Alliance-Marcelo Garcia black belt Gianni Grippo has announced he will leave the Marcelo Garcia Academy. The 2015 World Pro black belt champion will relocate cross-country to begin a new chapter of his career. We have an exclusive statement written by Gianni below, in which he explains his reasons for moving and reveals his chosen destination. 

The Next Chapter in Gianni Grippo's Life and Jiu-Jitsu Career

At last, after more than six years attending college while managing a full-time jiu-jitsu career, I'll be graduating this summer with a Bachelor's degree in English -- creative writing. 

This is a significant accomplishment in my life because of the freedom it allows for me to make my own decisions. 

Those decisions are for both personal and professional growth. With this, I've come to the quick realization that adulthood and said decision-making are very difficult, and that there is always going to be a give-and-take approach with every step I make. 

There are no games when you're out of school and on your own; this is the real world now. But I am ready and excited for the opportunity to start a new chapter in my life.

In November, I will move to Los Angeles and continue my jiu-jitsu career under Rubens Charles Maciel at Cobrinha BJJ/Alliance Los Angeles.

Under no circumstance did this decision come easily, as there's a lot of 'give' with this deal; but at the same time, my excitement to be able to work daily with an idol of mine such as Cobrinha can be compared to a kid on Christmas morning. This is an opportunity that many would dream of having, so I am very fortunate and thankful for what lies ahead. 

While I look forward to my future in California, this cannot be seen as a closed door on my time at the Marcelo Garcia Academy. 

With the ability to shape my life the way I want, I also realize that nothing in life is set in stone. It is a difficult task for me to walk away from a place that has offered so much for me in my personal life and career. 

Marcelo has aided me in various ways; from welcoming me with open arms in 2013 to being there for me every step of the way as I fought for my brown belt world title that same year, to being a prankster when awarding me the black belt in January 2014. I can't thank the Marcelo Garcia team enough. 

The motivation behind my move doesn't just come with the desire for technical growth on the mat, but professional experience as well. This is the next step in the process of opening my own school, building my own family, and starting my own team. 

For a few years now I have had a growing desire to make my own school a reality, and this next step feels like a necessity. This will be a big change for me, as I've known nothing but East Coast life. But ultimately, I am confident this is the best direction I could go at this point in my life.

So with that, I'm eager to start my next chapter as a California local and continue my development as a human being, teacher, student and competitor in the art of jiu-jitsu.

I am already planning a cross-country drive in late October or early November, and I'm going to be teaching seminars along the way. If you have an academy anywhere between NYC and LA, shoot me an email at giannipgrippo@gmail.com.

Related:

• Gianni Grippo Explains His Method Of Drilling