Helio Moreira started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 8 with Black Belt master Cirilo Azevedo and Elias Martins. Having fallen in love with this Martial Art at the age of 9, he was already a Brazilian Champion. At the age of 13, Helio moved to Rio De Janeiro and started to practice with the Gracie Club, now known as Barra Gracie, taught by the Machado Brothers, Ze Henrique Leao Teixeira and Renzo Gracie. Soneca, as he is known in the Martial Arts world, chose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as his career totally dedicating himself to it. At the age of 22, he received from Master Carlos Gracie JR., the Black Belt he had been dreaming of; a prestige that few people had at that time.
Due to a few physical problems, he decided to dedicate himself to teaching. Helio Soneca is one of the major contributors to the successful development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the world. Soneca has trained several world champions in BJJ, GRAPPLING and NHB. Some of his most famous names include people like Vanderlei Silva, Alan Belcher, Michel Safi and many more. He left the mats several times over as a champion and fought incredible matches. Soneca is currently a 4th Dan and known as one of the best fighters and Masters in the world. He is also one of the founders of Gracie Barra, currently the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the world. Soneca is currently participating in seminars throughout the U.S. and around the world. Soneca has associations in Brazil, Thailand and Turkey, he is President of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the state of Parana-Brasil (FJJP), and is Vice President and founder of the Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the state of Tennessee, USA
Gracie Jiu Jitsu
- Students learn to overcome an opponent even after being taken to the ground
- An effective system for self defense as well as sport competition
- Focuses on leverage and grappling to make the most effective use of strength
- Gracie Jiu Jitsu is the most effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ever taught
CORE offers classes in Gracie Jiu Jitsu for all levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are taught by two-time world champion and fourth degree black belt Helio “Soneca” Moreira, who has trained numerous champions including Wanderlei Silva, Stephan Bonnar and Miguel Torres.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on leverage and grappling, rather than kicks and punches, to gain control of an opponent. Students learn practical techniques which make the most effective use of their strength, while turning the attacker’s force against him or her. These include ground fighting techniques which make it possible for the student to overcome an opponent even after being taken to the ground.
