Mario Lucio Da Silva
Born in Rio de Janeiro Mario began his martial arts journey in Muay Thai under Professor Manitou Felipe, a student under Vale Tudo legend Marco Ruas. in 1992 Mario began training Jiu-Jitsu with Professor Roberto Correa de Lima 'Gordo' and Professr Ralph Gracie in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Months after beginning his BJJ journey, Mario identified himself much more with the gentle art than with the strike of Muay Thai and started exclusively training in BJJ. Mario was awarded his black belt under Professor "Gordo" in 2015 after taking a break to earn his law degree from Gama Filho University and opening his own law practice. During that time, Mario still trained sporadically and resumed consistently training BJJ in 2007. Mario has now earned his second degree on his black belt under Professor Gordo.
With aspirations of creating a new and better life in the United States for himself and his wife, Mario sold his law practice and moved to the United States in 2017, taking a head coaching position for the UFC Gym in Orlando Florida. HIs wife Marcia is a Pro Fitness model and Pro Bikini Competitor in Women's body building. In march of 2020, Mario accepted a police officer position from the Portland Maine Police Department which unfortunately fell through due to the COVID pandemic. Mario has now accepted the position as head Professor for Connection Rio BJJ in Walla Walla. Mario and Professor Dennis Asche have been long time friends and training partners at the Gordo academy in Brazil and Connection Rio BJJ is fortunate to have (2) BJJ black belts who earned their black belts in Brazil under the lineage of Professor Gordo providing their knowledge and skills to the community of Walla Walla!
