Octagon MMA proudly employs some of the best martial arts trainers in the world. Each trainer has many years of experience in a variety of martial arts practices and is an expert in all things relating to Mixed Martial Arts, fitness, and training the human body. Meet our world-class coaches.
Rafael Azevedo Lang is a 4 th degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1985. He began his martial arts journey practicing Judo at age of 4 years old and jiu-jitsu at 9 in 1995. His lineage comes from Master Rickson Gracie (Red Belt), and Master Romero Jacare Cavalcanti (Red and White Belt). Rafael, trained most of his years in Rio de Janeiro and earned his Black Belt in 2006 by Coral Belt Master Vinicius Campelo and 6 the degree Black Belt Octavio Couto. Rafael is a very experienced athlete and competitor, he started competing at his early teens and won many important tournaments at every belt level. He has innumerous medals from various tournaments as: middle weight world champion on his category and absolute at age of 17, NOGI absolute gold medalist at IBJJF London Open, 3 times gold medalist at IBJJF Houston Open, 3 times silver medalist at IBJJF PanAms, bronze medalist at IBJJF Europeans, 2 times gold medalist at IBJJF Dallas Open, he holds the heavy-weight belt for Submission Hunter Pro and F2W.
As a coach, Rafael keeps building a strong and successful team of competitors that are current placed at the highest world rankings for the most important tournaments.
Invited several times to referee professional fights for the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
As a professor, Rafael started teaching jiu-jitsu classes for kids in 2001 when he was a blue-belt and for adults in 2003. Previous to move to Dallas, he was the Head Coach of one of the most important Jiu-Jitsu schools, in Brazil, AKXE BJJ Rio. (old Alliance) His vast experience as a professor took him to all continents, he has taught jiu-jitsu and self-defense classes for the Australian Army, Civil Police Special Forces of Rio de Janeiro – CORE, airlines companies, Dallas Police Office and more. Rafael is a consultant for many Jiu-Jitsu schools, invited to hold workshops and eminars across the globe, always contributing for the jiu-jitsu community to grown with a solid jiu-jitsu and world class instruction.
Instagram: @rafaellang
Octavio “Ratinho” Couto is a 6th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and one of the most revered of all BJJ coaches in the world. Originally competing with Alliance, he was one of seven black belts to form Team Brasa in 2002. College educated and speaking four languages, Octavio developed principles of job duties, education and self defense for the Italian Carabinieri (police) using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He co-founded and developed the curriculum and operations at AKXE BJJ, the largest academy of Rio de Janeiro.
Octavio now travels the world, spreading the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through his seminars. He still calls Octagon MMA home, teaching classes and seminars about once a month.
Octavio is available for private instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and self defense training.
Instagram: @octaviocoutobjj
Eric Schambari is a former professional mixed martial arts fighter and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. The goal of the MMA class is to give the students a basic understanding of cage fighting and proper conditioning for the sport.
Eric began his training in Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Marc Laimon almost two decades ago, and received his Black Belt under Travis Lutter. Eric has won many Jiu-Jitsu competitions and amassed a record of 16 and 6 as a professional MMA fighter.
Coach Eric is available for private instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and personal training.
