Who We Are
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Carlson Gracie Federation is an international Brazilian Jiujitsu Academy with over 100 locations world wide with our World Headquarters located in Chicago, IL. We are dedicated to carrying on the art and instruction of Brazilian Jiujitsu in the style of Legendary Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Senior.
Carlson Gracie JiuJitsu is the industry leader and sets the standard for technique and style of jiujitsu.
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Professor Daniel “Coyote” Souza-
Professor Daniel “Coyote” Souza was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In 1981 Professor Souza began training Judo. In 1985 he started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Rui Diniz Ferreira, 7th Degree Coral Belt and Master Hilton Leao Silva, 9th Degree Red Belt. Professor “Souza” earned his Degree in Physical Education in 1998. In 1993, Professor Souza began teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the school of his former master. In 1996 he began teaching under his own name, Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2000, Professor Souza founded Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Brazil, now affiliated with Carlson Gracie Team.
Professor Souza began teaching in the United States beginning in 2002, San Diego, CA. He finally moved permanently to Albuquerque, NM in 2016 holding the rank of a 6th Degree Balck Belt. There, he has built his Coyote Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy/Carlson Gracie Team from the ground up. He is married with Gabriela Souza who is also owner of the academy, and has four kids; Ryckson(27), Rollyson(23), Alex, and Sarah, they all practice BJJ.
Professor Souza has won multiple titles and medals as an individual athlete throughout his martial arts career, and his school has earned multiple first place titles and trophies.
Professor Souza’s martial arts career summarized:
42 years of Judo, Godan 5th Dan Black Belt
37 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 6th Degree Black Belt
20 years of Muay Thai, Silver/Red Kruang-Prajied
1994-2008 MMA (21-2)
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Professor Josh Santarpia is originally from Ottawa, KS. He has a PhD from Texas A&M University and is a professor of microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he studies the transmission of disease.
Prof. Josh began training in jiu jitsu in 2014, at the age of 38, with Kalo Lopez at Pitbull in Albuquerque, NM. He started jiu jitsu to improve his physical and mental health, and has never stopped training.
In 2016, he followed Prof. Daniel Souza as he opened Coyote BJJ in Albuquerque, NM. Under Prof. Souza he earned has black belt in 2021. Prof. Josh relocated to Omaha, NE, and in 2022 he opened Coyote BJJ Omaha. In July of 2023, he followed Prof. Souza and affiliated with the Carlson Gracie Team.
"Jiu jitsu has had a transformative affect on my life. It has improved my physical endurance, and taught me to use my body in ways I would have thought impossible when I started. Beyond the physical, jiu jitsu has developed my mental resilience and helped me learn minfulness. You have to be mindful and present in the moment when someone is trying to strangle you."
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Carlson Gracie / Coyote BJJ Omaha is an intentionally small school. This allows us to keep class sizes small and focus on individual instruction. Our students use jiu jitsu as self improvement and self defense, as well as for competition. Training and practicing jiu jitsu can improve not only physical health, but also mental health and self confidence.
Small classes and detailed instruction
Our gym and class sizes are intentionally small to allow more focus on detailed instruction and more individual time with students.
Testimonials
Here’s What Beginner To Advanced Students Near Omaha Are Saying…
“This gym has been a great experience for me. No toxicity, friendly environment, and Josh is a fantastic instructor. I would recommend this place to anyone at all interested in bjj.”
— Damon McKee
“Very clean gym, professional environment and instructors, and flexible class schedule. Highly recommend for new or experienced martial artists.”
— DN R
“Amazing gym. Knowledgeable staff, non-intimidating environment, and excellent teaching. My first time at BJJ, staff ensured I could keep up with the pace, and provided valuable lessons throughout the class to improve techniques. ”
— Andrew Hanna
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FAQ’s
How much do self defense classes cost
Coyote BJJ, memberships range from $75 to $99 per month (Great prices vs other local gyms)
That includes unlimited access to beginner-friendly,
real-world self-defense training, plus your first 3 trial classes are free. No contracts. No hidden fees. Just real value, real results.
Can martial arts be self-taught?
Not effectively. You can watch videos, but without real partners, live resistance, and proper coaching, you won’t develop the timing, control, or instincts that actually work. Martial arts—especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—has to be felt, not just studied. You learn by doing, not watching.
Which martial arts is bet for self defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is by far the best self defense training out there….
It burns calories fast and keeps you moving nonstop. It’s full-body conditioning with purpose.
Does BJJ build muscle?
Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds core stability, functional strength, and endurance fast. It's a full-body workout that develops lean muscle through dynamic movement and resistance.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, we offer three free trial classes so you can see if the gym is the right fit before signing up.
Is there a long-term commitment?
No, our memberships are flexible. You can train around your schedule without any long-term contracts.
Is competition required?
No, competition is completely optional. Most members train for fitness, self-defense, and the team environment—not for tournaments.
Do you have women’s BJJ classes?
We don’t offer separate women-only classes, but all of our classes are co-ed and welcoming to everyone, including women new to BJJ.
How often do you recommend training per week?
Training two to three times a week is ideal. It allows steady progress in technique, conditioning, and overall confidence.
What should I bring to my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes. If you don’t have a gi, we have loaners available for free during your trial classes.
Do I need to be in shape to start BJJ?
Not at all. BJJ meets you where you are. You don’t need to be in shape to start—just show up and we’ll help you build from there.
Do you offer beginner classes?
Yes, we offer beginner-friendly classes for both adults and teens. No experience needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to learn.