Organization
GFTeam
Overview
GFTeam (Grappling Fight Team) is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition-focused team and academy affiliation originating in Brazil. Known for producing high-level competitors across multiple weight classes, GFTeam operates as a distributed network of affiliated academies emphasizing competition preparation and modern sport Jiu-Jitsu training.
Affiliation
Core Identity
Organization name Grappling Fight Team
Common name GFTeam
Acronym GFTeam
Organization type Academy affiliation and competition team network
Founded Circa mid-2000s
Founder
- Julio Cesar "Foca" Fernandes
Headquarters (historical) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Headquarters (current) Distributed (international academy network)
Operational status Active
Primary discipline Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Affiliation Model
Affiliation structure Competition-oriented academy network with affiliated gyms operating under the GFTeam name and curriculum philosophy.
Gym independence Affiliated academies operate independently while representing GFTeam in competition and branding.
Branding / naming conventions Affiliates typically include GFTeam in the gym name and register competitors under the GFTeam designation.
Instruction / curriculum Emphasis on competition readiness, athletic conditioning, positional pressure, guard passing, and modern sport Jiu-Jitsu systems; curriculum varies by academy.
Typical affiliation signals GFTeam designation in competition registration, shared team branding and patches, and public affiliation listed by gyms and coaches.
Competitive Presence
Primary competitive ecosystem IBJJF, CBJJ, AJP, and international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments.
Ruleset fit Aligned with standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rulesets; not a governing body.
Athlete representation Competitors register under GFTeam or GFTeam-affiliated academy names.
Footprint
Global footprint Originating in Brazil with affiliated academies across South America, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific; strongest concentration remains in Brazil.
Discover affiliated gyms Affiliation appears at the gym level within city and gym profiles when available.
Relationships
Related organization types
- Competition organizations
- Gyms (affiliates)
- Coaches (team-linked instructors)