Our Story
Milton Bastos and Alex Barcelona
Partners in life and in business Milton and Alex are always striving to create the best environment for everyone. In 2014 we opened our doors in California to all those who were willing to change their lives and learn the art of jiu jitsu. Between teaching classes every day, emails, phone calls and messages back and forth we managed to grow what once was a dream into a reality. One student turned into 5 students, which turned into 20 and eventually turned into over 284. We then decided to move across the country here to Nashville, TN to start a brand new journey doing what we love and implementing our best business practices here! We pride ourselves in providing a family atmosphere and truly believe that each one of our students is important. Thank you for entrusting us with growing your jiu jitsu knowledge.
Owner and Professor, Milton Bastos is from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He studied Physical Education at UNIP which helped him become one of the Brazilian National Wrestling coaches and personal trainers. He has dedicated his life to Brazilian jiu jitsu since he was 13 years old. within this time he has acquired many World titles and Championships. He is currently 7 time World Champion and 2 time Pan American Champion. He is also one of the four co-founders of Ares Association.
Owner and Professor, Alex Barcelona is from Mountain View, Ca. She has been an athlete of various sports all her life, from softball to basketball to volleyball. She started training jiu jitsu in 2014 and instructing class in 2017. She is multiple time International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion, Pan American No Gi Champion 2021, 2x No Gi World Champion 2017 and 2018 and is the 2016 Pan American Champion.
What is Ares?
When you join Liberdade Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you are also joining Ares Association. By automatically becoming a member of Ares you are able to train for free at any location in the world that is affiliated with them. We have over 40 academies and are continually growing
The Ares Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association was created by a group of friends that value friendships and principals before business. We agree that in the end of our journey, our friends and family are the ones that will be by our side; not business relationships, which tend to end when the interest is gone.
Ares goal is to be a huge family with world wide ties that bring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the next level and change lives. We have a very powerful tool on our hands and we shall show the world. With the right attitude and values, we will spread our sense of community to as many places as we possibly can.
Each with over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience; Samir Chantre, Osvaldo Queixinho, Alan Moraes and Milton Bastos, along with other amazing black belts are ready to help you in your journey with this powerful sport; that many times is ruined by politics that shouldn't happen in a FAMILY. Whether you are an avid competitor with a big competition team or you have a gym focused more on self defense and fitness, we will be there for you.
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