Marco “Gigante” Villela is a respected instructor in Australia. Originally from Brazil, he talks about his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, learning from Carlos Gracie Jr and Relson Gracie, refereeing and why he thinks the IBJJF’s rules should be the standard. Click “Read More” for show notes! 

SHOW NOTES:

• Origins
• His start with Judo, Luta Livre and Muay Thai
• The biggest differences between Jiu-Jitsu and Luta Livre
• Jiu-Jitsu’s history in Brazil as the “upper class” martial art
• Being a big guy in Jiu-Jitsu
• How Judo take downs have been more practical for his size
• His Jiu-Jitsu game
• Learning from Master Carlos Gracie Jr
• Working with Grandmaster Relson Gracie
• Moving to Australia
• Adapting to life in Australia
• How Jiu-Jitsu’s rapid growth in Australia has led to disorganization in his opinion
• Why he thinks the IBJJF rules should remain the standard
• His advice to new academy owners
• Self defense and tradition
• Refereeing: The good and the bad
• Working with Mark Hunt on his grappling
• The modern Jiu-Jitsu scene
• The struggles of living in Brazil
• How Jiu-Jitsu built a bridge between people of different social status
• His acting career
• Future plans