Thiago Reinaldo

Thiago Reinaldo Head Instructor & Competitor at Gracie Barra Stafford | 4th Degree Black Belt
Passionate about changing lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

From kids to adults, beginners to competitors we train, grow, and evolve together. Thiago Reinaldo, a 4th Degree Black Belt under Professor Henrique Machado, is the head instructor at Gracie Barra Stafford, as well as a central figure in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community in Virginia. His journey in BJJ began in the 1990s, ignited by the legendary Royce Gracie’s performances in the UFC, leading him

to train at ASLE, now known as Gracie Barra Amazonas, in Manaus, Brazil. In 2017, Professor Thiago moved to Virginia to help start the very first Gracie Barra academy in Virginia. There, he worked passionately and tirelessly, playing a monumental and instrumental role in starting and establishing Gracie Barra Stafford. He has served as its head instructor since its founding in 2018. Professor Thiago’s career has been marked by success both as a competitor, garnering numerous national and international medals, and as a passionate instructor, shaping the futures of many students. His approach to teaching integrates his rich competitive experience with a deep understanding of BJJ’s transformative potential. Professor Thiago views Brazilian jiu-jitsu not just as a martial art, but as a vital tool for personal and collective growth. His commitment to “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” is evident in his efforts to offer programs accessible to all ages and skill levels, focusing on the holistic development of each student. Professor Thiago’s lineage traces back to Mitsuyo Maeda and Carlos Gracie and is a testament to his deep roots in the art. His achievements, ranging from the IBJJF Master International to the American National Jiu-Jitsu Championship, underscore his status as a champion fighter. He continues to inspire and develop talent at Gracie Barra Stafford, fostering a community driven by integrity, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through his leadership and dedication, Professor Thiago exemplifies the core values of brotherhood, integrity, and development, making Gracie Barra Stafford a beacon for those seeking to learn and grow in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo

TBT to Master International North America 2022. A lot of lessons learned from this event. Next up, June 20 PBJJF Pan, an...
05/28/2026

TBT to Master International North America 2022. A lot of lessons learned from this event. Next up, June 20 PBJJF Pan, and then June 25 IBJJF American Nationals. Back to work. OSS

#ᴛʙᴛ

🇧🇷 Feliz Dia das Mães para todas as mães ❤️Hoje celebramos com gratidão e muito amor a mãe dos nossos filhos, minha amad...
05/10/2026

🇧🇷 Feliz Dia das Mães para todas as mães ❤️

Hoje celebramos com gratidão e muito amor a mãe dos nossos filhos, minha amada mãe e minha querida sogra. Mulheres fortes, amorosas e fundamentais na nossa família.

Obrigado por todo amor, carinho, dedicação e pelos inúmeros sacrifícios feitos todos os dias. O amor de uma mãe é uma das maiores forças que existem no mundo.

Que Deus abençoe todas as mães hoje e sempre 🙏🏾

🇺🇸 Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers ❤️

Today we celebrate with gratitude and so much love the mother of our children, my beloved mother, and my dear mother-in-law. Strong, loving women who are such an important part of our family.

Thank you for all the love, care, dedication, and countless sacrifices made every single day. A mother’s love is one of the greatest forces in the world.

May God bless all mothers today and always 🙏🏾

🇺🇸 Before the GBWS, we had the opportunity to visit GB Rio Matriz, the number one Gracie Barra school in the world, and...
05/06/2026

🇺🇸 Before the GBWS, we had the opportunity to visit GB Rio Matriz, the number one Gracie Barra school in the world, and train with Professor Victor Estima.

It was a high-level technical session. Learning from someone who carries so much knowledge and experience on the mat is always a rare opportunity.

Moments like this remind me why Jiu-Jitsu is a never-ending journey. There is always something new to learn. There is always someone who can show you a different path.

Grateful to Professor for his time, the knowledge shared, and the brotherhood. And to for welcoming us with such respect and openness.

This is the beauty of the Gracie Barra family.

🇧🇷 Antes do GBWS, tivemos a oportunidade de visitar a GB Rio Matriz, a escola número 1 da Gracie Barra, e treinar com o Professor Victor Estima.

Foi um treino técnico de alto nível. Aprender com quem carrega tanto conhecimento e experiência no tatame é sempre uma oportunidade única.

Momentos como esse me lembram por que o Jiu-Jitsu é uma jornada sem fim. Sempre há algo novo a aprender. Sempre há alguém que pode te mostrar um caminho diferente.

Gratidão ao Professor pelo tempo, pelo conhecimento compartilhado e pela irmandade. E à por nos receber com tanto respeito e abertura.

Essa é a beleza da família Gracie Barra.

05/06/2026

Small reps. Big results. Stay consistent.

Every set is a vote for who you’re becoming.
Built for the mats, built for life. 🔺🥋

Tag a training partner who keeps you accountable.

🎥





🇺🇸 Calm before the storm.In moments like this, everything slows down.The noise fades, the pressure settles, and clarity ...
05/04/2026

🇺🇸 Calm before the storm.

In moments like this, everything slows down.
The noise fades, the pressure settles, and clarity takes over.

This is not just about a fight.
It’s about representing my journey, my team, and everything we stand for.

Grateful for the opportunity to step on that stage at the Gracie Barra World Summit 2026
Proud to represent GB Stafford.

The storm always comes.
Be ready.

🇧🇷 Calma antes da tempestade.

Nesses momentos, tudo desacelera.
O barulho some, a pressão se organiza, e a clareza aparece.

Não é apenas sobre uma luta.
É sobre representar minha trajetória, meu time e tudo o que acreditamos.

Gratidão pela oportunidade de subir naquele palco no Gracie Barra World Summit 2026
Orgulho de representar a GB Stafford.

A tempestade sempre vem.
Esteja pronto.

📸

🇺🇸 Moments like this remind me where everything started.In 2008, I received my black belt from my Sensei, Master Henriqu...
04/30/2026

🇺🇸 Moments like this remind me where everything started.

In 2008, I received my black belt from my Sensei, Master Henrique Machado.

Last Saturday, I had the honor to witness him receive his coral belt.

Seeing this moment reminded me that Jiu-Jitsu is more than achievements. It is legacy, loyalty, gratitude, and the people who guide us along the way.

Grateful for the journey.
Grateful for my Sensei.
Grateful for everyone who came before me.

🇧🇷 Momentos como esse me lembram onde tudo começou.

Em 2008, recebi minha faixa preta das mãos do meu Sensei, Mestre Henrique Machado.

No último sábado, tive a honra de vê-lo receber sua faixa coral.

Esse momento me lembrou que o Jiu-Jitsu é muito mais do que conquistas. É legado, lealdade, gratidão e as pessoas que nos guiam ao longo da caminhada.

Gratidão pela jornada.
Gratidão pelo meu Sensei.
Gratidão por todos que vieram antes de mim.

Honored to share this moment with Grand Master Carlos Gracie Jr.Grateful to be part of this legacy.
04/28/2026

Honored to share this moment with Grand Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
Grateful to be part of this legacy.

04/27/2026

Last Saturday was a deeply meaningful and unforgettable moment in my journey.

Having the honor of witnessing my Sensei, Henrique Machado, being promoted to Red and Black Belt Master was something truly special.

This promotion represents far more than a belt rank. It represents a lifetime of dedication, discipline, leadership, and service to Jiu-Jitsu. It reflects the impact of a man who has helped shape not only great athletes, but also strong values, character, and generations of students.

For me personally, this moment carries even greater meaning. To see my professor, someone who has been such an important part of my path, receive this recognition was emotional and inspiring.

Moments like this remind us of the strength of our lineage, the importance of honoring those who came before us, and the responsibility we carry to continue this legacy with integrity and purpose.

Congratulations, Sensei Henrique Machado, on this well-deserved promotion to Master. Thank you for your example, your teachings, and for everything you continue to represent for all of us.

Today was the first day of GBWS 26, dedicated to leadership, and it was an honor to be there not only as a participant, ...
04/24/2026

Today was the first day of GBWS 26, dedicated to leadership, and it was an honor to be there not only as a participant, but also co-facilitating part of this experience.

Being in this environment reminded me that leadership is much more than holding a position. It is about taking responsibility, preserving the essence of what has been built, and helping shape the future with purpose.

The theme of the day made it clear that, as leaders, we are called to be guardians of the legacy. To align values, vision, and action. To understand that our decisions impact people, schools, culture, and communities.

I am especially grateful to Professor Andre Felix and to the entire team behind the Mentor Labs journey. Thank you for the guidance, the trust, and for creating spaces that challenge us to grow, reflect, and lead with greater awareness and responsibility.

Today was a reminder that leadership is not only about direction. It is also about service, presence, and commitment.

Grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn, and walk alongside so many incredible leaders.

The legacy continues through each of us.

Last Saturday, my wife, my son, and I had the opportunity to attend Professor Carlos Placido’s seminar at Gracie Barra C...
01/22/2026

Last Saturday, my wife, my son, and I had the opportunity to attend Professor Carlos Placido’s seminar at Gracie Barra Chantilly.

Grateful for the learning, the exchange, and the moments shared together on the mats.

Special thanks to Professora Glaucia and Professor Jesse from GB Chantilly for the invitation and for always welcoming us with so much respect and warmth. 🙏🥋

And Congratulations to everyone who got promoted on this special day. Oss 🔥





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909 Garrisonville Road #103
Stafford, VA
22554

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