Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Antelante.
Marcus , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil when I was young, completely captivated by the art and the discipline it taught me. Over the years, Jiu-Jitsu became much more than just a sport it became a lifestyle and a way to help people become more confident, resilient, and disciplined.
After years of dedication, competition, and teaching, I decided to bring that same passion and structure to the United States. That’s how MABJJ was born a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a positive, family-oriented environment.
Today, I’m proud to see our students growing not only on the mats but also in their personal lives. My mission is simple: to share the art of Jiu-Jitsu, build strong communities, and inspire others to become the best version of themselves through consistent training and discipline.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Like many immigrants, our journey came with a lot of challenges. When my wife and I first arrived in the U.S., we faced issues with documentation, financial struggles, and the uncertainty that comes with starting over in a new country.
There were moments of anxiety and frustration especially dealing with lawyers who took our money but never solved the problems we were counting on them for. But through it all, my wife and I supported each other and stayed focused on our dream.
Those difficult times taught us patience, resilience, and faith. Every obstacle became part of our growth, both as individuals and as a family. And today, that same strength and teamwork are what guide the foundation of MABJJ built on empathy, community, and the belief that no matter how hard it gets, we can always move forward together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the head instructor and founder of MABJJ, where we teach authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to kids and adults of all levels. My main focus is to create a safe, structured, and motivating environment where students can grow not only as athletes but also as people.
I specialize in helping beginners build a strong foundation teaching discipline, confidence, and technique from day one while also guiding advanced students to reach their highest potential through technical precision and consistency.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. At MABJJ, every student feels like part of a family. We celebrate each other’s progress and push each other to become better on and off the mats.
What sets us apart is our balance between authentic Brazilian roots and a modern, professional approach to teaching. I bring not only the traditional values of Jiu-Jitsu respect, discipline, and humility but also structure, organization, and genuine care for each student’s journey.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to change lives through Jiu-Jitsu, one student at a time.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is simple: be patient and stay consistent. Nothing great happens overnight especially in Jiu-Jitsu and in life. Progress comes little by little, through discipline, humility, and showing up even when it’s hard.
When I first started, I wanted everything to happen fast to learn fast, grow fast, succeed fast. But over time I learned that real growth takes time and perseverance. Every tough day, every challenge, every moment you want to quit is actually shaping you into something stronger.
Also, don’t try to do it alone. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better and believe in your potential. That’s something my wife and I learned the hard way that community and support make all the difference.
So my advice is: keep showing up, trust the process, and never lose faith in yourself. The journey might be tough, but it’s worth every step.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mabjjacademy.com and www.mabjjflowermound.com
- Instagram: mabjjacademy and mabjj_flowermound
- Facebook: MA BJJ ACADEMY and MA BJJ Flower Mound
