For half of his life, Jiu Jitsu has played a major role. Santana, a native of Goiânia, Brazil, began his journey into the Gentle Art at the age of 14. In all of those years, Santana emerged as not only a top talent and contender on the mat, but also a valued member of the Jiu Jitsu community. In addition to winning numerous national and international championships, Santana created “Gatas no tatami,” an all-women’s Jiu Jitsu class in Brazil. Santana, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Universidade Salgado de Oliveira, eventually immigrated to the United States with his wife. He is now the head instructor at The Kraze Fitness and Martial Arts in Winston-Salem, NC, a Lucas Lepri Brazilian Jiu Jitsu affiliate.