Today we’d like to introduce you to Deivid Dias.
Hi Deivid, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, in a neighborhood where competition and creativity walk side by side. From a young age, I was drawn to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — not only as a sport but as a philosophy of problem-solving, discipline, and human connection. What began as passion on the mats evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence and leadership.
Today, I’m a black belt under GFTeam, a Pan-American champion, and the founder of GFTeam DC, one of the most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies in the DMV area. Over the years, I’ve built more than a gym — I’ve built a community. A place where kids learn confidence, adults rediscover purpose, and athletes prepare for the world stage.
My work naturally expanded beyond teaching. I created Nebula Kimonos, a performance-focused BJJ gear brand, and OSS Rio Tours, a travel experience that brings students from around the world to train, surf, and explore the birthplace of Jiu-Jitsu — Brazil. These projects connect my entrepreneurial side with my mission to share the Brazilian spirit of resilience, joy, and excellence worldwide.
On social media, my goal has always been to bring authenticity back into martial arts — mixing motivation, humor, and real talk about growth. With millions of views and followers across platforms, I use my voice to show that success in Jiu-Jitsu and in life comes from consistency, culture, and mindset.
At the end of the day, I see myself not just as a coach or business owner, but as a bridge — between Brazil and the U.S., between tradition and innovation, between martial arts and modern entrepreneurship.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — but every challenge shaped the person I am today.
Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve done just about everything to survive and keep my dreams alive: construction, cleaning, restaurant work, deliveries — you name it. Each of those jobs taught me something different about discipline, humility, and focus. They reminded me that hard work isn’t a phase — it’s a lifestyle.
When I moved to the U.S., I didn’t have a roadmap. I had a mission: to build something meaningful. I worked long days and late nights, sometimes teaching class in the morning and delivering food at night. But that period gave me the hunger that still drives me today.
And through all of it, my greatest source of strength has been my family. My wife, Jennifer, is the heart of everything I do — she’s been my partner, my balance, and my biggest supporter from the very beginning. My daughter Zoe and my son Alec give meaning to every achievement. They remind me that success isn’t just about medals or money — it’s about what kind of example you set.
The road wasn’t smooth, but it was real. Every step — every sacrifice, every lesson — built the foundation for everything I have today.
As you know, we’re big fans of GFTeam DC / OSS Rio Tour / Nebula Kimonos. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My main focus is GFTeam DC, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy I founded in the Washington D.C. area. We currently have two locations — one in Takoma Park and one in Hyattsville, Maryland. But it’s more than just a gym — it’s a movement. We combine world-class training with a strong sense of community, culture, and character. Our goal is not only to build great athletes but great people. We train kids, adults, and competitors, but the heart of what we do is teaching mindset, resilience, and discipline through Jiu-Jitsu.
What sets us apart is our philosophy. We don’t sell hype — we build humans. I created a system that focuses on personal development just as much as technique. Students learn to lead on and off the mats. That same approach inspired the GFTeam DC Instructor Certification Course, a program I designed to prepare future instructors — not only to teach positions but to teach with emotional intelligence, structure, communication, and leadership. It’s an intensive five-hour course that gives coaches the tools to create real impact in their communities.
Beyond the academy, I’ve expanded my mission into other ventures that express the Brazilian lifestyle and mindset:
• Nebula Kimonos — my own Jiu-Jitsu brand focused on quality, comfort, and design. It represents the modern athlete — simple, functional, and elegant.
• OSS Rio Tours — my BJJ travel company that brings students from around the world to train in Rio de Janeiro, surf, enjoy Brazilian culture, and connect with the roots of Jiu-Jitsu. It’s not just a trip — it’s an experience that blends training, tourism, and lifestyle.
Each project is connected by one vision: to elevate the standard of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu globally — as a sport, as a culture, and as a business.
I’m most proud of how these brands work together. From the mats in D.C. to the beaches of Rio, to the products our students wear, everything is connected by the same DNA — authenticity, professionalism, and passion for excellence.
At the end of the day, what I want readers to know is that my work isn’t about building companies — it’s about building legacy. Everything I create, teach, or share is designed to open doors for the next generation of coaches, athletes, and dreamers who believe that discipline, culture, and creativity can take them anywhere.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes. I’d like to remind people that success is not luck — it’s rhythm. It’s the daily repetition of small things done with intention. Whether it’s on the mats, in business, or in life, the formula is the same: discipline, consistency, and passion.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu taught me that you don’t need to win every round — you just need to keep showing up. That’s the same mindset I apply to my family, my students, and my companies.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited for what’s next — growing GFTeam DC, expanding OSS Rio Tours, elevating Nebula Kimonos, and continuing to build opportunities for people to live with purpose and power.
At the end of the day, everything I do is guided by gratitude — for my roots in Rio, for the life we’ve built in D.C., and for every student, friend, and supporter who believes in what we’re creating. The mission continues. OSS.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wdcbjj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deividdias_bjj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bup2L7wCv/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@deividdias_bjj
