The Curriculum
The art, taught the way it was meant to be passed down.
Marcelo Garcia is widely regarded as the Grappling God. ADCC and IBJJF Hall of Fame champion. The most influential modern Jiu Jitsu mind. At Shōgun, we teach his system — undiluted, lineage-true, and authentic.
The Master
Marcelo Garcia
Multiple-time ADCC and IBJJF World Champion. Known for an aggressive yet technical style, unmatched creativity, and a humble warrior spirit. His focus on efficiency, precision, and relentless pressure has shaped modern grappling and influenced champions across the world.
As students under his lineage, we train with the same mindset of innovation, mastery, and respect for the art — ensuring our techniques, philosophy, and intensity align with the highest standards in Jiu Jitsu.
Efficiency
Maximum result with minimum energy. Leverage above strength.
Precision
Detail-driven mechanics. Every grip, every angle, intentional.
Pressure
Relentless, intelligent, suffocating. Control before submission.
Strategy
Position dictates outcome. Read the opponent. Hunt the path.
Timing
Move when they cannot. Strike at the moment of imbalance.
Mindset
Train with humility. Compete with conviction. Evolve forever.
The Lineage
Trained by the source.
Manuel Morales has spent years training directly with Marcelo Garcia — absorbing the system, the philosophy, and the championship mindset firsthand. This is not a second-hand affiliation. It is direct lineage.
Direct Lineage
Trained at the source.
Not an affiliate in name only. A direct line from Marcelo Garcia to the mats of Denver.
The System
Marcelo Garcia System
We are the only gym in Denver directly affiliated with the Marcelo Garcia Association — training with the exact system used by the man widely regarded as the greatest grappler in history.
The Instructor
Trained Under Marcelo
Head instructor Manuel “The Gorilla” Morales trained directly under Marcelo Garcia. A military veteran, IBJJF and ADCC competitor, he brings discipline, structure, and elite technique to every class. Manuel travels every 3 months to Marcelo Garcia to continue his education and keep training to standard.
Built on the Samurai Tradition.
At Shōgun Jiu Jitsu Academy, we embrace the philosophy and structure of the ancient Japanese ryu — where students train with discipline, honor, and dedication under a structured system of learning. Like the samurai who refined their techniques in their respective ryu, we provide a focused and battle-tested training environment for our students.
Whether you are a beginner starting your journey, a competitor sharpening your skills, or someone seeking to master the art, Shōgun Jiu Jitsu is your modern dojo — where tradition and evolution meet. You train here to become the fiercest, most disciplined, and most dominant version of yourself.
Join us. Train like a warrior. Honor the tradition.
Train the Lineage
There is no shortcut to mastery — only the right path.
Step on our mats and learn the same Jiu Jitsu that built world champions.