About
Gustavo Dantas is a fourth degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the world renowned team, Nova Uniao. With over 15 years of coaching experience and being a World Class competitor with International experience, Gustavo has competed in tournaments in Brazil, United States, Japan and United Arab Emirates, including his most recent accomplishment, the 2012 U.S. National Jiu-Jitsu Champion at the Black Belt/Feather weight/Senior 1 division, and the 2012 World Champion at the Black Belt/Feather weight/Senior 1 division. A motivational speaker, certified Mental & Fitness Coach with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro), Gustavo left Brazil in 1999 with three thousand dollars, 2 bags, and one teenage dream: to have his own 100% Jiu-Jitsu Academy and make his living through the passion of his life, Jiu-Jitsu. The Gustavo Dantas Jiu-Jitsu Academy was established on March 6th, 2012, re-enforcing the statement, “Believe in your dreams. Hard work pays off”.
2012 World Championship (Master & Seniors)
Gustavo was the Jiu-Jitsu coach of the Mixed Martial Arts Gym, Arizona Combat Sports for eleven years, where he achieved his 2-0 MMA Record. During that time, Gustavo started the mission of promoting Jiu-Jitsu in the State of Arizona, becoming the vice-president of the Arizona State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and turning a small, 40 competitor, “in-house” tournament in 2001 to an impressive 705 competitors in 2011, helping Arizona to be recognized as one of the Jiu-Jitsu power houses in the United States, where he produced over 20 World Championship medalists.
Well respected in the Jiu-Jitsu community as well as a great competitor, coach, and human being, Gustavo continues to build champions on the mat and in life in Arizona and he hopes to spread out his coaching philosophy to more Jiu-Jitsu practitioners for years to come.
“Gustavo Dantas and Jiu-Jitsu’s Improvement in Arizona” GracieMag Article
“Gustavo Dantas takes reins for Arizona Jiu-Jitsu” GracieMag Article
Find out more things about GD in current news on the press page
JIU-JITSU
Here are some of Gustavo’s Accomplishments:
- 2012 World Champion (Black/Senior 1/Feather) CA, USA
- 2012 U.S. National Champion (Black/Senior 1/Feather) CA, USA
- 2010 Vegas International Open Champion (Black/Master/Feather) NV, USA
- 2010 International Master & Senior Champion (Black/Senior 1/Feather) RJ, Brazil
- 2009 Rickson Gracie International Champion (Black/Adult/Light) Tokyo, Japan
- 2008 Brazilian National Champion (Black/Light/Master) RJ, Brazil
- 2008 South Bay BJJ Open Champion (Black/Light/Master) CA,USA
- 2002 World Cup – 3rd place (Black/Ultra Heavy/Adult) RJ, Brazil
- 98 & 99 Joe Moreira International Champion (Brown & Black) CA, USA
- 98 Rio de Janeiro State champion (Brown/Feather/Adult) RJ, Brazil
- 97 & 98 World champion (Purple & Brown/Feather/Adult) RJ, Brazil
- 97 Campeonato Brasileiro por Equipes Champion (Purple/Light/Adult) RJ, Brazil
- 96 World Championships – 3rd place (Purple/Light/Adult) RJ, Brazil
JUDO
- 99 Nevada State Champion
- 95 & 97 Rio de Janeiro State champion
SUBMISSION WRESTLING
- 2001, 2003 Abu Dhabi Combat Championships veteran
MMA Record (2-0)
05/03/2003 Win Brittish Pena RITC 48 Submission Triangle/Arm Bar 1st Rd. 2:14
02/16/2002 Win Jesus Salazar Desert Heat 1 Rear naked Choke 1st Rd. 0:43
Gustavo and his son, Jonathan Dantas
Gustavo in Action
