Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Rodrigues.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Born and raised in Brasília, Brazil, Carlos discovered jiu-jitsu in 2004 as a means to overcome shyness and manage anxiety. Little did he know that this decision would lead him on an extraordinary journey in the world of martial arts. Driven by a desire to boost his confidence and find a constructive outlet for his energy, Carlos delved into the world of jiu-jitsu with passion and determination. Under the guidance of dedicated instructors, he competing in various tournaments across all belt colors. In 2015 after graduating in Civil Engineering he decided to dedicate himself to jiu jitsu and in 2019, Carlos embarked on a new chapter in his journey by relocating to the United States. Eager to share his passion for jiu-jitsu and impart his knowledge to others, he founded his own academy, Native Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the head coach of Native Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos is committed to nurturing the next generation of jiu-jitsu practitioners and instilling in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and respect.With his unwavering dedication to the art of jiu-jitsu and his commitment to empowering others, Carlos Henrique Barbosa Rodrigues continues to make a profound impact on the jiu-jitsu community, both in Brazil and beyond.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say it’s been a journey full of challenges, but also an incredibly rewarding one. I decided to open Native right after the pandemic, when everything was still very uncertain. Despite that, we’ve experienced consistent growth since day one and, more importantly, we’ve built an incredible community that I’m truly proud of.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Native Jiu JItsu Academy ?
Native Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than a martial arts academy—it’s a community built on the belief that Jiu Jitsu can positively impact every aspect of a person’s life.
We offer programs for children, teens, adults, women, and families, with a strong emphasis on high-quality instruction in a safe, welcoming, and family-oriented environment. While we are proud of our students’ success in competition at the local, national, and international levels, our primary mission is to help people become more confident, disciplined, resilient, and healthier through Jiu Jitsu.
What truly sets Native apart is our culture. We believe that technical excellence and a positive environment should go hand in hand. Every student who walks through our doors is treated like family, regardless of their age, experience, or goals. Whether someone wants to compete at the highest level, learn self-defense, get in shape, or simply find a supportive community, they have a place at Native.
Our motto, **”Spread Love and Jiu Jitsu,”** reflects everything we do. We believe that success isn’t measured only by medals, but by the relationships we build and the positive impact we have on people’s lives.
The thing I’m most proud of is the community we’ve created. Since opening our doors after the pandemic, we’ve experienced steady growth, but more importantly, we’ve built a culture where people genuinely support one another. Families trust us with their children, adults find confidence they never knew they had, and students of all ages develop skills that extend far beyond the mats. That’s the legacy we strive to build every single day.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to focus on serving people rather than chasing growth. If you consistently provide value, take care of your students, and genuinely care about their success, your business will grow naturally.
I also wish I had understood from the beginning that success takes much longer than most people expect. There will be setbacks, moments of uncertainty, and times when it feels like nothing is working. The key is to stay consistent, keep improving every day, and trust the process.
One lesson that has stayed with me is that your culture is your greatest asset. Skills can be taught, systems can be improved, and facilities can be upgraded, but a strong culture takes years to build. Protect it at all costs.
Finally, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Focus on becoming a little better every day. Small improvements, repeated consistently over time, lead to extraordinary results.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nativejiujitsuacademy.com/
- Instagram: @nativebrazilianjiujitsu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569883534282
