Academy
Caio Terra Academy, Home of 12-time world champion
professor caio Terra
The Caio Terra Academy, located in Palo Alto, California is one of the world's premier martial arts academies. With programs for men, women, and children specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we invite you to come check us out and see all we have to offer.
With over 2,000 sqft of the best mats you’ll find anywhere, we ensure that you and your family will have a safe, fun experience every time! Whether you have extensive experience or have never been on the mat in your life, you will find a family-friendly, professional academy ready to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Felt like family from the moment I walked through the door . World class instructors that actually care about ALL of their students. It’s hard not to fall in love with Jiujitsu when you train at a place like this , with so many wonderful people .
~ Marcus laffen
Take a tour at our home for training and learning
Academy at a glance
FOUNDER | 12 TIME WORLD CHAMPION
CAIO TERRA
Professor Caio Terra started training Jiu Jitsu in 2002. He is noted for his belief that "Technique Conquers All." As a competitor, despite competing at rooster weight (the lightest division), he has won numerous open weight titles, including being a two-time American national open Weight champion. In addition, he is one of the most decorated competitors in the history of Jiu-Jitsu, having won the IBJJF No Gi world championship a record ten times. As a coach, he has produced and coached numerous world and UFC champions.
INSTRUCTOR
BRUNO UEDA
Bruno Ueda moved from Boston in 2019, where he trained under Jean Kleber de Freites of the Kimura Academy. Bruno was an avid competitor and loved everything about Jiu-Jitsu. In 2022 he started teaching and became the morning program director in Palo Alto. In 2023 Bruno's role expanded and now he can be found teaching the morning and evening classes! When Bruno isn't teaching in Palo Alto or training at HQ, he can be found in the water, as Bruno is an avid surfer and loves everything about the Ocean!
ACADEMY DIRECTOR
DONOVAN BADER
In 2016, Donovan Bader attended his first Caio Terra Association camp and fell in love with our one-team, one-family philosophy. In 2017, he moved from Buffalo, New York, to pursue a career in martial arts. He started teaching in our kids' program and, after graduating from CSU East Bay, became our acting youth program director. In 2022, Don became the active GM of our San Jose location and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of both Caio Terra Academy and Caio Terra Academy Palo Alto.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
RENATO "TOTO" BEZERA
In 2024, Renato "Toto" Bezerra assumed the role of youth program director. A lifelong martial artist, Renato started training at an early age with Ralph Gracie and his father, a Ralph Gracie black belt, Renato senior. Renato has helped youth programs and coached youth sports for over a decade! In the summers he works with the SF Giants youth programs. In addition to Jiu Jitsu, he is an accomplished wrestler, having wrestled for Menlo College and competed at the highest levels.
INSTRUCTOR | NO GI PROGRAM DIRECTOR
KANIELA KAHUANUI
Kaniela Kahuanui, like Benji and Ryan, has taught, competed, and represented the Caio Terra Association for over a decade! He was one of the first homegrown teachers, directly mentored by Professor Caio Terra and Nick Haloski. He had a very successful career as a competitor, from winning the Abu Dhabi pro and competing in Dubai to being crowned SUG champion! He has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and we are proud to have him as part of our staff!
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
JURGEN HO
COMING SOON
Try us and discover the difference
2-day trial
At the Caio Terra Academy we offer a free, no obligation 2 day trial (must be a local resident). We humbly invite you to come and see all we have to offer. With classes in the morning as early as 6:30am, and multiple classes in the evening that range from complete beginner to advanced, we have a program for you!
CAIO TERRA ACADEMY PALO ALTO | Call us at (408) 304-8200.
Or visit us at our location at 2695 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto 94306 USA.
