Romulo dos Santos de Melo

Romulo Melo is the chief instructor of Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in San Francisco. He started in judo at age four in Brazil and at 12 joined Gracie Humaita, training directly under Royler Gracie and Vinicius Aieta; after his first tournament in 1998 he moved his training to the Gracie Tijuca academy for its daily classes and higher level of competition. At 18 he began studying Physical Education and started working as a personal trainer while in college. At 21 Melo went to California to compete and teach, living with Caique, and later accepted an instructor position from Charles Gracie in Northern California before opening his own academy. His recent results include first place at the 2023 London Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, third at the 2023 World Masters, first at the 2022 Rome International Open, and a 2018 Fight to Win Pro championship belt.