Cláudio França Pires

From OTMWiki

Claudio França Pires pioneered the teaching of BJJ in Santa Cruz, California - coming to us from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1995. He has studied BJJ since the age of seven and holds a 4th degree Black Belt from Master Francisco Mansor, who is a 9th degree red belt certified by the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rio de Janeiro. Professor França also holds a black belt in Judo from Gama Filho University in Rio de Janeiro.

Professor França has more than 30 years experience teaching and competing in BJJ. He took a Silver Medal in the 2001 Mundials (World Championships), in Rio de Janeiro, and was a two-time Pan-American Middleweight Champion ('97, '98), four-time Lightweight Brazilian Champion, and three-time Lightweight State Champion.

Claudio coached student Garth Taylor to Gold, Bronze and Silver Medals in the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Mundials, and coached Stan Kendrick to two Gold medals in the 2001 BJJ International Master's Competition. Since 1995, Master França has hosted one of the most lauded international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the country, held right here in Santa Cruz: the U.S. Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament. Professor França is happy to share the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with bay area communities.