Gene Folgo is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu first degree black belt under Marco Nascimento and Adilson “Bitta” Lima. He is an America’s Cup Gold medalist and a Pan American Silver Medalist.
Gene began studying martial arts at Brown University in 1997. Gene earned his blue belt from Geoff Balme of Gracie Barra Boston, and began teaching classes as well. In 2001, Gene moved to Arizona and continued his BJJ training training under Gustavo Dantas of Nova Uniao. Gustavo awarded Gene his purple belt in 2004 and his brown belt in 2007. Upon moving to California in 2007, Gene began training under Marco Nascimento of Peninsula BJJ in Foster City, CA. Marco’s instructor, Bitta, awarded Gene his black belt in April 2010, and Professor Nascimento promoted Gene to his 1st degree in 2013.
Gene has competed at all levels of his BJJ studies. His most notable tournament victories include a gold medal at the 2008 America’s Cup; Silver Medals at the 2008 and 2009 U.S. Open, and the 2009 Pan American Championship; and a bronze medal at the 2008 American National Championship.
Gene helped to found the Stanford Grappling club in 2008. He has been teaching BJJ continuously since then. His focus is on developing students on and off of the mat using BJJ as a vehicle for personal growth. I look forward to seeing you on the mat.
