Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gabriel moved to the U.S. in 2012 without having ever been outside of Rio de Janeiro!  He didn't speak English and had no experience with the culture in the United States.  But he followed his passion for jiu-jitsu and his goal of teaching.  He struggled through learning a new language, the ups and downs of establishing himself in a new country and is now the owner of Fight Zone Murfreesboro, a team Checkmat school where he is also the head instructor.  Gabe's story is truly an example of the American dream and what the road to success looks like.