Alan Merullo, Martial Arts Instructor

Alan Merullo

In addition to being the co-founder of the Bushido MMA, Alan is the head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and coach. His study of the martial arts started in 1992; beginning with Karate and then moving to Wing Chun Kung Fu with the intentions of finding a practical self-defense style. After a few years, Alan felt as if he was a fairly well accomplished martial artist, well capable of self-defense. Around that time a friend invited Alan to his first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. It only took that one class for Alan to realize that he was missing the most important, yet most neglected aspect of a real confrontation. That missing link was apparent when he recognized that fights typically go into a clinch, or end up on the ground. Alan humbly accepted the fact that he could not only rely on punching and kicking for self-defense while sparing with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, who had less than six months experience. Very excited about his new discovery Alan began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that same week. ?

Alan is the only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt instructor located in Portsmouth, Virginia (one of very few in the world to attain this high rank under the direction of Sensei Saulo Ribeiro). Alan considers it a privilege to learn from the best and truly believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only helped him accomplish the goal of practical self defense, but also the pursuit of becoming a better person in general. Alan enjoys teaching and passing on this good information to anyone who wants to learn. Alan has had the privilege and honor to train and learn from many famous instructors such as: Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, Royler Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Kid Peligro, Chris Blanke, Pedro Sauer, Sylvio Bering, Alvero Berretto, Matt Serra, Frank Cucci, Joao Morais, and Kazeka Muniz. Alan has also recently earned his Brown Belt in Judo, under Sensei Alberto Cruz.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Experience and Accomplishments:

• 16+ years experience teaching and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Trained police and elite military personnel
• IBJJF Washington DC Spring International Open Black Belt Master 4 Open Division Silver Medalist
• IBJJF Boston Summer International Championship Black Belt Master 4 Ultra Heavy Gold Medal Champion ( 2018 )
• IBJJF Boston Summer International Championship Black Belt Master 4  Open Division Silver Medalist (2018 )
• IBJJF Charlotte International Championship Open Black Belt Master 3 Ultra Heavyweight Gold Medal Champion  ( 2017 )
  
• IBJJF Washington DC International Open Master 4 Ultra-Heavyweight Silver Medalist  ( 2017 ) 
  
• NAGA Expert No-GI Champion ( Summer 2017)
  
• Silver medal @ US Grappling Submission Only Black Belt Division (2013)
  
• Founder of the Annual Bushido Jiu-Jitsu Challenge
  
• Masters World Championships Competitor (2013)
  
• Completed Saulo Ribeiro's Instructors course (2013)
  
• 1st Place@ Dominion Grappling Championship (2008)
  
• Gold @ Saulo Ribeiro Tournament - Toledo, OH (2008) (No-Gi)
  
• Silver @ Saulo Ribeiro Tournament - Toledo, OH (2007)
  
• Gold @ Schwarzenegger (Gracie World Championships) – Columbus, OH (2006)
  
• Bronze @ Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships (2006)