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Sitting down with Master Fabio Gurgel, we go straight to the roots and then build forward: why the art’s foundations haven’t changed, how techniques evolve without abandoning first principles, and what it really takes to keep people training for decades.

Master Gurgel shares a candid origin story from Rio karate detour, street confidence, and the first class that changed everything then breaks down the growth curve from small brackets where everyone knew each other to a global scene where masters divisions fill stadiums. He makes a clear, data-informed case for gi training as the most accessible and sustainable path for the majority of adults while still respecting no-gi’s athletic demands and innovations. The takeaway isn’t “this vs that,” it’s “one art, many expressions,” and a call for instructors to stop defending blind spots by attacking styles they don’t teach.

We dive into competition as a mirror: a place to impose a plan, hide weaknesses, and practice emotional control when nothing feels normal. Master Gurgel offers a useful distinction for first-timers survive vs impose and explains how to move from endurance to execution. From there, we trace the birth of Alliance: unifying teammates under one banner, then building a scalable methodology so beginners learn safely, fundamentals travel well, and schools feel like home whether you’re a hobbyist or a world-class competitor. Leadership, in his view, is sharing the dream creating opportunities, promoting others, and refusing complacency.

The future looks young and bright. Kids’ programs are booming when grouped by developmental stage, and real training beats screen dopamine every time. Social media becomes a study tool when used with intent think Marcelo Garcia’s butterfly guard, not endless scrolling. The real challenge ahead is retention: clear communication, consistent structure, and a culture that makes people better on and off the mats. If fewer than 5 percent compete, what are we doing for the other 95? That’s where the art either grows up or fades.

If this conversation sharpened your thinking, hit follow, share it with a teammate, and leave a review so more practitioners can find it. What mindset are you bringing to your next round: survive or impose?

Grab a Copy of Unshakeable: http://bit.ly/4pTtxdP

Connect with Master Gurgel on Instagram: @fabiogurgel

Learn More about Alliance Jiu Jitsu Team: https://www.allianceofficial.com/en/

https://youtu.be/9rL4L4GNJf0

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