BJJ / Grappling Interview: Atama Europe's Mr Pedro Barcellos Talks to The Part Time Grappler

As previously promised, here is my interview with Mr Pedro Barcellos from Atama Europe, the man behind the collaboration between Royler Gracie black belt Eddie Kone and Atama Europe in the upcoming iPhone and android phone BJJ app: Beyond Blue belt.

I must stress here that Eddie advises me that the App will be suitable for android phones too, not just iPhones. Check out the new blog dedicated to the app.


Hello. Why don’t we start by you telling us a little about yourself?
Hello, my name is Pedro Barcellos. I'm 36 years old and I am from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Are you currently working / studying? Is that Full time / Part time?
After graduating in Business Administration and Computer Programing I am now a full time worker, running 3 companies and dedicating myself to a new project which is developing the Atama Kimonos brand in Europe.

Pedro to the right

You also set aside time to practice a sport. Which sport(s)?
Sure, it's very important to save a couple of hours of your day to invest in your health, I am a BJJ Black Belt since 2005, completely addicted to the sport and still training a lot. I also a surf and work out.

How long have you done that?
I started training in 1995 and since then I never stopped. I used to compete a lot but had to stop when I started going to college and working at the same time, I had no time left to train and prepare myself for competition level.

What do you feel the ATAMA gi brand stands for?
I think Atama stands for tradition, quality and performance. Backed up by more than 20 years of experience, always innovating and leading the industry.


It has come to my attention that you are also involved in quite a project with a friend of mine, Mr Eddie Kone. Please tell us what it is and how you got involved?
Yes, Eddie contacted us a while ago and gave us the honor to participate in his new project, a revolutionary I-Phone App showing competition tested Jiu Jitsu positions. Being a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and an I-Phone user I immediately joined Eddie on the project and tried to support as much as I could. The idea itself was already great but when I looked at the quality of the project I got totally stoked, this is something I've never seen before and I'm sure it will be a huge success.


Finally, why do you train and do what you do? What drives you?
Good question. I believe that in life we need to keep a good balance between 3 aspects, the physical, the professional and the spiritual. What makes Jiu Jitsu an amazing sport is that it will help you get this balance on all 3 aspects.


You'll get in the best shape of your life (physical).


You can make a good living of Jiu Jitsu like myself or if you work in another area the self confidence acquired will help you a lot pursuing your goals and dealing with stress situations (Professional)


You'll get the peace of mind that that will help a lot on your spiritual.


Not to mention all the fun you'll have, the good friends for life you'll make, the adrenaline, that good feeling after training, so many good things, honor, respect and persistence, values you'll take for life and pass along to your kids.


Jiu Jitsu is the key to a good life!

Thank you Pedro for being generous with your time.

(pics courtesy of Pedro Barcellos)

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