Since its founding in April 2000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian Top Team (BTT) has become one of the most respected names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts worldwide. Created by legends Murilo Bustamante, Ricardo Libório, Mário Sperry, and Luis Roberto Duarte, BTT was born from the rich lineage of Carlson Gracie and quickly earned a reputation for excellence, discipline, and innovation. The team became a breeding ground for some of the most accomplished fighters in the world, including Antônio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Vitor Belfort, and Murilo Bustamante himself, a former UFC Champion and PRIDE FC finalist. Their success helped define what modern Jiu-Jitsu and MMA would become, inspiring thousands of practitioners and instructors around the globe.
As BTT’s reputation grew, its philosophy — one that blends technique, humility, and respect — began to cross borders. The same values that shaped generations of Brazilian champions resonated deeply with martial artists in the United States, leading to the creation of the first official BTT academy on American soil: Brazilian Top Team Boston.
The story of BTT Boston begins in Everett, Massachusetts. What started in 1997 as a local martial arts academy became, in 2003, the first official BTT affiliate in the United States — a milestone for both the organization and the American Jiu-Jitsu community. Under the leadership of Professors João Amaral and Daniel Gazzoni, BTT Boston brought the authentic Brazilian Top Team methodology to New England, combining world-class instruction with a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.
From a young age, João Amaral was already on the path that would shape his life. He began training Judo at six years old, and by thirteen, had found his true calling in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of Crezio Souza, a key member of the Carlson Gracie Team. Over time, João evolved from athlete to mentor, competing in events such as NAGA, Pan American Championships, Brazilian Nationals, Arnold Classic, and US Open, as well as stepping into the MMA cage. His journey taught him that Jiu-Jitsu is not just about fighting — it is about transformation, confidence, and self-discipline. Today, João continues to guide and inspire the philosophy that defines BTT Boston.
Daniel Gazzoni, the Head Coach and driving force of BTT Boston, holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 30 years of experience. Known for his technical precision, teaching clarity, and deep commitment to his students’ development, Professor Gazzoni has produced more than 70 black belts and multiple IBJJF World Champions throughout his career. For Daniel, every class is an opportunity to build not just fighters — but stronger, more resilient human beings, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At BTT Boston, the goal goes far beyond victory on the mats. The academy stands as a place of growth, discipline, and community, where every student is encouraged to push their limits and discover their potential. Training here means developing respect, resilience, and confidence — qualities that extend far beyond the dojo. Whether you are stepping on the mats for the first time, chasing competition goals, or simply seeking a healthier and more focused life, you will find a home here.
Our programs include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi) and complementary disciplines such as Muay Thai and Boxing, taught with a balance of tradition and modern methodology. BTT Boston athletes have represented the team proudly in major tournaments, including the No-Gi Pan Championships and IBJJF events, carrying the BTT name beyond the borders of New England.
Located at 305 Broadway, Everett, MA — just minutes from downtown Boston — BTT Boston is the oldest and most established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in the New England region, continuing to expand the reach and legacy of Brazilian Top Team across Greater Boston.
When you walk through the doors of BTT Boston, you are not just entering a gym — you are joining a legacy. You become part of a lineage that began on the mats of Rio de Janeiro and continues to shape lives across the world.
Here, we do not just train to beat opponents — we train to overcome ourselves.
This is more than Jiu-Jitsu. This is Brazilian Top Team Boston.
João
Amaral
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (6th-Degree Black Belt), Gi, No-Gi, MMA — Co-Founder & Owner
A 6th-degree black belt with over 40 years of experience, João co-founded BTT Boston as the first official Brazilian Top Team academy in the United States. His teaching centers on discipline, resilience, and the belief that Jiu-Jitsu is a tool for lifelong personal transformation.
Daniel
Gazzoni
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (5th-Degree Black Belt) — Head Coach
With over 30 years of experience and more than 70 black belts produced, Professor Gazzoni is one of the most respected BJJ instructors in New England. His technical precision and dedication have shaped multiple IBJJF World Champions throughout his career.
Coming
Soon
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi and No-Gi
We are expanding our team with specialized instructors across all levels and programs. New instructor profiles will be revealed soon. Stay tuned.
Coming
Soon
Muay Thai & MMA All Levels
Our striking program covers Muay Thai fundamentals, clinch work, and MMA conditioning. A natural complement to BJJ training for those building a complete martial arts foundation. Instructor profile coming soon.
Coming
Soon
Kids & Teens BJJ Ages 4–14
Our kids and teens program builds confidence, focus, and discipline in a safe and welcoming environment. Designed to develop real skills and lasting character from day one. Instructor profile coming soon.
Coming
Soon
Women’s BJJ Gi and No-Gi
A welcoming space designed for women to learn, train, and grow in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at their own pace. Build strength, self-defense skills, and real community on the mat. Instructor profile coming soon.
Coming
Soon
Private Coaching 1-on-1
Personalized sessions tailored to your goals — competition prep, skill development, or fitness. Get focused instructor attention and accelerate your progress on your own schedule. Instructor profile coming soon.
What is
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that levels the playing field. Built on leverage, timing, and technique, it gives a smaller, less athletic person the tools to defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent — not through force, but through knowledge.
At its core, BJJ is a ground-based grappling art. You learn to control, neutralize, and submit — using your opponent’s energy against them. Every position has a purpose. Every movement has a reason. That is what makes it one of the most complete and intellectually demanding martial arts in the world.
BJJ traces its roots to Japanese Jujutsu and the ground techniques of Judo, brought to Brazil in the early 20th century and transformed by the Gracie family into a uniquely effective system of self-defense and combat. Over decades, it evolved into a global discipline practiced by millions — from law enforcement professionals and military operators to kids, women, and everyday people looking to build confidence and fitness.
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the backbone of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. At BTT Boston, we have been teaching it for over two decades — the same methodology that produced world champions, right here in Everett, Greater Boston.
Why Train BJJ at BTT Boston
Real Self-Defense: BJJ was built to work in real situations. You will learn how to stay calm under pressure, control a confrontation, and protect yourself — skills that actually hold up outside the gym.
Full-Body Fitness: Every class is a workout. Drilling, positional sparring, and live rolling build strength, cardio, flexibility, and coordination in ways most training routines never touch.
Mental Sharpness: BJJ is often called “physical chess.” Problem-solving under fatigue, staying composed when things get difficult — the mental tools you build on the mat carry directly into daily life.
A Community That Pushes You: At BTT Boston, you train alongside people who have been on these mats for years. The culture here is honest, supportive, and demanding in the best way possible.
A Journey Worth Taking: Whether your goal is your first stripe, your first competition, or simply showing up consistently — BJJ at BTT Boston rewards effort at every level. It is one of the few things in life where the more you put in, the more you get back.
Code of Conduct
How We Train, How We Carry Ourselves
At BTT Boston, the mat is a shared space. What happens here reflects who we are — as athletes, as teammates, and as people. Our code of conduct is not a list of restrictions. It is the standard we hold ourselves to, every single day, because the culture of this gym is something we have spent over 20 years building.
Mat Rules
Hygiene: Show up clean. Trim your nails. Wash your gear after every session. This is basic respect for the people you train with.
Uniform: Wear your BTT uniform on the mat. It represents where you train and the standards you hold yourself to.
Be On Time: Get here before class starts. Warm-ups matter. Showing up late disrupts the group and shortchanges your own training.
Respect the Hierarchy: Acknowledge your instructors and senior belts. This is not about ego — it is about honoring the people who came before you and the time they have put in.
Ask Before You Leave: Do not walk off the mat mid-class without letting your instructor know. Focus and presence are part of the discipline.
No Phones on the Mat: Leave them at the edge. You are here to train. One hour of full focus is worth more than a distracted two.
Osu
If you train long enough, you will hear it — before class, after a hard roll, when something hurts and you keep going anyway. Osu.
It is not just a word. At BTT Boston, it is the attitude we train with every day. It means you show up when it is hard. It means you respect the person across from you, even when you are competing against them. It means you stay humble when you win and composed when you lose.
Osu is the mindset that separates people who dabble in martial arts from those who actually grow through it. It is what you build here — not just technique, but character.
What Osu Means at BTT Boston:
Show Up: Consistency beats talent. The people who improve the most are the ones who keep coming back, especially when they do not feel like it.
Respect Everyone: Your training partner is not your opponent — they are the reason you get better. Treat them accordingly, regardless of rank or experience.
Keep Going: There will be days when nothing works. That is part of the process. Osu is what you say to yourself when you decide to roll one more time anyway.