Gracie Barra Riverton
Professor Gabriel Weinem

Interview with Professor Gabriel Weinem

Get to know more about Professor Gabriel Weinem.

JIU JITSU CLASSES

To start, Professor Gabriel, could you introduce yourself to the audience? Who are you, and how would you describe your Jiu-Jitsu journey up to this point?

I’m a 47-year-old businessman, married, and the proud father of two daughters, who are 18 and 21 years old. I started training Jiu-Jitsu when my second daughter was born, so it has been part of my life for almost 18 years.

Jiu-Jitsu has helped me overcome many personal and professional challenges. It taught me how to find comfort in uncomfortable situations and pushed me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a man, a father, and a leader.

Today, in addition to my professional career in the vacation rental industry, I have the privilege of teaching Jiu-Jitsu during the week. It keeps my mind sharp, my body healthy, and allows me to stay connected with great friends and an inspiring community.

When and how did Jiu-Jitsu first enter your life? Was there a moment, person, or experience that became a turning point for you?

My first contact with Jiu-Jitsu was watching UFC 1, when I saw Royce Gracie defeating much larger and stronger opponents. That fascinated me.

I trained briefly at 16 years old, then moved to the United States as an exchange student, where I had the opportunity to wrestle for a season in high school. Wrestling contributed greatly to my understanding of grappling.

After returning to Brazil, I stepped away from Jiu-Jitsu for a few years. At 28, I decided to fully commit. From white belt to brown belt, I trained intensely. When I later moved back to the United States for work, training was interrupted again due to relocation and family adjustments.

Eventually, I joined Gracie Barra Salt Lake City. That decision marked a new chapter. I earned my black belt under Professor Rodrigo and began teaching.

More than a single turning point, it was a realization, I needed more confidence, more control over my body, and a deeper understanding of my limits. Jiu-Jitsu became the path to that growth.

Back in Brazil, you worked as an English teacher. How did that experience shape the way you teach Jiu-Jitsu today?

Teaching has always been part of who I am. I taught English for 15 years and worked with professionals from many different backgrounds, doctors, executives, bankers, lawyers. That experience strengthened my communication skills and my ability to connect with different personalities.

I learned how to structure lessons clearly, how to be patient, and how to explain concepts in a way that truly reaches people.

Although that chapter eventually closed, Jiu-Jitsu gave me another platform to teach, this time something deeply meaningful to me. My enthusiasm for sharing knowledge naturally transferred to the mats, and in many ways, teaching has also made me a better practitioner.

What motivated you to move from Brazil to the United States? Was it a long-term plan, or did the opportunity come unexpectedly?

It was both a long-term vision and a great opportunity that came at the right time.

I was offered a professional position that eventually led me to become a partner in the company I work for. It required a lot of dedication and hard work, but it has also brought significant growth and meaningful opportunities.

Being able to combine my business career with teaching Jiu-Jitsu here in the U.S. has been incredibly rewarding.

When you first arrived in the U.S., what did your early path look like here? Did you come already planning to work in Jiu-Jitsu, or did it develop over time?

No, Jiu-Jitsu was never my primary professional plan. My career path has always been in business.

However, I made a personal commitment to always keep Jiu-Jitsu in my life for as long as my body allows me to train. Teaching developed naturally over time.

Today you teach at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City. How did you find your way to GBSLC, and what do you enjoy most about teaching there?

In Brazil, I originally trained at Gracie Humaitá. When I moved to a different area, there was a Gracie Barra academy across the street from where I lived. There, I met a professor who knew Professor Rodrigo and recommended I visit Gracie Barra Salt Lake City.

That decision changed everything. The professors welcomed me with open arms. Today, they are not only colleagues but true friends. I’ve learned a great deal from them and now have the opportunity to pass that knowledge on to my students.

What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed between teaching Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil vs. in the U.S.?

In terms of Gracie Barra culture, I don’t see differences. The standards and quality are consistently high in both countries.

One observation I’ve made is that American students often demonstrate strong discipline in following technical details and structure, which is something I truly appreciate as an instructor.

What does Jiu-Jitsu mean to you personally? If you had to describe it in one sentence, what would you say?

To me, Jiu-Jitsu means we cannot live life wearing masks.

On the mat, there is no pretending. Who you are and what you’ve prepared for becomes visible. Every reaction reflects your work and your character.

And as I often say, the ability to find comfort in uncomfortable situations is a superpower, one that translates into every aspect of life.

In your opinion, what are the most valuable benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for someone starting today? And which benefits do you see impacting your students the most?

One of the greatest benefits is the confidence that comes from knowing you can defend yourself. That alone positively impacts self-esteem and emotional stability.

I often say that I start my day with people trying to choke me or threaten to break my arms and legs. After that, the challenges of daily life feel more manageable.

Jiu-Jitsu builds calm under pressure, resilience, and perspective, qualities that extend far beyond the mats.

To wrap up: what do you like to do in your free time, off the mats?

I value spending time with my family and friends above all.

I also enjoy snowboarding and mountain biking, often with my wife, who shares those passions with me. These activities allow us to spend meaningful time together outdoors.

My professional responsibilities take a significant portion of my time, but whenever I have free moments, I dedicate them to training and continuing my development in Jiu-Jitsu.

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