I was born in Teófilo Otoni, Northeast of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Health and fitness have always been a major part of my life. Growing up, my father owned a gym in our hometown. Starting at a very young age he instilled in me the values of being healthy and prepared physically. I started to practice sports when I was only 6 years old. I realized passion for fitness when I started playing soccer for the school team. At a young age I started to play soccer around the country. I had it in mind that I was going to become professional soccer player. Throughout my journey I met many people and learned a lot from other qualified professionals.
At the age of 14 a friend and I went to a jiu jitsu tournament where I met the Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt: Aldo Januario “Caveirinha” who got his black belt from the family Gracie Barra. After that I was torn between soccer and jiu jitsu, since then I put many hours into both sports. All of my hard work had been paying off as my dreams were coming true. I became a professional soccer player and got my blue belt.
After graduating high school in Brazil, I went to college for physical education. Two years later after studying to be a personal trainer, I got the opportunity to come to the United States and train to become a fighter. When I got here it was not what I expected. I began losing focus and falling away from my dreams. I was working many hours while also taking classes to learn the English language. I began to get tired of the life I was living; full of poor nutrition habits and becoming out of shape. I decided to make a change and thought about starting jiu jitsu training again. Unfortunately, my competitive spirit wanted something different; a new challenge, a new goal, something to push me towards a bigger dream.
That is when I met my coach Rolando Amorim. He taught me how to work myself physically as well as mentally to become the best I can be. Everyday during our training sessions, I learned more and more from him than I had ever imagined. I then found my new passion “bodybuilding.” I got myself back on track with good nutrition and proper training. He helped push me to never give up and give everything I do 100%. That day of my first competition I walked onto the stage in the best shape of my life, and have Rolando to thank for it!
While I was prepping for my first bodybuilder competition, I decided to get my certification so I would be able to help others reach their personal fitness goals. I thank God every day for putting the right people in my life, like my coach Rolando Amorim as well as all of the other amazing people that I have met throughout my life that helped keep me on track.
If you are looking to get yourself back on track, want a little guidance, or just need some motivation; I would be honored to help you on that journey. Together we can get you to your personal fitness goals!
Alan Araujo