Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is booming across the United States, but at Gracie Sports USA in Fairfield, CT, coach and 1st Degree Black Belt Thyago Ribeiro Dias is maximizing this growth by introducing a powerful, holistic training method imported directly from Brazil: Ginástica Natural (GN), which incorporates breathing exercises and a connection to nature for athletic success.
Ribeiro, an accomplished athlete and coach accredited by the IBJJF, is pioneering the fusion of these two disciplines, demonstrating how body-weight training and conscious breathing are not just complements to grappling, but essential components for injury prevention, accessibility, and overall well-being.
The Ginástica Natural Philosophy: A Specialist’s View
As a practitioner and advocate of Ginástica Natural, Thyago Ribeiro emphasizes that the method, created by Álvaro Romano, is far more than just a warm-up. It is a complete system designed to cultivate deep bodily awareness.
“The Ginástica Natural was created by Alvaro Romano; it’s a full body workout, using only the body weight,” explains Ribeiro. “We mix animal movements and martial arts movements like Tai Chi, Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate. It’s really important for the person to create body consciousness, strength, mobility, and learn how to use the whole body with mindful breathing.”
Often called a “nature workout,” Ginástica Natural’s philosophy centers on holistic health, accessible regardless of age or fitness level.
“It’s not just physical fitness — it’s a connection between movement, breathing, flexibility, and mental awareness,” Ribeiro states. The core idea is simple yet transformative: to enhance quality of life, prevent injury, and maintain mobility as one ages. Because the exercises rely solely on body weight and can be scaled, they require no special equipment and are designed to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, not just elite athletes.
Furthermore, Ribeiro notes the powerful social benefit of GN. “It’s a great tool to connect people, neurodivergent or with disability, helping them have a quality of life. What is the most important thing in life? Be able to do everything by itself.”
Integrating GN into the BJJ Curriculum
Thyago Ribeiro was specifically brought to Gracie Sports in Fairfield by Master Marcio to connect the worlds of BJJ and Ginástica Natural. This integration is visible across all age and skill levels at the academy.
“I have been using that with the kids so I can use the animal movements, becoming more playful,” Ribeiro notes.
However, the most profound impact is seen in students facing physical challenges. Ribeiro utilizes GN’s rehabilitation and adaptive principles to ensure inclusion.
“I have been using it with some students who had significant injuries in the past or surgery,” he says. “We have some students with disabilities where, with the assistance of Ginástica Natural, I was able to bring them to the classes.”
Ultimately, the goal aligns perfectly with the gym’s mission. “The quality of life of every student has been improved. The mission of Gracie Sports is to bring the quality of life to everyone through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
The BJJ Boom: Community and Technique Over Strength
The strategy employed at Gracie Sports comes at a time when BJJ interest is soaring in the US. Statistics confirm this trend, showing an astonishing 104.35% increase in search interest for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over the past two decades (2004–2024).
Ribeiro explains that BJJ’s massive growth stems from its unique accessibility and philosophy, which distinguishes it from other combat sports.
“BJJ is growing right now because it’s a martial art where you can start at four years old or 60 years old; it is timeless,” he explains. “We don’t focus on strength, but use techniques and leverage.”
Beyond the technical benefits, the martial art fosters a rare sense of community and equality, which further drives its popularity.
“We have a great community where the networking just grows,” says Ribeiro. “Inside the mats, everyone becomes equal. It doesn’t matter if you’re a big businessman or just an employee, you’re going to be in the same place learning the same thing and meeting each other like human beings.”
Focusing on the Future
As a competitor holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, Ribeiro continues to refine his methods both on and off the mat. He actively coaches high-performance athletes and serves as a referee, utilizing his extensive knowledge of the sport’s mechanics and rules. His background includes significant research work, notably his presentation on body mass redistribution in women with osteoporosis, which underscores his commitment to physical health knowledge.
Looking ahead to his own competitive career, Ribeiro is preparing for a rigorous schedule.
“We have plans for New Jersey IBJJF during the fall,” he confirms. “Lately, I’m looking to try at least more competitions this year before I go to the Master Worlds Championship next year.”
Through his dedicated coaching and innovative use of Ginástica Natural, Thyago Ribeiro Dias is ensuring that BJJ at Gracie Sports in Fairfield is not just about mastering a move, but about mastering movement itself, leading to better health and longevity for all students.
