The Coaches
Behind the Mats

HEAD COACH · BLACK BELT SINCE 2004

Henrique Gama Filho

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1982, Henrique Gama Filho is a 5th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Francisco "Toco" Albuquerque, representing the lineage of Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Francisco Albuquerque. He is the son of Pedro Gama Filho, a Black Belt in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate, and one of the pioneers and most respected figures in Brazilian martial arts.

Martial arts have been part of Henrique's life from the very beginning. At just four years old, he stepped onto the mats to begin his Judo training under his father's guidance. By the age of six, he had added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training under the legendary Royler Gracie in Copacabana, where the emphasis was on discipline, self-defense, and character long before sport Jiu-Jitsu became what it is today.

A defining moment came in 1991 during the historic Jiu-Jitsu vs. Luta Livre challenge matches in Rio de Janeiro. Watching the respect his father received from the Jiu-Jitsu community and witnessing the dominance of Carlson Gracie's team inspired Henrique to dedicate himself fully to the art. Soon after, he joined Nova Geração, under Masters Francisco "Toco" Albuquerque and Rodrigo Medeiros, beginning the competitive journey that would shape his career.

Since 1992, Henrique has competed in some of the most prestigious tournaments in Brazil and around the world, earning multiple Brazilian National titles, a World Cup Bronze Medal as a Purple Belt, numerous podium finishes as a Black Belt, and IBJJF championships in the United States. On November 4, 2004, he was promoted to Black Belt by Master Francisco "Toco" Albuquerque.

In 2015, with the support of Master Ricardo Libório, Henrique moved to the United States as an athlete representing American Top Team. Two years later, he founded American Top Team Coral Gables, building one of South Florida's strongest Jiu-Jitsu communities. In 2019, driven by the desire to honor his family's legacy and create something of his own, he founded Gama Filho Martial Arts, a school built around excellence on the mats and strong family values.

Today, in 2026, Gama Filho Martial Arts continues to grow with the opening of its second location, marking another important milestone in the academy's history.

More than his achievements as a competitor, Henrique is most proud of the culture he has built. His philosophy is simple: students should train hard, challenge themselves every day, and pursue excellence, while being part of an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported. The academy is known for producing tough athletes without ever losing its warm, family-oriented atmosphere.

That philosophy extends beyond the academy walls. Henrique is happily married and the proud father of two sons, both of whom were literally raised on the mats and have been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since they were toddlers. Watching them grow through the same values that shaped his own life has become one of his greatest joys and reinforces his belief that martial arts are one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, discipline, respect, and strong families.

Today, Henrique personally oversees every program at Gama Filho Martial Arts, continuing the mission started by his father decades ago: using martial arts not only to create champions, but to positively impact lives, strengthen families, and build a community where everyone belongs.

"The main lesson my father taught me was education and respect for others. That is the foundation of everything we build at the academy. Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone."

• IBJJF Miami International Open Champion (2015)
• Pan American No-Gi Championship Runner-up (2015, Master 1)
• Brazilian National Junior Champion (1996 & 1997)
• Brazilian Team Nationals Runner-up (2002, brown belt)
• CBJJO World Cup 3rd Place (2002, purple belt)