Conversation about competing in Japan becomes an emotional tribute to the community of Gracie Barra

ATASCADERO — When you step into Gracie Barra Atascadero, there’s a palpable energy — something between focus and joy, discipline and community. It’s the kind of atmosphere that comes not just from a sport, but from a lifelong calling. At the center of it all is AJ Agazarm, a seasoned competitor, professor, and passionate advocate for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), who has brought more than two decades of experience and heart to San Luis Obispo County.

“I’ve lived in SLO for just about a year now,” Agazarm says, sitting casually after a training session. “It’ll be a year on July 1.” Originally from Florida, Agazarm began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2005, training under Eduardo de Lima, Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s first black belt to open a Gracie Barra academy in the United States.

“I started in Clearwater, Florida,” he recalls. “Master Carlos was there visiting, and I had the chance to meet him. After I finished school, he encouraged me to move out to California and train for my black belt with him. So I did.” That decision kicked off a new chapter — one filled with deep immersion in the Gracie family lineage, living with Master Carlos Gracie, and training alongside Chiron Gracie in Orange County.

For Agazarm, jiu-jitsu wasn’t just a hobby — it became a lifestyle, a professional career, and eventually, a mission. He went on to compete around the globe, representing the art and philosophy of BJJ on some of the most prestigious stages, including the Pan American and Brazilian Nationals, European Championships, and more recently, the Asian Championships in Japan.

“I’ve traveled to nearly 40 countries in just a few years through jiu-jitsu,” Agazarm says. “My black belt became like a passport — it took me everywhere. And all it asked of me in return was a knee injury. I’d take that trade any day.”

That knee injury, sustained in 2020, shifted his focus from professional competition to teaching — a transition that came naturally. “Being an academy owner and professor is always kind of the natural trajectory when you start in jiu-jitsu,” he explains. “But I didn’t think it would happen this soon.”

Since opening Gracie Barra Atascadero, Agazarm has channeled his energy into developing a thriving community of students — from toddlers to adults — teaching not only techniques, but discipline, respect, and self-confidence.

“In under a year, we’ve grown to around 150 kids,” he shares, a hint of disbelief. “Some families have four or five members training together. It’s incredible.” He attributes that success to more than just the curriculum. “It’s the sense of community we’re building. Beach days, barbecues, parents involved — it’s bigger than the mats,” he says.

Teaching, it turns out, has deepened Agazarm’s own understanding of the art. “You dissect techniques more thoroughly when you teach them,” he says. “Even after 20 years, I’m still learning. And seeing the joy and pride these kids get from mastering a move — it gives my life so much purpose.”

At Gracie Barra Atascadero, students don’t just learn to spar — they learn how to fall, get up, and move forward. “It’sabout emotional regulation, learning how to lose, how to win gracefully, how to trust others,” Agazarm explains.“These are life skills. I’ve seen jiu-jitsu change kids’ lives, giving them a sense of self-efficacy that extends far beyond the gym.”

Agazarm’s brother, Anthony, who also began training in jiu-jitsu at a young age, now shares the mats with him in Atascadero. He’ll also be competing in the World Championships this August. “It’s special,” Agazarm says. “Jiu-jitsu gave us a bond I don’t think we could’ve built anywhere else.” The brothers come from a family of nine siblings and have helped create a close-knit, supportive team rooted in mutual respect and dedication to their craft.

When asked about his recent competition in Japan, Agazarm smiles. “I finished second,” he says. “There’s a guy I’vegot a little rivalry with — we’re tied two and two. Hopefully, we’ll settle the score at Worlds in August.”

Those competitions aren’t just for Agazarm. “Some of our students will compete at Worlds this year,” he says proudly.“It’s like the Comic-Con of jiu-jitsu — Jiu-Jitsu Con at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Tens of thousands of people, free seminars, expo booths — it’s a celebration of the art.”

It’s also a chance for students to see their coach in action. “They get to see how I manage teaching and competing. Some come up to me after matches and say, ‘Wow, that move really worked!’ And I’m like, ‘Of course it does — I wouldn’t teach you something that doesn’t!’” he laughs.

For Agazarm, the goal now is to continue expanding — not just physically, but philosophically. “We’re quickly outgrowing our space,” he admits. “I’m also developing new programs, including a female-only GBF program and a kids’ competition class. The aim is to accommodate every lifestyle — homeschoolers, working parents, everyone.”

Agazarm has built a schedule that aims to remove barriers for families to participate, and he encourages people to juststart. “Find an hour or two a week,” he urges. “It’s not something you get right away, and it’s not supposed to be. It’sabout showing up. You don’t need to be a fighter or an athlete — you just need to be willing to learn and have fun.”

At its core, Agazarm’s philosophy is one of empowerment. “I feel there’s a kind of guilt a person should have if they don’t know how to defend themselves or their family,” he says. “Jiu-jitsu gives you that power. It builds strong, stable homes and confident individuals.”

He continues, “The people I’ve trained with, competed with — they’re like family. There’s a level of trust and camaraderie here that’s different from traditional sports. It’s intimate. It’s life-changing.”

That passion is infectious. And it’s clear that what Agazarm is building in Atascadero isn’t just an academy — it’s a movement. During our conversation — originally meant to focus on his impressive performance at the Asian Championships in Japan — it didn’t take long for the topic to shift. What was supposed to be an interview about Agazarm turned into a heartfelt conversation about the kids he teaches, the families he serves, and the life-changing work he feels honored to do each day.

At one point, Agazarm became visibly emotional, his voice cracking slightly as he talked about the kids who show up to his gym week after week. “Watching them grow, seeing the pride in their eyes when they master a move, the way their confidence blossoms — it’s overwhelming,” he said. “This isn’t just teaching jiu-jitsu. It’s giving them something powerful, something that stays with them for life. I love what I do more than I can even express. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” he adds, referencing Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr. and the lineage he honors. “My role now is to translate everything I’ve learned — from a 16-year-old kid surrounded by grown men speaking Portuguese, to now building this space in America for the next generation.”

So what’s next for AJ Agazarm?

“World Championships in August,” he says with a smile. “But honestly, just seeing these kids grow — seeing them findconfidence and joy on the mats — that’s the real reward. That’s why I do this.”

With heart, humility, and a relentless drive, Agazarm has brought a piece of Brazil to the North County — and in doing so, he’s helping families find strength, connection, and purpose, one roll at a time.

Feature Image: AJ Agazarm (left), a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and instructor at Gracie Barra Atascadero, competes at the recent Asian Championships in Japan. Photo courtesy of AJ Agazarm