Inspiring Conversations with Raphael Carrao of Eagle Rock Jiu Jitsu Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raphael Carrao.

Hi Raphael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our academy is led by 3rd degree black belt Professor Raphael Guidotti Carrao, who was born in Piracicaba, Brazil.

Achieving the rank of Jiu Jitsu black belt in 2009, he has established himself as a world-class competitor and multiple-time Jiu-Jitsu champion.

Raphael moved to California in 2003 and opened his first academy in Malibu, CA with Jean Jacques Machado, establishing one of the first jiu jitsu academies in the area to help students achieve their goals, from students looking to get in shape through learning self-defense, to competing at the highest levels.

He established a new location- Eagle Rock Jiu Jitsu Academy in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles in 2011, seeing the exciting opportunity to grow along with the neighborhood and we have been building a strong community ever since – our students come from many backgrounds; we are united by our love for Jiu Jitsu and our commitment to self-improvement.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While entrepreneurship is never a smooth road, jiu jitsu teaches a strong mindset of dedication and perseverance; key characteristics to building a successful business. In Los Angeles we are lucky to have many options for fitness, the offset being that there is a lot of local competition. Differentiating ourselves on the experience we bring to the table through our 11+ years in business at the Eagle Rock location, world class instructors, strong community of students who support each other on and off the mat, and attention that each student receives have been what sets us apart from other academies.

We also seek out students who are committed to their self improvement; when trying something new it often gets harder before it gets easier, That said, we strongly recommend a commitment of at least 6 months when getting started. Most people need a few months to really settle in, build their skills, and hit that exciting “aha!” moment where things start to click. The difference we see in those who stick with it in their confidence and coordination over that time is truly incredible.

We love seeing the mental and physical evolution that happens when people step on the mat for their first time, when they get the first stripe on their belt after months of training, and when they start moving up the belt progression to yellow belt, orange, green, blue, purple and beyond. Students are only limited by their own commitment to succeed.

As you know, we’re big fans of Eagle Rock Jiu Jitsu Academy . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are more than just a Jiu Jitsu Academy – we are a community. Our students come from many backgrounds; we are united by our love for Jiu Jitsu and our commitment to self-improvement.

We began as a small, local, minority owned and managed jiu jitsu and martial arts academy in Malibu, CA with Brazilian born and trained instructors trying to build a life in Los Angeles.

We relocated to Eagle Rock, Los Angeles 11 years ago for more space and a more diverse population to teach the gentle art that is jiu jitsu. Our students regularly share reviews that our program has improved their confidence, self empowerment, mental clarity, and they have accomplished fitness goals with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Our academy offers classes for all levels, from adult beginner to competition training, adult self defense, and kids jiu jitsu programs for ages 4-13 years old.

How do you think about luck?
Jiu jitsu is a sport of dedication and practice. Consistent training, discipline, focus on nutrition, mind/body awareness, and maintaining overall balance in your lifestyle are essential practices to succeed; we have learned the formula for success is to maintain these baselines throughout all of the curveballs life puts us through.

Our perspective is that in jiu jitsu, and life, you either win you or you learn – so we try to make the best of the lessons learned and move forward with strategy and purpose to get closer to our goals.

It’s a tough market with a lot of competition, locally and online so we try to evolve our practice daily to get to that next level. Every student comes in with a different background of experience and challenges so we tailor the classes to meet the group where they are in their training. It’s not as much luck as maintaining consistency, quality, and momentum.

A black belt is a white belt who never gave up!

Pricing:

• Monthly Adult Memberships- starting at 2x/week training
• Unlimited packages include no-gi, competition training, and open mat
• Kids classes for ages 4-13
• Jiu Jitsu Self Defense Adult Classes
• Private or Private Group Classes / Corporate Groups – on or offsite

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eaglerockbjj.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eaglerockjiujitsu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eaglerockbjj
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eagle-rock-jiu-jitsu-academy-los-angeles-3