PROMOTED to the RANK of FIFTH DEGREE BLACK BELT by the IBJJF

“Genius, The capacity to see and express what is simple, simply”.  – Bruce Lee

Experience and knowledge. Marcelo has been training and coaching Sport Jiu-Jitsu for well over 30 years and is the most experienced instructor in the region.  He possesses a truly extraordinary knowledge of his martial art and sport. The term “master” is an often overused word in the commercial world of martial arts---however, the word in this instance accurately expresses Marcelo’s vast technical skills, his exhaustive knowledge of the myriad details of his Art which reflect the broad and varied experience that he has gained over decades training and coaching. He has been at times referred to by others as “the encyclopedia” due to his expertise. He has trained thousands of individuals: men and women, competitors, kids, law-enforcement, military personnel, and MMA fighters.

Teaching skill. Marcelo is gifted with a finely developed skill for breaking down techniques and explaining them in a way that everyone can understand. Without holding any information back, he carefully gives his students the right information at the right time to best aid their progress. Beyond teaching the essential techniques and skills to his students, he helps build their confidence and helps each individual develop their own BJJ game.

Passion. Marcelo brings a level of joy and intensity to training and competition that is simply unmatched.  He personally teaches most of the classes at his academies. With his keen sense of humor, he is able to brighten up the room and bring a smile to everyone's face while keeping the training intensity level high and focused. He attends all of the competitions; coaching his students and helping them perform to the best of their ability.

Genuine care & concern for his students. All of the MABJJ students are part of a family and it shows. Marcelo has created a culture of mutual respect at his schools. Acting as a friend, confidant, and mentor, Marcelo has time and time again gone out of his way to help students with personal difficulties and challenges.

All of these things and many more make Marcelo Alonso
an inspiring individual and a phenomenal instructor.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Professor Marcelo Alonso began training in Brazilian style sport Jiu-Jitsu when he was eleven years old. He holds a First Degree (Shodan) rank Black Belt in Judo, and after many years of training, instructing, competing, and winning many competitions, Marcelo was promoted to the rank of Fourth Degree Black Belt by the Legendary Grand Master Carlson Gracie. 

Marcelo was recently promoted to the rank of Fifth Degree Black Belt by the IBJJF for his nineteen years of Black Belt service and experience. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is a major governing body for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu directly connected to the Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu. The Federation hosts several of the largest tournaments in the world---including the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Pan American Championship and European Championships.

Along with his good friend and training partner Carlson Gracie Jr. (son of the late Carlson Gracie Sr.), Marcelo shared the role of Head Instructor during the years 1989-1997 at the Rio academy known as the “Champion Factory”. 
 Marcelo along with Carlson Gracie Sr. helped teach, train with, and competed against many of the top names in jiu-jitsu including the original members of “Brazilian Top Team” and “American Top Team”; including competitors such Allan Goes, Murilo Bustamante, Mario Sperry, Wallid Ismail, Pablo Popovitch, Kevin Christopher, Andre Pederneiras, Ricardo Liborio, Marcus Soares, Rodrigo Medeiros, Ricardo "Rey" Diogo, and Vitor Belfort. Marcelo’s continues today to be good friends with many of those mentioned along with Professor’s Joe Moreira, and World Champion Saulo Ribeiro.

Marcelo moved from Brazil to the Pacific Northwest in 1997. While residing in the Puget Sound region, Marcelo had several years of contracts to instruct and train U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces at Fort Lewis, Washington. He has also instructed the Seattle Police Department and Port of Seattle Security in defensive tactics, weapons disarming/retention, and arrest techniques.

Professor Alonso continues to give seminars and workshops throughout the State of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and California.

Marcelo also is currently training fighters for local and regional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) competitions.