About Us
caio terra academy | San Jose
home of 12 time world champion, professor caio terra
The Caio Terra Academy, San Jose, was founded in 2011 by 12 time world champion, Professor Caio Terra. Built on the belief that through Jiu-Jitsu / Martial Arts we can make the world a better place, at the Caio Terra Academy, EVERYONE is always welcome! With programs for men, women, and children of all ages and ability levels, we have a program for you.
When you come to the Caio Terra Academy, you can expect to be treated like Family. Here you will find a clean, safe, family-friendly environment . We offer a free, no-obligation, 3-day trial. If you ever thought about trying a martial art, want a different way to work out, or want to be a world champion, we welcome you! Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you!
THE CAIO TERRA ADVANTAGE
"It’s Not How Good Your Jiu-Jitsu is but How Good Jiu-Jitsu is For You" ~ Caio Terra
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
“Jiu Jitsu is personal efficiency to protect the weaker, which anyone can do. It is the force of leverage against brute force.” –Helio Gracie. At the Caio Terra Academy we specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, following the curriculum developed and tested by 12 time world champion Caio Terra.
FITNESS
Get in shape while learning one of the most effective martial arts in the world! All Jiu Jitsu classes have a dynamic warmup, which increases your movement, fitness levels and understanding of body mechanics. From there you will learn proven techniques, drill them and apply them to a fully resisting opponent!
THE ASSOCIATION
The Caio Terra Academy serves as the head quarters for the Caio Terra Association! We are one of the newest and most progressive associations in the world. Nationally we have over 50 affiliates and are growing daily!
FREE TRIAL
At CTA we believe that we have a program for everyone! No matter what your goals are, to learn self defense, get in shape or become the next UFC fighter, we have a program for you! We offer a free, no obligation, 2 day trial! Come in today and see all that we have to offer!
CAIO TERRA ACADEMY FITNESS (CT FIT)
START LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE TODAY
In addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we also offer fitness classes! The moment you step into the CT Fit environment you will be inspired to push a little harder, sweat a little longer, and believe in yourself a little more. With each class, you will lift with confidence and sweat with purpose alongside a community that’s here to support you – no matter what.
PROFESSOR CAIO TERRA
12 time world champion.
Welcome to the Caio Terra Academy, located in San Jose, California. We are one of worlds premier martial arts academies. With programs for men, women, children specializing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we invite you to come check us out and see all we have to offer.
We first opened our doors in 2011, and as time went on continued to expand. Today we have over 10,000 sqft of the best equipment and mats you’ll find anywhere! When you come to my academy rest assured that you and your family will have a safe, fun experience every time! Whether you have extensive experience or never been on the mat in your life, you will find a family friendly, professional academy ready to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Thank you for visiting our site and hope to see you on the mat!
Caio Terra
HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Professor Caio Terra started training Jiu Jitsu in 2002. He is noted for his belief that "Technique Conquers All". Weighing only 130lbs he is a 2 time American national Weight and Open Weight champion. In addition he is one of the most decorated competitors in the history of Jiu Jitsu, having won the IBJJF No Gi world championship a record 10 times. In addition to his titles, he also has produced and coached numerous world and UFC champions.
VITOR PASCHOAL
Assistant Instructor | Morning Director
CTA Morning Director, Vitor Paschoal moved to San Jose in 2011 to further his competition career. In 2016, sidelined by injuries he started teaching. In 2018 his role expanded and he became the morning program director! Today our morning program is thriving and it's success has been largely due to his commitment to the program and our students. Vitor can be found teaching mornings Monday through Friday from 6-8:00am and in the occasional 11:30am classes!
MARCO ZULAUF
Assistant Instructor | NO GI DIRECTOR
In 2012 Coach Marco moved from his home country of Switzerland to study directly under Professor Caio Terra. An avid competitor, in 2015 Marco reached his dream of became an IBJJF No Gi world champion. The same year he was awarded his black belt directly from Professor Caop Terra. After many years of competing, in 2019 coach Marco shifted his focus and took over the No Gi program. You can find him every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm teaching No gi!
Gabriel Marangoni
Assistant Instructor | CTA Palo Alto
CTA Instructor Gabriel Marangoni first came to the academy in the mid-2010's to further his training before major competitions. Over the years, his friendship with his Professor grew, and in 2021 he left Brazil, where he ran a successful academy, to pursue his dream in America. Coach Gabriel still actively competes and currently teaches in Palo Alto. He still actively trains in San Jose and is always available to help the students!
Donovan bader
GENERAL MANAGER | ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
General Manager, Donoan Bader moved to San Jose in 2017 to pursue a career in Martial Arts. He started teaching in our kids program and after graduating from CSU East Bay became our acting general manager. Don is responsible for the day to do operations of both Caio Terra Academy and Caio Terra Academy Palo Alto. In addition, he often can be found teaching in the kids and fundamental programs.
Rafael Duarte
Assistant Instructor | Kids director
CTA Instructor Rafael Duatre is a CIA Paulista Black belt with over a decade of teaching and competition experience. In 2022 he joined the Caio Terra Academy and in the fall became the new kid's program director. Rafael believes strongly that the lessons we learn on the mat last a lifetime. In addition to running the youth program, Rafael assists Professor Caio with the adult classes.
