GAD Founder & Head Instructor
BJJ Black Belt · 4th Degree
Raphael Carneiro
GAD Founder & Head Instructor
@raphaelcarneirobjj
Raphael began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in São Paulo, Brazil in 1999 — back when the art was still raw, regional, and deeply personal. He earned his black belt in 2010 under Marco Antonio Barbosa, then made the move to the United States with one clear purpose: build something real. In 2013, he opened the first Gentle Art Dojo out of a small mezzanine in Lowell, MA.
Thirteen years and six schools later, GAD has grown into one of New England's most respected BJJ communities — producing athletes who have medaled at the Worlds and Pan Ams, and everyday students who simply fell in love with the gentle art.
"You might find someone that loves Jiu-Jitsu like I do. You'll never find someone that loves it more."
GAD Founder
Black Belt Since 2010
6 Schools
IBJJF Masters World Champion
BJJ Black Belt · 1st Degree · IBJJF Masters World Champion
Peterson Rodrigues
Owner / Head Professor
@pr_jits
Peterson Rodrigues started his Jiu-Jitsu journey at Gentle Art Dojo in 2013 and never looked back. Under the instruction of Professor Raphael Carneiro, he earned his black belt in 2021 — a milestone built on years of consistent training, competition, and a genuine love for the gentle art.
On the competition circuit, Peterson has built an impressive IBJJF résumé: IBJJF Masters World Champion (2018), Dallas Open Champion, Boston Open Champion, and Curitiba Open Champion. His titles reflect not just athletic ability, but a deep technical game forged over a decade on the mat.
Today, as Owner and Head Professor of GAD Littleton, Peterson brings that same discipline, technical precision, and competitive mindset into every class — creating a high-performance environment where students of all levels can grow, compete, and thrive.
Owner / Head Professor
IBJJF World Champion
Black Belt Since 2021
GAD Since 2013
BJJ Black Belt · 3rd Degree
BJJ Black Belt · 3rd Degree · Physical Therapist
Evandro Campelo Jr
Professor
@evandrocampelojr
Evandro Campelo Jr brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and elite competitive experience to the mat. A licensed Physical Therapist with postgraduate specializations in Therapeutic Strength Training and Pilates, he bridges the gap between high-performance training and functional rehabilitation — helping students move better, recover smarter, and reach their full potential.
His martial arts journey began at age 9 — starting with Judo, then finding his true home in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a sport that helped him overcome childhood asthma. A 13-year black belt (3rd Dan), Evandro's competitive record reflects years of dedication: 3× Amazonas State Champion, Paraná State Champion, Chicago Summer Champion, Brazilian National Runner-Up (2012), and American National Runner-Up (2022). Recognized as Best Instructor at Gracie Barra Wisconsin-Madison and Chicago for two consecutive years.
"The body is the reflection of the mind — and the mind grows stronger when the body moves."
Professor
Physical Therapist
3× State Champion
