"In my opinion, jiu-jitsu.net is a great web site and is very informative too. Aranha is doing a very good job. The forum is really cool and it is a very good way to help the jiu-jitsu community get stronger as well. I like it! "One of my students got your book (The Master Text) and I personally think that is a great book. Very good technique and also good pictures. You are just making easy for people to learn." -- Gustavo Machado

Gustavo, tell us how you got started in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
	When I was 15, I went to high school with Gordinho and Tinguinha. They were already practicing at the Gracie Academy and had many good things to say about their teacher, Jean Jacques Machado. That's where I got my start.
Who were your teachers when you first got started?
	At Jean Jacques' academy, a brown belt by the name of Gordo Correa taught me my first moves. It is interesting that twelve years later, as a black belt, Gordo awarded me my black belt.
How did you end up at Gracie Barra?
	When I was 18 and a blue belt, Jean Jacques came to America to live with his brothers. He recommended to us that we train with his teacher, Carlos Gracie, Jr. What better person to learn from than the teacher's teacher.
When did you come to the U.S. and how did that come about?
	A friend of mine was attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk and suggested that I come here. When I got here I started teached Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Old Dominion. Later I moved to Virginia Beach and started teaching at a kenpo school owned by a Royce Gracie blue belt.
When did you open your own school?
	After things didn't work out at the kenpo school, I moved to a local karate and kickboxing school. We only stayed there a few months. With just a few weeks notice, my good friend and student Ivan Fanton found a place that we could move to. Ivan helped me financially and advised me about business and has been my most successful student.
How many students did you start out with?
	I started out with fewer than ten students. In our present location, we have between 40 and 50 students. At our academy in Fayetteville, NC, we have 20 students.
What kind of success have your students had?
	I have been very fortunate to build a team with strong foundations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My students have been successful at all levels. Bill Turner, a brown belt and my close friend, is Pan American champion. Ivan Fanton placed third in the Mundials and Pan Ams. James White won the Pan Ams this year. Jeff Jacob finished second and Leldon Sapp and Marlon Windbush finished third in the Pan Ams. Two of my most talented students, Sean Wilson and Jon Wertz, have done very well in many tournaments. I am proud of all my students.
Last year you defeated Wellington Dias--Megaton--in a no-gi superfight. What did that mean to you?
	It was a great opportunity to fight a big name competitor. I have a lot of respect for Megaton. I grew up watching him. It was a very intense match and it was an honor to fight him.
What are your goals as a teacher and a competitor?
	I want to see my students become successful. I would like to see my students become black belts. But they know that it will not come easy. It is important for my students to walk on their own, but I want them to know that I will always be there for them. As a competitor, I am really just starting. I would like to win the Mundials and the Pan Ams. And my dream is to fight in a major Vale Tudo or NHB.
You mentioned that one of your teachers was Jean Jacques Machado. What relation are you to the Machados?
	That's funny that you ask that. Jean Jacques used to call me cousin, but we are not related. Machado is a common name in Brazil, like Smith in America. Since Jean Jacques left Brazil, we have not had much contact, but I recently e-mailed him and he e-mailed me back. So I hope to renew my friendship with him.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
	Yes. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me. Renzo Gracie gave me a lot of support and allowed me to use his name when I opened my own academy. He is a very good friend. Gordo and Tinguinha have been loyal friends. And I especially thank Carlos Gracie, Jr., who certified me as a CBJJ black belt and has shown a lot of confidence in me. And so many of my students have supported me in many ways. I really need to thank my professor Carlos Gracie Jr. for his wisdom, Renzo Gracie for always believing in me and I want to thank my teacher Gordo for giving me wings to fly. (Black belt)

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