Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Rial.
Hi Gabriel , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2002, back in high school, when I was an extremely shy kid who didn’t believe much in himself. Stepping on the mats changed everything — it gave me confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose. Along the way, I met Professor Chico Mendes, who introduced me to Masters Ricardo and Leonardo Vieira, the founders of the Checkmat team, and they became important mentors in my journey.
In 2012, I took the biggest leap of my life and moved to the United States to work and teach Jiu-Jitsu. I didn’t know a single word of English, and everything was unfamiliar. It felt like starting over from white belt in life — but I embraced the challenge, just like I learned to do in training. Slowly, I adapted, made connections, learned the language, and built a life around the art that had transformed me.
Today, after more than 13 years of teaching, I’m proud to say I’ve built a new home on the mats. Last year, I opened Fight Zone TN in Murfreesboro, and this August we’re celebrating our first anniversary. More than just a school, it’s a family — a place where people grow in skill, confidence, and character, just like I did.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I’ve learned that smooth roads don’t make strong people. Growth comes with its fair share of pain, both physical and emotional.
On the physical side, injuries have tested me more than once. They don’t just challenge your body — they challenge your spirit. The rehab process forces you to slow down when all you want to do is move forward, and it takes an incredible amount of mental strength to come back ready to perform at a high level.
Emotionally, there have been moments of doubt, isolation, and uncertainty. Times when it would have been easier to give up. But those same challenges also revealed the people who truly believe in me — mentors, teammates, and friends who have pushed me to keep going, reminded me of my purpose, and inspired me to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person.
Looking back, I realize those struggles didn’t break me — they built me. They’re the reason I can stand where I am today, and the fuel that keeps me moving forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I opened Fight Zone TN in August of last year with one clear mission: to use the art of Jiu-Jitsu to empower as many people as possible. Jiu-Jitsu has given me so much — it shaped my character, transformed my personality, and gave me a deep sense of confidence. Now, I want to pass that same gift on to others.
While we welcome students of all ages, I’m especially proud of our kids program. We’re not just teaching techniques — we’re helping to shape strong, disciplined, and confident young people who will grow into adults ready to face life’s challenges. Our goal is to give them what I like to call the “fighter mindset” — the ability to work hard, stay resilient, and go after their dreams, on and off the mats.
At Fight Zone TN, we’re more than a gym. We’re a community. Every class is a chance to build not just skill, but character — and that’s what truly sets us apart.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
That’s an interesting question — I’m a pretty open book, especially with the people close to me, so there aren’t many surprises. But one thing that always makes people smile is my nickname. Most people know me as “Bebezão,” which in Portuguese translates to “Big Baby.” It started as a joke, but it stuck — and now it’s just part of who I am, on and off the mats.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fightzonetn.com
