An Inspired Chat with Marcelo Azevedo of Pearland

Marcelo Azevedo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Marcelo, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up every day at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. I take my vitamins, review my daily tasks and my class plan for the academy, read for about 20 minutes, have my coffee, and then either teach or do my strength training.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marcelo Azevedo, also known in the fighting world as Uirapuru. I am a 6th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with over 40 years of experience in martial arts. I started in Capoeira but soon transitioned to Jiu-Jitsu. I became a 7-time World Champion, 7-time Pan American Champion, and 4-time National Champion in Jiu-Jitsu.

I moved to the United States in 2015, and in 2016, together with my master Draculino, I opened Gracie Barra Pearland, where I now dedicate myself full-time to teaching.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Definitely loyalty and respect, especially in the world of martial arts. Without these two, there is no trust. And what truly earns it back are actions, not words.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t worry too much about what people think of you. Those who truly care about you will always stand by your side, and those who don’t will always play against you.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Talent alone is not enough. Talent without discipline is worthless.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
A person who has done good, who never wasted time speaking badly about others, and who, through Jiu-Jitsu, has been able to improve the lives of many people.

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Image Credits
GBPEARLAND

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