Welcome to RedZone Jiu Jitsu, a family-oriented academy located in Monroe, Connecticut, where students of all ages and experience levels can learn, grow, and thrive through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the very first time, looking for a positive activity for your child, or pursuing competition goals, RedZone Jiu Jitsu provides a welcoming, supportive, and structured environment designed to help every student reach their full potential.
Our mission goes beyond teaching techniques. We focus on building confidence, discipline, respect, resilience, and strong character both on and off the mats. We believe that Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong journey of personal growth, and we are committed to helping each student enjoy the process while becoming the best version of themselves.
Led by Professor Felipe Simplicio, a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, RedZone Jiu Jitsu combines world-class instruction with a strong sense of community. Professor Felipe has over 17 years of training experience and has coached countless students, from complete beginners to successful competitors.
About Professor Felipe Simplicio
Professor Felipe is a highly accomplished competitor and instructor with extensive experience both on the competition circuit and in the classroom. His achievements include:
- Multiple-time IBJJF Gold Medalist
- IBJJF New York Open Champion
- IBJJF New Jersey Open Champion
- IBJJF Virginia Open Champion
- 2nd Place at the PBJJF World Championship
- Team Champion at the Brazilian National Championships (Brasileiros)
- 2nd Place Team Finish at the South American Championship
- IBJJF Certified Referee
While competition experience helps shape his teaching, Professor Felipe’s true passion is helping students of all ages develop confidence, technical skill, and a love for Jiu-Jitsu. His teaching style emphasizes detailed instruction, positive coaching, and creating an environment where every student feels supported and challenged to improve.
Our Lineage
At RedZone Jiu Jitsu, we take great pride in our lineage and the instructors who have helped shape Professor Felipe Simplicio’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Professor Felipe Simplicio began training Jiu-Jitsu in Guarapari, Espírito Santo, Brazil, under Professor Thiago Oliveira of Striker Jiu Jitsu. Professor Thiago guided Felipe throughout his colored belt journey and ultimately awarded him his black belt.
Professor Thiago Oliveira is part of the prestigious Carlson Gracie lineage, one of the most influential and respected lineages in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Carlson Gracie legacy is known for producing generations of world-class competitors, instructors, and academies throughout the world.
After earning his black belt, Professor Felipe continued his development under some of the sport’s most accomplished instructors. He received his first-degree black belt from Professor Rafael Barbosa "Formiga," a highly respected world-class competitor and coach.
Professor Felipe later joined Essential Jiu Jitsu under Professor JT Torres, where he was awarded both his second-degree and third-degree black belt promotions. Training under Professor JT Torres has allowed Felipe to continue evolving his technical knowledge, coaching methods, and competitive mindset while maintaining the strong foundation built through his Brazilian roots and Carlson Gracie lineage.
Today, RedZone Jiu Jitsu combines the traditional values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with modern, competition-tested techniques, providing students with instruction rooted in a lineage of excellence, discipline, and continuous learning.
