Testimonials

My name is Andre “Dedeco” Almeida and I am a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under American Top Team’s founder, Ricardo Liborio. I have been a black belt for over 20 years and I’m the founder of Best Way Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I would like to let everyone know what a tremendous opportunity they have in training with Gabriel “Gladiator” Santos. Gabriel is a tremendous BJJ and MMA competitor and an amazing teacher that I have known for over 15 years. Gabriel is dedicated to building the knowledge and skill of each and every one of his students and he is held in very high esteem by the BJJ community here in the United States/New England and has been well regarded since his days in Rio. Don’t miss the opportunity to train with Gabriel!

Andre ”Dedeco” Almeida
4th degree BJJ Black Belt

Gabriel Gladiador is pure BJJ direct from the source of the sport.

We were training partners for many years at Carlson Gracie and Brazilian Top Team in Rio de Janeiro. We’ve learned together from top level coaches. He is a good friend, man, coach and a “pass the guard” machine. Your students are very lucky to have you as a model.

Good times are gone and better times are to come! I wish you all the best in your life and career.

Ooooooossssssss

Carlão Santos
BJJ Black Belt 3rd Degree
3x IBJJF Former World Champion

Heart, Instinct, Principles. The perfect combination. I am a student, friend and coworker of Gabriel Santos. I am also the President of Boys & Girls Club of greater Holyoke Massachusetts, we serve the poorest children in the state of Massachusetts. In 2009 we served 10,000 children ranging in age from 5-18 years of age. Gabriel Santos has been a magnet for this children teaching them Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, mma and more importantly the principles of BJJ such as when you’re in a bad position, stop, think, then act. He is a great representative for the Sport of BJJ, an elite athlete and above all a mentor to thousands of children who need and love him…we are blessed Erika, Sophia and Gabriel are in our life.

John P. Counter, President
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Inc.
Student and Friend

How can I start talking about Gabriel but saying that he is and always was a warrior. I had the opportunity to teach and corner him in numerous bjj matches and he always surprised me not only with his technique but mostly with his heart. Today, he became a talented instructor, a great family man and an example for his followers. Everyone should take advantage and learn from him. Osu!

Marcos “Parrumpinha” DaMatta
Head BJJ coach for the American Top Team Pro Fighters
ATT West Palm Beach owner

I’ve known Gabriel for more than 10 years, since we were young and trained together at Carlson Gracie’s academy in Rio de Janeiro. Big champion, we fought in various jiu jitsu and no-gi tournaments and it was always a pleasure to go and represent Master Carlson’s flag. My good friend and training partner, I wish you success in your academy and with your family that today has grown with your princess. A big hug from your brother.

Roan Jucao
BJJ Black Belt
UFC Veteran

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Gabriel for 3 years both as an instructor as well as a friend. During this time my skill has increased dramatically largely due to the patience and persistence that Gabriel has shown me. His passion for Jiu-Jitsu provides the foundation for any student to be successful while his focus on proper technique allows his students to take their game to new levels. I am truly grateful to have trained with Gabriel and blessed to call him a friend.

Joe Westbury
Student and Friend

I started to train Jiu Jitsu in 1999 and I met Gabriel around the year 2000, we were born and raised in the same city. Niterói-RJ

I began train with master Welton Ribeiro school the same school that Gabriel used to train before go to master Carlson Gracie school.

We start to know each other better when we met in the tournaments in which we fought a few times with victories and defeats for both sides.

I remember a championship that we went to fight in Saquarema, I went by bus with my teammate Marcos Loro and Gabriel went with his friend Cesar, in the tournament we were in the same bracket and we fought in the second fight (if I’m not wrong) in that event I defeated Gabriel in the weight division and lost to Cesar in the absolute, after the event at the time of leaving Gabriel and Cesar offered us a car ride to return to Niterói and we went with them exchanging ideas and laughing at old stories during the trip. It shows the sporting spirit, we were rivals but not enemies.

Later on Gabriel and I started migrating to Mma and then in 2008 Gabriel moved to the US.

I’m glad to see the family guy Gabriel became with his wife and their 2 children.

Today we are still friends and following each others career through social networks, always hoping for the success of the other. Strength and honor.

Osss

Thales Leites
BJJ Black Belt
UFC fighter

Back in the 90s, I had the privilege to meet with Gabriel at Carlson Gracie Gym, in Copacabana Rio de Janeiro.
We trained together for a long time and since we first met, I could see his potential. At BTT, he developed a lot his ground and MMA skills. He always was a good student, training partner and friend.”

Mario Sperry
ADCC and BJJ World Champion and BJJ Black Belt

I met my friend Gladiator in the early 90’s at the Carlson Gracie academy in copacabana, very fast started to show his talent and became part of the select Carlson Gracie competition Team. A great friend and teammate, I used to train a lot with Paulo Filho and him and I had great memories, a very tough guy and a true black belt pure Carlson Gracie lineage. I truly recommend to training in his school.

Carlson Gracie forever!

Ossu

Amaury Bitetti
BJJ black belt
Judo black belt
UFC veteran
2 X BJJ Absolute World Champion
The best competitor in BJJ history

I have been coaching so many bjj and mma fighters and Gabriel Gladiator its a kind of guy that have no fear in his eyes, he was a example of discipline perseverance and self confidence in the gym, back in the time when we was together in São Paulo! These qualities gave him a lot opportunities and a beautiful family that I keep following by social media today! God bless my friend Gabriel.

Leonardo Vieira (Leozinho)
BJJ Black Belt 5th Degree
Multiple times world champion
BJJ legend

Gabriel, what can I say about you my friend, I know you since a long time and I can say so many things about you, you’re a very good fighter, very tough, excelent ground work, and more than a good fighter, you are outstanding person. I wish you more than success, I wish a Blessing of God for you and your whole familly.

My best regards,

Rodrigo Artilheiro
Judo Black Belt
Pan American Greco Roman Bronze Medalist

Grabriel is a good friend and was my pleasure to training with him. Besides a great champion and excellent Jiu Jitsu teacher, a super charismatic person, always smiling and very enthusiastic in everything he does and one of the most technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teachers I know.

Zé Marcello (Icon Jiu-Jitsu Team)
BJJ Black Belt

I know Gabriel for a long time, we use to train together at Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, at the time Jiu Jitsu was really growing and we have the best team, in the club we had some really good fighters like a army and Gabriel was special force for this arm, Gladiador hey bro thanks for share such a great time it was an honor!

Tempo Ruim o tempo todo, panico e terror!!!

Olavo Abreu
BJJ Black Belt

I met Gabriel when i was a blue belt, we came from same neighborhood. He was very respected over there, at that time he was second place at Worlds championship then i decide to start to train with him.

Amazing friend, instructor and fighter.

I’m very proud to be able to call him a friend. He gave up everything in Brazil, family and friends  because of 1 simple reason, to follow his dream to come to America and share his knowledge with all his students. Using Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to change peoples life.

Great job my friend, wish you much success!

Fabio Villela
World champion No-gi
Pan American Champion
3X National American Champion

My Name is Renato Tavares, Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Sr. and I highly recommend my friend and training partner from Carlson Gracie Team Gabriel.

He is a close friend of my. Great Coach, Fighter and Competitor. Excellent ground and stand up, and more important amazing person. OSSU!!!

Renato Tavares
BJJ Black Belt 4th Degree
American Top Team Vero Beach

Gabriel, aside from being a great friend that I’ve known for over 15 years, in my opinion, is my best black belt.

Learning and living with me and with the legendary Master Carlson Gracie, who we had the opportunity to know well and be trained by, living a great time when we fought for love, as at the time there was no money or the investments that exist today. What I can say is that this athlete, training partner and brother has acquired all of the necessary knowledge and,I hope nobody takes this wrong, we were part of a famed team when we were trained by the largest trainer of Jiu-Jitsu brawlers that the world has ever known.

Health, success and peace in your new endeavor together with your wife and daughter, who came as an addition to your family and to inspire you to work harder and harder so that she does not have to go through what we have already gone through. In our training, “the child cried and the mother didn’t hear him!”

A hug from your brother,

Paulo Filho
WEC Middleweight Champion
BJJ Black Belt

I know Gabriel for a long time, always a hard worker and dedicated athlete. I had the pleasure to train him when he was a runner up in the jiu jitsu world championship. A great individual and family man. I recommend everybody to learn from a true Gladiator.

Ricardo Liborio
BJJ Black Belt
Head instructor and co-founder of American Top Team (ATT)

I started training jiu jitsu with gabriel in a young age and changed my life for better in a lot of aspects… with the jiu jitsu he taught me the importance of be a complete fighter,training gi ,nogi, takedowns,self defense… i remember what he always says “só sai dessa pra uma melhor” (you only going to move for a better position)!! So many things he says i carry with me every training session …and the thing that until today after i became a black belt and had the chance to training with so many people around the world, he was one of the few who always have simple solutions for difficult problems …a very effective jiu jitsu!!! Every time i asked how could i get out of a position? He used to say ” nao vai nem chegar bicho” (not even goin to get there)!! With a lot of confidence, and the confidence he says things its like contagious and i could feel it…always teach me how to stay cool under the pressure and the way that he helped me built self confidence in training and fighting help me to be better in all my decisions in life!!!

He will always be my master and more than this my friend ,my family and a true role model !!!

Sincerely,
David Chaloub
International Model, Surfer
Black Belt under Gabriel Gladiator

We’ve been friends a long time and we have trained together a lot and I always saw the way he pulled his students to be the best! Gabriel is an amazing teacher and fighter!

I was in his first international fight in Cage Rage and was a pleasure to be in his corner helping to earn his first victory against an experienced international opponent.

Now he’s there in America teaching, fighting and showing his full potential. It is a pleasure to be your friend!

osssssss

Alexandre Izidro
BTT London
BJJ Black Belt

I only have good memories of my friend Gabriel. I met him a the Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro and as time went on we became friends, started training together and I began to know Gabriel better.

Aside from being a great example of a black belt, he is an example of life. He is a person of good character and extremely trustworthy, and because of that, I consider Gabriel a great black belt, aside from the fact that he is a great professor and a tough athlete. I am sure that soon he will be in the best event in the world where he belongs.

My good friend and brother, we have 10 years of friendship since our time with Master Carlson Gracie and it is a pleasure to be your friend.
God bless you and your family.

Petrus Buffalo
BJJ Black Belt

Gabriel my friend, I wish you nothing but the best! I know a lot about your capacity, your talents and your determination…that’s why your name is Gladiator! You are a natural born fighter, a true champion that teaches and instills principals in our lives. I have followed and studied your skill for many years and I know very well what I’m talking about and who I’m talking about. I am very blessed to have been a part of your beginnings and even though we live far apart now I am always rooting for you and for your continued success! A huge hug from your friend “Velho” Sérgio Babu.

Ooossss!!!!!

Sergio ”Babu” Gasparelli
BTT and Black House former BJJ coach
BJJ Black Belt

I would like to leave a testimonial here about my training partner from the Carlson Gracie Team Copacabana and Brazilian Top Team Lagoa. Gladiador is a warrior and one of the toughest guys I’ve had the pleasure of training with and learning a lot from with his tight positions from the famous style of the Carlson Gracie School. I wish all of the success in the world to my good friend and training partner.

Suyan Queiroz
BJJ Black Belt 4th Degree

Gabriel and I are from Niteroi where we started training jiu jiutsu together with the same team. Soon, Gabriel started to train jiu jitsu in Rio de Janeiro at Carlson Gracie’s academy. A year later, I told him that I wanted to train in Rio but wasn’t sure which academy to go to. Gabriel soon invited me and set up a time so that he could take me to train at the Carlson Gracie Academy. When I arrived there, he introduced me to a few people and I was really surprised to see so many champions on the same mat training at 11 AM. Years later, we transferred to Brazilian Top Team where we won countless medals, including closing the Purple Belt Absolute Division in the Rio de Janeiro State tournament. Today, I’m working in the United Arab Emirates and Gabriel in the United States. All of our effort and dedication to jiu jitsu has borne many fruits, thank God! Osssss

Pedro Damasceno
BJJ World Champion and Black Belt

I met Gabriel at the beginning of my career as a Fitness Trainer. He has decisively and positively influenced me both in my professional personal life. He opened my eyes to values that, until then, had been dormant, such as character, the value of a sincere friendship and persistence and always searching to turn our dreams into reality. I dedicate to you my book, a best seller in the Fights, Martial Arts and Combat Modalities category, “Pronto pra Guerra” (Ready for War). I believe that your spirit is present in a good part of the book. Persistence, motivation and discipline to always follow your dreams, run your risks and be a winner. It’s what you are: a winner. Someone that was born to win, inside and outside of the ring.

Prof. Leandro Paiva
Fitness Trainer and author of best seller “Pronto pra Guerra.”

I meet Gabriel in 1997 at Carlson Gracie school in Copacabana, RJ/Brasil. He used to drive 50 miles everyday to go to the training. And always gets there with positive mind and ready to train hard.
He learned a lot with the master Carlson and always competed in the highest level tournaments. Great guy and awesome instructor.

Rafael Dias
Black Belt 3rd Degree
MMA vet

I am a student under Gabriel Gladiator. I have trained around the world, and I have never met anybody like him. He is absolutely fantastic at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he is a really kind person. It is rare to find such a high level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and it is even more rare to find one who is willing to share the “secrets” with you in such detail. He holds nothing back from his students, and he gives them everything he can in order to help them (on and off the mat). His school is very nice, and he trains top quality people. Whether you want to train for fun, for fitness, or if you have a desire to compete- if you are in the Springfield, Massachusetts area- this is the right place to train! The gym is run ethically, and the schedule is great.

Darin Reisler
Gladiator BJJ Brown Belt
Owner of Plus One Defense Systems – West Hartford, CT

Gabriel truly is a modern embodiment of Bushido, foremost a man of exceptional moral fabric, and a truly exceptional example of a martial artist. Being a direct student of Carlson Gracie and later a member of the famed Brazillian Top Team should testify enough to the elite level of skill he possesses, however Gabriel’s tremendous work ethic compels him to continually to train with other elite competitors and refine his art.

This heart is no better exemplified than in his role as an instructor and coach, where he breaks his wisdom into easily digestible morsels for students, holding back nothing and ensuring that his students master every fine detail of every single movement.

More important, than the physical aspects of the sport, Gabriel necessitates that every student is imbued with proper mental tenacity and determination (the “gameness”). Carlson’s legacy lives on in every single class Gabriel teaches.

Mario DiNatale
Student & Friend

Gabriel is an old time friend and training partner with a long history in BJJ and MMA. He’s a very qualified and knowledgeable instructor. I highly recommend training under him.

Robert Drysdale
BJJ Black Belt 3rd Degree
3X BJJ World Champion
Abu-Dhabi World Champion

I have known Gladiator for several years now and as everyone already knows, not only is he an excellent Jiu-Jitsu competitor and mixed martial arts fighter but also an excellent coach and instructor! Above all this he is a good friend; He always meets me at every tournament every MMA fight or any event I see him at with a big hug and a smile. He has come down to teach at my Academy and showed all of my students excellent technique for both grappling and MMA. He treats everyone with respect and is beyond a Warrior he’s a class act and im proud to call him my friend! Thank you for all you have given back to Martial Arts.

Roger Denton
BJJ Black Belt
CTMMA- GFTeam

Speaking of Gabriel Santos The Gladiator is very easy, he is an attentive friend, that in the training was always motivating me, adding techniques to my game, outside the training camp was no different. A brother who encouraged me by saying “Eriquinha, do not give up, you will conquer!
Thank you, you were right !!! Oss !!!

Erica Paes
BJJ world champion and the only female ever to defeat Cris Cyborg

I’ve known Gabriel many years ago when we trained together in the Brazilian Top Team in Rio de Janeiro, a real black belt and also a great mma fighter, a great friend and excellent professional, I consider his academy as an extension of mine, if you live in this area this is the gym that I recommend.

Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa
BJJ black belt
World Champion

Gabriel is a great athlete and friend, he was for many years my training partner and also one of the greatest fighters of the sport. Always disputing titles in the modality and training at the high level, Gabriel was present in the training camps for the biggest fights disputed by the champions of Brazilian Top Team in Japan and United States.

Thank you my friend for all the partnership and fellowship in training!
Ossu

Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira
BJJ black belt
Judo Black belt
Former Pride FC heavyweight champion
Former UFC Heaavyweight Champion

A great friend and training partner, a very tough athlete and a technical expert of bjj, grappling and MMA. An excellent professor and coach; thank you for the tips and advice that you gave me during training and competitions. A man with excellent character and a big heart. Success in your journey and also now as a father. A hug from your friend and be with God. Health, faith and opportunities for you and your family.

Anderson Pereira
Judo Black Belt
BJJ Black Belt

Gabriel is a great person and friend. He was my student in Brazilian Top Team where I had the chance to help him develop his skills. He got a lot of knowledge becoming a very good fighter and coach. I am happy to see that he is doing a great job with his students in the USA.

Murilo Bustamante
BJJ Black Belt
BTT Leader
Former UFC Champion

I have been involved in all facets of Martial Arts for over 35yrs., and have trained several Champions in all disciplines. I have trained in Judo, Karate, Thai Boxing and Boxing and had the opportunity to train and work with some top level fighters as well as trainers. I currently train specialized “Defensive Tactics” to police officers, correction officers and federal law enforcement personnel. Over the last several years I had the opportunity to meet many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners and experts and by far the most generous and unselfish person I’ve met is Gabriel “Gladiador” Santos. I met him several years ago and helped him train for a fight and we have been friends ever since.

Gabriel Gladiator possesses a quiet demeanor and self confidence as well as superior skill in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is always willing to help and spend time with his students to ensure success in the art he teaches. Western Massachusetts is very fortunate to have Gabriel Santos in our area. Gabriel “Gladiator” Santos has world class Jiu Jitsu Skills that are well documented and he is a proud and humble man and I am honored to call him my friend and Jiu Jitsu instructor.

Clayton L. Roberson Jr – 37yrs. training in Martial Arts
Springfield Police Officer.
State Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor/Use of Force Expert
Coach/Trainer for Boxing, Thai Boxing and MMA

Gabriel is a tough competitor that I met in 1997 at Carlson Gracie Club of Jiu Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil, when we became teammates there and we became friends also. Gabriel now is a tough competitor still and a great professor with a great team.

Cesar Pereira
Black Belt 3rd Degree
BJJ head instructor at CTMMA/C3 Athletics
CT, USA

Gabriel is a warrior, he has always been training with the best fighters of jiu jitsu and mma in the world, he comes from a school of gladiators, where every day was a war in the training, a whole person! A lion with a giant heart! I was in his Corner in one of his most remarkable victories, in his opponents back yard , with all cheer against, very hard fight where in the end ended up knocking out his opponent, it was the Main event! We had a good trainings in our eternal Carlson Gracie school, you are a true winner! all my respect and admiration to you warrior!

Elan Pereira Santiago
BJJ black belt 4th degree
European Champion 2018
Coach of the BJJ Legend Lucas Lepre

Gabriel is a great Jiu Jitsu Teacher and Fighter! If you are around Gladiator go to his gym to learn a good Jiu Jitsu!

Valeu Fera tamo junto!

Allan Goes
UFC veteran
Pride FC veteran
BJJ Black Belt

Gabriel and I were teammates back in the late 90’s at my uncle Carlson Gracie’s Academy in Rio. All I can say about him is that he was an all around great person, driven and dedicated training partner. Anyone who can be in his social circle as a student or friend will only benefit from it!

Crosley Gracie
BJJ World Champion and BJJ Black Belt

Gabriel Santos is an excellent instructor, coach and competitor, who has a most incredible history in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, part of the Carlson Gracie legacy.

Adults and children, beginners and advanced, the “Gladiator” will lead you to greatness in BJJ, MMA, and the game of life. Be a champion in life!

Dustin “Clean” Denes
Black Belt 3rd degree BJJ
Competitor Supreme
Master Instructor

So brother, first of all I wanted to congratulate you on the excellent work there in America, I would like to thank God for having a great training partner like you, miss our training sessions and the details that you with your vast experience were passing us, I had nothing to eat and you shared with me the little you had, I am very happy for you brother, I wish all the best for you and your beautiful family, may God continue to blessing you, I miss those prayers that we had, I’ve never felt so strong. Glory to God and peace and love in the heart.
Ossu

Eduardo da Conceição “Jamelão”
BJJ Black Belt
World Champion
BJJ legend

Gabriel isn’t just a brother and a tough fighter, but a big inspiration. With all of his personality and charisma, Glad was always a character in Niteroi and practically a legend! We’ve been close for a long time and he has always encouraged me in raining and always been supportive, opening his house to me so I could stay a little closer to the gym and competitions, and also to Itacoatiara to relax in the off-time! His personality and refusal to settle always made him fight for what he wants and overcome obstacles, which has been an example for many. Brother, I hope that your academy does great and you are able to transmit the best of what you have to your students and to your daughter too. This “family” spirit will take us far.

Respect and admiration,

Gesias Cavalcante
K1 Heroes Champ (Japan)

I’ve known Gabriel Gladiator for a long time and I had a chance to train with him a lot. We use to train every afternoon at my school in Niteroi and mornings at Brazilian Top Team head quarters.

He is a great person and really has God working in him and his amazing family . He doesn’t teach just a martial art but it’s more than that. He change people’s life bringing them to a family and healthy world. I’m glad to be a friend of someone that I can consider a champion in the ring and real life. God bless this great man!

Adriano Lucio
Brazilian Top Team
3rd degree Black Belt

I’ve been training with Gabriel since January, 2009. During this time I’ve had several private lessons with him and would recommend them to anyone looking to advance their current level of Jiu Jitsu. Through his knowledge and dedication to his students I’ve experienced major gains in my technique, submission defense and over all ground fighting. He’s not only the toughest guy that I know, he’s also a very good friend. May God continue to bless him and his entire family.

Bill Normand
Director of Operations
Allied Waste Industries
Student & Friend

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Gabriel. Let me start out by saying it truly is a privilege to train side by side with Gabriel everyday. His wealth of knowledge in Jiu-jitsu, MMA Boxing, and MMA is a testimonial in itself. His positive attitude is infectious to everyone around him. He encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves. When you walk through the doors of the academy for the first time you will feel the family atmosphere Gabriel has created. If you have the chance to train with Gabriel whether you are visiting or living in the area take the time to learn from a man who trained alongside the legends of jiu-jitsu. Gabriel, I wish all the success in the world to you my brother.

Mark “Vovis” Moynihan
Gabriel Gladiator Blackbelt

Gabriel is a great warrior, dedicated fighter, good professional, a winner! The U.S. only has to gain from his experience. Trained in the largest teams of Brazil, black belt 1st time.

Good luck my friend!

Carlos Barreto
Black Belt 4th Degree BJJ
Co-founder of the Black House
Former Brazilian Champion of MMA
Director FJJD-RIO