Almicar “MICA” CIPILI

Amilcar “Mica” Cipili is a 6th-degree black belt with more than 200 titles in major competitions.

Mica was born in Rio Grande do Sul, in the southern region of Brazil. While growing up, he developed an interest in martial arts and trained in disciplines such as Capoeira, Boxing, Kung Fu, and Judo. Later, after watching a Vale Tudo competition in São Paulo (Jiu-Jitsu vs. Luta Livre), he decided to dedicate himself to the great sport of Jiu-Jitsu. Mica understood the realities of fighting and what truly worked in practice.

He began training in Brazil and later in Utah under Pedro Sauer, where he achieved the level of purple belt. In California, Mica trained for many years with Rickson Gracie, as well as with Rigan Machado. He is currently a 6th-degree black belt under Royler Gracie. Amilcar has trained prominent figures in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, including UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta and his family.

Professor Cipili is renowned for the outstanding quality of his techniques. He relocated to Las Vegas, NV, in 2000 and is now the head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas.

Under the mentorship of great masters, Mica honed his craft and developed a higher level of technical expertise and teaching ability. As a competitor, he has participated in most major tournaments in Brazil and the United States, earning titles in nearly all of them. His competition career began in 1994 and continues to this day. To further enhance his skills, Mica also trains in Judo and Wrestling, striving to become a complete fighter.

Mica has taught classes for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pedro Sauer team in Utah and in São Paulo while in Brazil. After moving to California, he taught at the Machado Academy in Pasadena, where he was one of the key instructors. He is now the official head instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas. His passion for the “gentle art” of Jiu-Jitsu enables him to effectively transfer the skills and knowledge he has gained to his students in an efficient, simple, and professional manner.

In addition to training and coaching many UFC fighters, Mica has fought in four MMA matches, securing victory in each one. With over 30 years of experience in sport Jiu-Jitsu, he has competed in Brazil, the U.S., and worldwide. Today, Mica holds over 200 titles in sport Jiu-Jitsu, including numerous championships in IBJJF World, European, Pan-Am, and National tournaments.