Sergio Souza "Bolão"

Master | 6th degree Black Belt under Grand Master Carlson Gracie (RIP)
Master Sergio Souza, aka "Bolão", is one of the most successful fighters to come out of the Carlson Gracie Team in the early 1990s. Famous for his innovative and high-flying sweeps, Bolao made history in the competition circuit by fighting and defeating some of the sports all-time greats such as Fabio Gurgel, Jean Jacques Machado, Marcelo Behring and many others.

He is also an accomplished instructor who has produced a number of national and international champions. Once the resident instructor at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana, Bolao has been teaching in Brazil for over 20 years and has developed a large following over this period. He currently teaches at Corpo Quatro Academy in Ipanema alongside Master Alvaro Barreto, himself a red-and-black belt under Grand Master Helio Gracie. [Back to top]

Joao Pedro Santos

Head Instructor | 2nd degree Black Belt under Master Sergio Souza
A product of the Bolao Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Professor Joao Pedro Santos has been studying the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 15. He finally achieved the rank of black belt under Master Sergio Souza in 2005. Thanks to his work as editor and reporter for Gracie Magazine, JP had the chance to witness and learn different aspects of the art straight from the source. Notable names include Grand Master Helio Gracie, Master Carlos Gracie Jr, Master Renzo Gracie, Ryan Gracie (RIP), Roger Gracie and JP's mentor, Luca Atalla.

The work implemented at Choke is a result of this experience combined with a deep passion for the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Joao Pedro Santos is committed to teaching the art as a fighting form and way of life. To this day he has graduated almost 70 direct students, given seminars in over 10 countries and trained law enforcement agents from the Copenhagen Police Academy, Monaco Special Forces and Brazilian FBI.
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Michael Pedersen

Assistant Instructor | Brown Belt under Joao Pedro Santos
Michael is is the head instructor at Choke Sweden and one of the founding members of Choke. He is also the highest ranked student in our organisation. Winner of many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling tournaments in Scandindavia (Danish Championship, Scandinavian Open, Open Mat, Kaisho Cup), he has established himself as one of the most proeminent competitors in the region. Michael's dedication to the art and his commitment to Choke have turned him into an excellent coach as well. [Back to top]

Morten Pedersen

Assistant Instructor | Brown Belt under Joao Pedro Santos
Just like his twin brother, Morten Pedersen is a founding member of Choke and one of the pillars of our organisation. He holds an amazing competition record where most of his wins have come by way of submission. His favorite technique: chokes from the back. Morten can be seen training regularly in Copenhagen as well as in special classes held in other Choke schools. [Back to top]

Alexander Rasmussen

Assistant Instructor | Purple Belt under Joao Pedro Santos
Alexander Rasmussen was one of our first students in Århus. He currently shares the responsibility of running the school with teammate and good friend David Nielsen. Thanks to his hard work and dedication Choke Århus has established itself as the second main school in our organisation. In addition to his training at Choke, Alexander has travelled to Brazil to train under Master Sergio Bolao. [Back to top]

Michael Lund

Assistant Instructor | Blue Belt under Joao Pedro Santos
Michael Lund runs Choke Hvide Sande in the western cost of Jylland. Originally a 2nd degree Shotokan Karate black belt, he has become a serious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor over the past years. His school has a strong children's group and a great mix of people in a friendly environment. [Back to top]