Marcelo “Cazuza” began practicing jiu jitsu in 1991 with the master Sérgio “Bolão” Souza. He earned his black belt from “Bolão” who is a 6th grade Black Belt, who was graduated by the late master Carlson Gracie. He graduated from his black belt in 2000 and taught classes for 13 years at the academy of master Sérgio “Bolão” Souza until he moved to the United States and began teaching with Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros.