Marcio “Macarrao” Stambowsky practices old school Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When you walk into his Gracie Sports Academy in Norwalk Connecticut you are immediately overwhelmed with the amount of BJJ history fighting for space on the walls. Pictures, magazine clippings, newspaper articles, diplomas and certificates. Marcio truly learned at the source.
He is one of only six men who received their black belts from the legendary Rolls Gracie. As a group they are commonly referred to as the “Famous Five” (I don’t know, there must be a story there). Others included Roger Gracie’s father Mauricio Motta Gomes, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti the founder of Alliance, Mario Claudio Tallarico, Nicin Azulay and Paulo Conde. Pretty good company!
Marcio also trained with and learned from Helio Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Carlson Gracie, and Carlos Jr. on a regular basis. Since those days he’s competed and taught around the world. He moved to the US in 2007 to start his growing academy in Norwalk.
Master Stambowsky will be sharing some of his technique in future issues of BJJ Weekly, and while we were there filming he showed us his warm up routine. He is a Level 3 certified instructor in Ginastica Natural and this warm up comes from his study of that system.
