About
Who and what are we? Bemidji Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a club/school started in 2020 under the tutelage of Professor Diego Da Costa. When our professor (coach) left the area to pursue his career, our passion for BJJ didn’t leave with him. We are currently operating as a club instead of a full blown BJJ academy. Functionally, this means that we are still affiliated with Diego. He sets our curriculum, assesses our skills when he is in the area, and even drops in for class about once per month. However, daily classes are run collectively by our members: primarily Shane and Tyler. We work together to hone and improve our fundamental skills. Classes are run in a style very similar to other BJJ academies. We try to approach classes with an attitude of humility and open mindedness. We are always looking to improve.
Professor Diego Da Costa is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 2nd degree black belt in judo, and currently the head instructor of GF Team in Frazee, MN. He was born in Recife, Brazil. He is a world class competitor, Pan-American medalist, state champion, Brazilian national medalist, and has won multiple Jiu-Jitsu championships. Professor Diego stands out for being a great teacher of Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense, with many years of experience teaching children, adults, high-level athletes, and law enforcement officers. Professor Diego is an outstanding role-model and mentor to all his students. His charisma and teaching skills are natural talents to him as is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Diego Da Costa taught and trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Arcadia, Werdum Venice, and Zr Team in Thousand Oaks, California.
Shane and Tyler have been learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2020 and have trained regularly since the beginning. They work hard to ensure they are providing useful instruction with the guidance of Diego.