Reginaldo Almeida

Reginaldo Gurgel Almeida was born on November 5, 1971, in Brazil, and from an early age demonstrated a natural affinity for athletic competition. At 10 years old, inspired by the Kung Fu films that captivated a generation of martial arts enthusiasts, he began training Karate — an early exposure to striking arts that planted the seeds of a lifelong dedication to combat sports, while instilling the discipline and body awareness that would later serve him on the BJJ mats.

As Reginaldo matured, basketball became his primary athletic pursuit. His talent earned him scholarships at the high school, college, and university levels before ultimately carrying him to Brazil's professional basketball league. Competing at the highest domestic level sharpened his understanding of elite competition, team dynamics, and the rigors of sustained training — a mental and physical foundation that would prove invaluable when he eventually transitioned to the martial arts.

First Steps on the Mats

Around 1999 and 2000, following his professional basketball career, Reginaldo took his first steps onto the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mats. He began training under Master 'Sazinho' of the Takeo Iano lineage in Fortaleza, Brazil — a relationship that would carry him all the way from white belt to black belt under the same instructor. That continuity speaks to the depth of trust and mentorship that defined his development as a grappler.

Competitive Milestones Through the Ranks

Reginaldo progressed steadily through the belt ranks, building a competitive record that reflected his growing mastery. In 2007, competing at purple belt, he claimed the World Cup title in the Senior Absolute division — a significant early indicator of his aptitude for high-level competition. He carried that momentum into brown belt, capturing the Pan American Championship in the Senior division in 2008 and earning a silver medal at the Brazilian National Championship in the Senior 1 Absolute division that same year, alongside a bronze medal at the International Masters & Seniors Championship.

Black Belt and Referee Certification

In 2008, Master Sazinho awarded Reginaldo his black belt, recognizing nearly a decade of dedicated training and competitive achievement. That same year, Reginaldo became a certified referee through the IBJJF, demonstrating not only his technical knowledge but also his commitment to the integrity and governance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Establishing a Program in the United States

Shortly after receiving his black belt in 2008, Reginaldo relocated to New Jersey, USA, with the goal of building a BJJ academy and sharing the art he had spent years mastering. He founded a SAS team academy, developing a program that served both competitive athletes and recreational practitioners throughout the New Jersey area. The academy grew into a credible institution within the local BJJ community, reflecting his organizational acumen as much as his technical expertise.

Competing and Coaching Under Gracie Barra

Reginaldo subsequently affiliated with Gracie Barra, one of the largest and most respected BJJ organizations in the world. The move connected his academy to a global network of instructors, curricula, and competitors, expanding opportunities for his students at every level. Under the Gracie Barra banner, Reginaldo continued to compete at the black belt senior level, proving that his competitive drive had not diminished with the shift to coaching. In 2011, he captured gold at both the Chicago Summer Open and the Boston Open in the Senior 1 division — a testament to his sustained effectiveness on the mats.

Representing the United States in international competition while maintaining deep ties to his Brazilian roots, Reginaldo Almeida exemplifies the global reach of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — an athlete and instructor who carried the art from Fortaleza to the northeastern United States and helped establish it firmly in new ground.