Episode 231: Marco “Gigante” Villela - a podcast by Ryan Ford: Grappling Enthusiast, Entrepreneur, Podcast Host

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







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