Gracie Barra Hutto Instructors

5th Degree Black Belt

Professor Ricardo F. de Moraes, a 48-year-old from Valinhos, São Paulo, Brazil, has passionately dedicated his life to spreading the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Since moving to the United States in 2009, he has shared his expertise at prestigious schools such as Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore, Gracie Barra Anaheim Hills, and the Gracie Barra US Headquarters in Irvine, California. Currently, he serves as the head instructor at Gracie Barra North Austin and Gracie Barra Hutto BJJ academies in the Austin, Texas area.

Ricardo began his martial arts journey at the age of four with Judo, training for over two decades under the esteemed Judo Master Milton Trajano in Valinhos, SP, Brazil. However, his true passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was ignited at the age of 16, and it has profoundly influenced his approach to life. BJJ has instilled in him essential life skills, including mental resilience, discipline, focus, and a commitment to healthy living and community service. His development has been enriched by other prominent instructors such as Master Carlos Alberto Liberi, a 7th-degree red and black belt; Professor Marcio Feitosa, a 6th-degree black belt; and Professor Flávio Almeida, also a 6th-degree black belt.

In addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Ricardo holds degrees in Physical Education and Business Management. For over 20 years, he has fully embraced the Gracie Barra lifestyle and has been committed to sharing its values with his students. As a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo, Ricardo boasts an impressive competitive resume, including multiple titles in both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, such as state championships in São Paulo, Brazilian national championships, and notable results at the Pan American and World Championships.

As an ambassador for Gracie Barra, the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world with over 1,000 schools, Ricardo is proud to be part of a rich legacy under the guidance of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. His journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to martial arts excellence and to nurturing a community based on respect, perseverance, and continuous learning.

5th Degree Black Belt

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