sandro “batata” santiago

Head Instructor (Campbell) & Co-Founder

Sandro “Batata” Santiago is a World Champion and a fifth degree Blackbelt under Master Roberto “Gordo” Correa. Batata is an accomplished competitor of Brazilian Jiu-Jistu, having won many championships at all belt levels (blue, purple, brown and black belt). Having excelled at the highest competitive level as a Black Belt, he now focuses on passing along his vast knowledge and love of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in an inclusive and respectful environment to help you succeed.

Batata came to the US in 2000 to run the Ralph Gracie Mountain View Academy, then founded his own Academy in 2007. He created and taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training programs at Silicon Valley’s tech giants (Apple and Electronic Arts) for over 10 years. Students credit Batata’s coaching, expectations, and standards for their incredible foundational knowledge, competition successes, and careers in building their own martial arts academies in the Bay Area.

Batata brings a wealth of background from his wrestling training (Stanford University under coach Chris Horpel) and Muay Thai training (Brazil). When he’s not busy training or teaching, Batata enjoys surfing and traveling to beaches.

Sandro is known in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community by his nickname “Batata”.  “Batata” is the word for potato in Portuguese.

julio echeverria

Head Instructor (Santa Cruz) & Co-Founder

Julio Echeverria is a third degree Blackbelt under both World Champion Roberto “Gordo” Correa and Sandro “Batata” Santiago. Before moving to Santa Cruz, Julio trained in Rio de Janeiro and competed in all major Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in Brazil & USA, consistently placing on the medals podium at the World Championships, Pan Ams, Brazilian Nationals, Brazilian Team Nationals and more.

Julio is the head instructor at the Sandro Batata BJJ Santa Cruz location.

brandon adriano

Kids Program, Adults Fundamentals, & Privates

Brandon holds a Brown belt under Sandro “Batata” Santiago. Not only is Brandon an active competitor at the highest levels, he also has a genuine kindness, patience, and respect for all those he teaches. His teaching philosophy focuses on safety, proper technique, and fun while learning.

Outside of the mats, Brandon is a loving husband and father, an all-around athlete (ice hockey, running, and mountain biking), and a marketing/communications professional.

Brandon teaches at the Sandro Batata BJJ Campbell location.