Gabriel Almada 
Ulpiano Malachias has a successful career as an entrepreneur in the Jiu-Jitsu world. Ulpiano is the owner of the Gracie Barra Westchase and River Oaks schools in Texas. The black belt is one of those responsible for making the state one of Gracie Barra’s main hubs in the United States.
The schools are references in Jiu-Jitsu teaching because they cater for both competitors and those who train for leisure. The methodology that Ulpiano propagates was one of the differentials that made him take off in business. This year, Ulpiano opened GB River Oaks and the academy already has more than 200 students.
In an interview with VF Comunica, Ulpiano Malachias told us when he decided to migrate to an entrepreneurial career in Jiu-Jitsu.
“I decided to enter the business world in 2007. Carlinhos Gracie had just set up the first Gracie Barra franchise, which at the time was called Gracie Barra Lake Forest. And I helped Marcio, Flavio and Carlinhos teach there. Until one day, Carlinhos asked me to set up a gym to be the first Gracie Barra in the franchise system in the world. It was GB Santa Ana, and at that moment I decided I wanted to follow this path,” Ulpiano recalled.
Ulpiano comments on post-career life
Ulpiano listed some advice for athletes who want to take the plunge into business after the end of their cycle as a professional fighter.
“First of all, an athlete’s career is very short. You fight at a high level for ten years or so. Then life goes on. Nowadays, some athletes manage to get by without having a life as a teacher, but they need to be focused. In addition, he needs to study, take courses, have a sense of management and be a leader,” he confirmed.
Ulpiano vibrates with prosperity in Jiu-Jitsu
Ulpiano is now a renowned businessman, but he was once a beginner in the sector, just like everyone who embarks on a new stage. The teacher recalled the main obstacles he overcame to establish himself in the area.
“Starting from scratch is always a challenge, whether it’s starting an academy or fighting in another championship format. So the biggest difficulty was understanding that Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t just for competitors. There are people who want to train, get to know the art, but don’t want to compete. Some don’t want to get hurt, but they train for the atmosphere and to exercise. They feel good to be around the athlete and to be there without being a fighter. With the exception of a few gyms, 90% of people train for leisure. Some even compete, but they’re not athletes. So you need to create a structured class so that everyone can train. It doesn’t matter if they’re younger or older,” said the black belt.
Ulpiano Malachias celebrated the professional moment he is currently experiencing and said that this is the result of what he has planted over the years.
“Having two thriving gyms means I’m on the right track. I studied the steps of Carlinhos and Draculino and I try to replicate everything I’ve learned. This success fills me with pride because we don’t think about the scale of things when we start. A person who does good reaps good. I’ve always been willing to help people in Jiu-Jitsu and helping others opens doors for me to have more success,” concluded Ulpiano.
