Gracie Barra
Alabama - Pelham
Instructors
Kaliffa Oliveira
Gracie Barra Alabama Regional Director
Born in Brazil, Professor Kaliffa holds a Judo black belt since August 2001 and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. since May 2013. Throughout his martial arts career, he has earned multiple national titles in both Brazil and the United States, and is a two-time world medalist in Judo. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Kaliffa has won over 20 IBJJF gold medals, secured multiple national championships, and medaled at the IBJJF World Championships numerous times, including a silver medal at the World No-Gi IBJJF. He is also a Super Fight winner. In wrestling, he earned a silver medal and All-American honors in Folkstyle Wrestling at the 2021 Iowa Nationals. Professor Kaliffa has been certified through the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program from 2013 to 2025.
Lorena Oliveira
Women's Head Instructor/ Owner
Born in Brazil, Professor Lorena is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor Kaliffa Oliveira since May 2018. She is a three-time U.S. National Champion, a multiple-time IBJJF champion, and a two-time world medalist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Lorena is also a certified instructor through the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program.
dANIEL rIBEIRO
jIU jITSU pROFESSOR
Black belt since December 2021, I’ve achieved significant success on the international grappling stage, including titles as the Brazilian National Absolute No-Gi Champion and South American Champion under IBJJF. I’ve competed in prestigious AJP events across the UAE—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah—and earned a podium finish with 3rd place at the 2023 IBJJF World Championship. A multiple-time IBJJF open class champion, I’ve consistently demonstrated versatility and dominance across divisions. In addition to my accomplishments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I’m also the Peak Fighting Heavyweight MMA Champion, showcasing my well-rounded skills in both grappling and mixed martial arts.