Felipe Neto's return to the United States in 2007, facilitated through a connection with Maurício Villardo, opened a new chapter in his BJJ career. Establishing himself in Florida, he built a reputation as both a competitive practitioner and a dedicated educator, becoming a leading figure in the state's jiu-jitsu community.
Competition Record and Achievements
Competing at the black belt level, Felipe claimed notable titles including the Florida State FFBJJ Championship and the NAGA Championship. His earlier decorated career at the colored belt levels includes a Pan American IBJJF Championship runner-up finish at brown belt and a Rickson Gracie Cup Championship at purple belt — results that reflect consistent, high-level performance across the full arc of his competitive development.
A Teaching Philosophy Rooted in Fundamentals
Beyond his competition record, Felipe's most enduring contribution to Florida's BJJ scene lies in his teaching methodology. Representing the United States in competition while remaining deeply connected to Brazilian BJJ tradition, he is recognized for a deliberate "step by step" instructional approach — one that prioritizes mastery of fundamental techniques before introducing more complex or advanced movements. Shaped by decades of training and coaching within one of BJJ's premier organizations, this philosophy has made Felipe an influential voice in the development of practitioners across Florida and beyond.