Prof. Seidler Rodrigo Ziser

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Seidler Rodrigo, and I was born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am married to Daniela, and we have a son named Pedro who also trains BJJ.

What did you do before you became a professor at Gracie Barra?

I used to be a pharmacist. I hold a master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences. For many years I worked at FIOCRUZ, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, one of Latin America's main research and development institutions in bioscience.

How did you get involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

My mom and I used to play wrestling in our backyard in Brazil, and she thought it would be good for me to train a martial art. At that time I was not taking it so seriously. It was just a hobby.

By 2009 I was overweight and had high cholesterol. So I decided to enroll in a Gracie Barra school to improve my fitness and my health. I had no idea that would be the beginning of a life change.

How did your career as an athlete start?

I like challenges, so I started competing when I was a white belt, and even more after defending the red shield since 2012.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as an athlete?

All matches are challenging and everyone is there to do their best. I would say the biggest challenge is commitment. You have to truly commit to your training, your learning, your improvement, and pay the price for it. Life will always tempt you to stay home, to not push hard. To succeed, discipline and commitment are the key.

When did you become a Gracie Barra professor?

You can be called professor once you are promoted to black belt, so that was December 17, 2017. I am a black belt under Jefferson Moura, and I had the honor of being promoted at the very first Gracie Barra school in the world, Gracie Barra Matriz, in Rio de Janeiro. But I had been helping in classes since blue belt, and I started teaching on my own in 2013, as a purple belt.

What is your mission with your students?

I am a very focused and dedicated person in everything I do, and it is no different with my students. The most important part of my job is to change the lives of my students through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, using the Gracie Barra philosophy developed by Grand Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

My mission is not only to shape great athletes who will compete, but to teach my students how to become more confident and, of course, how to defend themselves and the people they love when necessary.

What are the main benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

The main benefit is that it makes you the best version of yourself, and it gets there in several ways. The workout is outstanding, and physical activity is fundamental for health and happiness. On top of that, the art itself is like an addiction. It never ends.

Add the confidence you get from learning the best self-defense system in the world, and everything that happens in your brain when you build trust and good relationships with your training partners. It helps the body, the mind, and your relationships, for kids and for adults.

Is there an important lesson Jiu-Jitsu taught you?

That it is never late to start. I changed my career completely after it was really well established, and it was my best decision ever. Do something new, try, keep learning, keep moving. There are great things waiting for you, but you have to go there and get them.

What is your proudest moment as a Gracie Barra professor?

My proudest moment is not about me. The unforgettable day was my black belt promotion. To be recognized by so many references as a black belt is just priceless. We talk a lot about our legacy, and it has a special meaning for me.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start?

Don't be hard on yourself. Come to class, trust your coaches, and have fun while you learn. Adults are sometimes very demanding with themselves and start thinking about performance while they are still beginners. If you relax and enjoy it, you learn. Let time do the job and experience the benefits of this sport.

What do you like to do outside the mats?

I am a husband and a dad, so I like to spend most of my time with my family. We like to hike, to have Brazilian barbecue together, to go to the movies, to bike, and to just stay home together.