Our Instructors

Born in Rio de Janeiro, the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mario began his training under world-class competitors and instructors Roberto "Gordo" Correa and Vinicius "Draculino" Magalhaes. He joined the famed Gracie Barra Academy in 2002. Professor Marcio Feitosa and Master Carlos Gracie Jr. were responsible for awarding Mario his brown and black belts, respectively. Mario's competitive accomplishments include winning the first Brazilian National Championships in 1993, a bronze medal in the 1999 Brazilian National Championships, a silver medal in the 2004 Brazilian National Championships, and winning the BJJ Pan-Am Championships in 2008.

Professor Ryan Walden began his pursuit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at CBJJ, a Rigan Machado School. He began competing as a white belt and continued through his purple belt, medaling at every competition. While holding a brown belt backed with 5 years of Muay Thai training, he tested his skills inside the cage as a professional mixed martial artist. After almost a decade of dedication to Jiu-Jitsu, he earned the rank of Black Belt under Professor Mario Busy Correa. Professor Busy continues to mentor Ryan at SolFlo.