History

History of David Blankenheimer

David Blankenheimer was born in February 1983 in Estrela (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). He arrived in Barcelona in March 2006 with the aim of working and continuing his studies in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. In August of that same year, he began training with Rafael Haubert at 28 Iradier Street (Escola Fàsia Sarrià). Shortly after, she began to collaborate with classes in the new gym at 3 Caponata Street (Gimnàs Sarrià), combining her academic training with teaching classes for children and adults.

In 2009, with Rafael's departure to the United Arab Emirates, David took over full management of the team. In 2013, after finishing his degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (CAFD), he opened his own premises at 54 Avila Street, disassociating himself from Gimnàs Sarrià. This new space marked the beginning of the first school specialized in BJJ in Barcelona, with full-time classes and its own teaching methodology.

In 2018, David expanded the academy by inaugurating its first branch: Academia Hospitalet Jiu-Jitsu, located at 3 Almaden Street, in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. This branch was crucial for the growth of BJJ in the Baix Llobregat region, and today has hundreds of students and varied schedules.

In 2019, Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu's main headquarters moved to its current location at 16 Llull Street (Barcelona). This space has more than 1,000 m², an exclusive BJJ tatami of 450 m² and a state-of-the-art fitness room, making it the largest BJJ school in Spain and one of the largest in Europe.

In 2024, David again expanded his impact on BJJ by opening Academia Parets Jiu-Jitsu, located at Josep Tarradellas 2, in Parets del Vallès (Barcelona), further promoting the growth of BJJ in the Vallès region.

David and Rafael have always maintained a strong commitment to constant updating in techniques and trends, organizing seminars with world-renowned fighters and masters such as Renzo Gracie, Marcus Buchecha and Mackenzie Dern.

David's career stands out in all aspects of BJJ: as a teacher, businessman and competitor. He has won multiple national and international titles, being also the first coach to train European champions and world runners-up in the youth category, as well as European masters champions in various categories.

David has developed the Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu teaching methodology based on basic and fundamental BJJ concepts, always focusing on the essential values on and off the tatami: respect, humility and determination.

If you are looking for a quality BJJ school with experience and solid values, Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu is the ideal choice. Joining a team with these principles will help you achieve your personal and sporting goals.

History of Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu

The Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded in 2004 by Professor Rafael Haubert, initially known as Brazilian Top Team (BTT). Since its inception, the team began its transformation into what is now the leading Jiu-Jitsu school in Catalonia, training the first outstanding teachers and competitors in the region.

In 2004 and 2005, Rafael organized in Barcelona the first BJJ camps in Europe, with the presence of legends such as Zé Mario Sperry, Rodrigo Minotauro, Rogerio Minotouro, Ricardo Arona, among others. He was also a pioneer in the first Jiu-Jitsu Catalonia Cups (2007 and 2008) and the first selective for the World Pro World Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2009.

That same year, Rafael moved to the United Arab Emirates, leaving the academy in the hands of David Blankenheimer, one of his closest students, who was already collaborating in the organization, management and teaching. In 2009, David took over the complete management of the academy, which was renamed Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu - Haubert Team. Under his leadership, the academy continued to grow and accumulate titles, standing out as the first team to dethrone the champion of Spain, achieving a resounding victory in the X Spanish BJJ Championship.

The Barcelona Jiu-Jitsu Academy has been fundamental for the diffusion of BJJ in Spain, training the first competitors who conquered European and world championships in youth, adult and master categories. To date, it has trained around 100 black belts.