Marcelo Alonso has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for almost 30 years, and holds a fourth degree black belt under the late Carlson Gracie.  From 1989 - 1997 Marcelo and Carlson Junior shared the role of head instructors at the Rio academy known as the “Champion Factory”.  Marcelo taught and trained with many of the top names in jiu-jitsu including the original members of Brazilian Top Team and American Top Team.  In 1997 Marcelo moved from Brazil to the Pacific Northwest.  Since then Marcelo has taught in many different settings for a variety of students including:

 -U.S. Rangers: Fort Lewis WA 4 ˝ years

-U.S. Special Forces: 3 years

- Seattle Police Department

- Port of Seattle Security

- Currently training fighters for MMA