Our History

TEAM-CHOCO was founded by Professor Vincent Carlucci (Black Belt, Gracie Barra) in 2004 at Naval Base Rota, Spain after moving from Germany. Professor Carlucci was taking an extended break from training due to multiple injuries, and moving his family from Germany to Spain. Wanting to get back to training he looked for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) schools up to 100 miles away to no avail. Determined to train again he posted flyers at the base gym asking for training partners. Several individuals came to train, but none had ever trained BJJ. Some of the first to come train with Professor Carlucci were Sean Christopher, Thomas Saunders, Richard Haddix, Johannes Torres, Henry Wise, James Drennan, Carlos Varona, and David “Jay” Turner. Others came and went but this was the circle of individuals, who demonstrated through competitions such as the Spanish National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, The British Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, the Finland ADAC Submission Wrestling Championships, and the European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships that we were a group of dedicated international competitors who had what it took to be successful and respected in the grappling world. In less than one year from posting a flyer in the Rota base gym, TEAM- CHOCO was born. As the years passed TEAM-CHOCO members moved to other location causing our purpose and goals to spread around the world. Many of the original members now run multiple academies stretching from Spain, to Germany, to the United States, to Okinawa Japan. Members train at and with some of the best grappling schools in the world and compete under the TEAM-CHOCO banner to demonstrate their desire to represent the purpose and goals of this great team

Purpose

Provide an internationally recognized, respected competitive team structure competing in the sports of Grappling, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling (Greco, freestyle, catch, folks). At all levels up to and including the world championships open to all identified students of TEAM-CHOCO selected coaches.

Vision

To be recognized and respected by all international governing bodies of the combat sports in which we compete.

Team Goals

1.    Provide competitors experienced leadership in competition preparation, training, and mentorship.
2.    Present  a  holistic  approach  to  the  development  and  building  of  moral  character, grounded ethics, sportsmanship, and fair play
3.    Provide training designed to peak endurance, explosiveness, flexibility, strength, and agility
4.    Provide guidance and mentorship on nutrition, weight control, supplements and overall physical heath
5.    Provide guidance and mentorship on a competitive mindset for success
6.    Provide  the  highest  level  of  technical  training  and  proven  game-plans  to  enhance individual skill sets and achieve victory