Born in Puerto Rico and raised partly in the Bay Area, Fernando discovered his passion for Jiu-Jitsu in 1993, inspired by Royce Gracie’s achievements in the UFC.

After settling in the East Bay in 1995, he began training under Professor Crosley Gracie in 2007. As a Purple Belt, he began volunteering as an Assistant Instructor, gaining a new perspective on the art.

After a decade of dedication, Fernando achieved his Black Belt in 2016, becoming the 4th Black Belt under Professor Crosley Gracie.

Now a second-degree Black Belt, he teaches Adult Intermediate classes and extends his passion for teaching to the classroom, earning his degree in 2019 and becoming a school teacher in the Brentwood Unified School District.

Aside from sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu with the local community, Fernando’s an avid skier, often shredding the mountains on the north shore of Lake Tahoe during winter.

Wishes of continued success, good health, and prosperity from all of us at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!

Enjoy your day, Fernando, and thank you for all you do for our students!