu-Jitsu that Carlson Gracie is known for worldwide.
I’m most proud of the culture we’ve created inside our school. We make it a point that anyone who walks through our doors — whether they’re training for self-defense, fitness, competition, or just looking for a sense of belonging — feels included and supported.
At the end of the day, our brand isn’t just about teaching techniques on the mat. It’s about building confidence, discipline, and resilience that carry over into every part of our students’ lives. That’s what I’d want readers to know about Carlson Gracie Lewisville: we’re here to build people up, both on and off the mat.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, our main focus is growth — not just in numbers, but in impact. We want to continue expanding our programs and building partnerships within the community, like the one we recently launched with local law enforcement. We’re also planning to bring in more seminars and events with high-level instructors, giving our students even more opportunities to learn and connect.
We’re currently offering Muay Thai classes for adults three times a week, and in the future, we plan to expand that program to include kids as well. Long-term, I’d love to see Carlson Gracie Lewisville become one of the most recognized academies in the area, known not only for great Jiu-Jitsu but also for the strong culture and community we’ve built. We’re always thinking about ways to improve the experience for our members and to keep raising the level of what we offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carlsongraciedfw.com
- Instagram: @carlsongraciedfw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlsongraciedfw
