Henrique Machado

Henrique Machado's relationship with martial arts began at an exceptionally young age, stepping onto the mat for the first time at three years old to train Karate. That early immersion in discipline and structure laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to combat sports. As he grew, Machado expanded his training to encompass both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, building a well-rounded foundation across multiple disciplines.

Following a relocation to Fortaleza, Machado continued deepening his Jiu-Jitsu education under Professor Lima, maintaining his commitment to the art despite the change in environment. At 16, he made a pivotal decision to return to Rio de Janeiro with a singular goal: to train under Georges Mehdi, one of the most respected figures in Brazilian martial arts. To make it work, Machado lived inside the gym and took on work as a cleaner to cover his accommodation — a clear reflection of the sacrifices he was willing to make in pursuit of mastery.

Henrique Machado holds black belts in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a dual credential that speaks to a rare depth of martial arts development. His Judo black belt was earned under Georges Mehdi, a foundational figure in Brazilian martial arts whose influence shaped generations of practitioners. Living within the environment of Mehdi's gym gave Machado an intimate understanding of the discipline and values that define the art.

His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt was subsequently awarded by Osvaldo Alves, a 9th degree red belt and one of the most senior and historically significant figures in the entire BJJ lineage. Receiving his black belt from Alves situates Machado's Osvaldo Alves directly within the sport's foundational history. Together, these credentials reflect not only technical proficiency but a disciplined path through the traditional structures of both Judo and BJJ.

Machado channeled his years of training and development into building something larger than competitive achievement. He founded the ASLE Academy in Manaus and established himself as its head instructor, creating a training environment that serves both competitive grapplers and the broader community. The academy operates from 6am to midnight — extended hours designed to make training accessible across a wide range of schedules and circumstances.

Social Mission and Youth Development

Central to Machado's vision at ASLE is a social project dedicated to providing structure and opportunity to underprivileged youth through martial arts. The academy teaches over 500 children per month, using the values and discipline of Judo and BJJ as tools to redirect young people away from the streets and toward purposeful development. This commitment to community impact defines ASLE Academy as much as its competitive output.

Producing Elite Competitors

Among the most celebrated athletes to emerge from the ASLE Academy is Ronaldo 'Jacaré' Souza, who trained under Machado before becoming one of the most decorated grapplers and mixed martial artists in the history of the sport. Souza's rise stands as a defining example of the competitive excellence that Machado's teaching has produced, and a testament to the lasting influence of the environment built in Manaus.