The GT Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy started in   Tallmadge on May 5th, 2014, moved to Akron in 2016, moved to Tallmadge in August of 2018, and moved to the current location in Tallmadge in July of 2023. Head Instructors are Nova Uniao Black Belts, Todd Meighen and Gregory Hammerton. They were awarded their Black Belts from their longtime Instructor Eduardo "Dudu" Barros on May 6, 2013. The school was formerly known as the "Dudu Barros Jiu-Jitsu Academy". The name may be new, but the school has been around the Northeast Ohio area since the late 1990's.     

Eduardo "Dudu" Barros grew up in Brazil, and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 11 years old. He started at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,  training under the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr. He eventually began training with one of Carlson's top students, Andre Pederneiras. Eduardo received his Black Belt from Andre in 2005. Andre Pederneiras is the leader of the Nova Uniao Team in Rio. The Nova Uniao Team is home to former UFC Champions Jose Aldo and Renan Barao, and former Bellator Champ Eduardo Dantas. 

In 1997 "Dudu" relocated to the United States and created the Dudu Barros Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The first school was located in his parents' basement. The school continued to grow over the years, and "Dudu" relocated the school several times throughout the Akron area. In early 2014, Eduardo decided that he wanted to pursue other interests in his life, and he decided to hand over the reigns of the Academy to Todd and Gregg. The Academy was renamed GT Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Eduardo's blessing. 

New name, new location, but the same great quality of instruction! Todd and Gregg are excited to continue Eduardo's hard work!