I came to Shore's Academy in January 2009 with bad habits, little motivation, and a questionable attitude towards everything. I had a background in wrestling, but hadn't fought in years. I was resistant to the idea of BJJ, but decided to try it anyway. It turned out to be the best decision of my life. The beginning was hard and I was frustrated. But Professor Marco and some senior students guided me through the first months of training. I started to gain momentum, quickly learning the techniques and strategies of BJJ. Before I knew it, I had entered the competition scene, winning my first tournament and many others that followed. The quality of instruction is what makes our BJJ program so successful. Professor Marco is known as the BJJ encyclopedia for a reason: the depth of his knowledge is unparalleled. His passion for BJJ has rubbed off on all of us, and we are well-rounded, focused martial artists because of him. BJJ has changed my life. It has helped me to understand my body and its mechanics. It has helped me lose weight and keep it off. It allowed me to develop methods for dealing with life's stresses.

Sarah Affleck / Body of Four Student

Professor Marco and the Body of Four Academy has enabled me to get my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game to it's highest point it's been in years. Professor Marco's wealth of knowledge and experience shows with his ability to transfer his teachings to his students. Definetly one of the best Jiu Jitsu clubs in Toronto.

Aaron Gal / Blue Belt / Etobicoke Dojo Affiliate

Before I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Body of Four BJJ Academy, I used to weigh 30 lbs more. I was a smoker and every day after work I would have no energy except to eat and rest. The Body of Four BJJ Academy changed my life. Within the first 6 months of training under Prof. Marco, I've lost 20 pounds of fat, increased my muscles, had quit smoking and increased my energy levels. I can confidently say that I am leaner, stronger, smarter, faster, and healthier than I ever was because of the training I received. The Body of Four BJJ Academy has helped me develop my mental, physical and spiritual being and is now a lifestyle that I follow. Prof. Marco is extremely knowledgeable in Martial Arts, super supportive as a coach and maniacal as a motivator. I put my confidence in him, his system and his regimen as I keep seeing the gains and results within myself and among his students.

Michael Aviado / Blue Belt / Body of Four Student

Professor Costa has been instrumental in my development as a martial artist and helped me achieve goals I never thought possible after a head-on collision with a transport truck which nearly ended my life and left me with chronic nerve damage and orthopedic complications. I've been training with the Franco-Behring BJJ Alliance for a year and a half and have lost almost 40 lbs. As an older practioner and more of a "cerebral fighter", I value the emphasis that Professor Costa puts on the strategic and tactical aspects of BJJ. His competition seminars and training routines are top-notch, never failing to open my eyes to the intricacies of the sport and shed new light on subjects I thought I had some level of understanding. The edge I have over my opponents with Professor Costa in my corner is undeniable. I have attended many of Professor Costa's seminars, invited him to come to my home dojo in London to train the students here, and fought under his guidance for the majority of my competitive career. Professor Costa's words of encouragement, support, and praise inspire his students to do great things both on and off the mat.

Sen-Foong Lim / London BJJ Affiliate

Professor Costa has been instrumental in my development as martial artist. He has played a major role in my development from when I first stepped into the 'basement' over 6 years ago and has continued to teach and mentor me as an athlete in both Brazilian Jiujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.

Seiji Sugiman-Marangos / Franco-Behring Brown Belt / Professional MMA Fighter

Great school! Professor Costa goes above and beyond what's expected from an instructor and training at The Body of Four is a fun and inspiring experience.

Marci Lall / Weight Loss & Body Sculpting Specialist / www.marcilall.com

Many years ago I enrolled my Son in an Academy and the results were apparent. I was unaware at the time of the level of skill and talent that my son was benefiting from. I am a business owner of 25 years and well aware of the time and dedication that is required to be successful. It was obvious then that this organization had heart, talent, commitment and a also they had a gift to teach. I a few years later also joined the academy. So I have 15 years of Thank You's for all of Professor Costa's dedication to his students, to the Sport and to his own continued learning. I encourage anyone to become a part of this Family. I also wish Professor Costa all the deserved success's in the future.

Michelle Trudeau / President / MKT Courier And Cartage

I've been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for several years and been to schools in Brazil, but I've never visited such a great school! The place has true character and the instructors are both motivating and encouraging. The students had outstanding fundamentals, and even the new students learn sophisticated knowledge of BJJ. Professor Costa is an excellent instructor and an even better person. He shows tremendous character and generalship that teaches determination and strength, and expects the same from his students. Each two hour class of training always challenges me and Professor Costa takes the time to teach each of his students. These are just some of the reasons why I continue to to train with this school. Thank you.

Leo Custodio / Blue Belt / Body of Four Student

Professor Costa is a true BJJ genius. Even when I'm not trying to, I learn from him. Professor Costa has helped me to some of my greatest victories in the sport, and has always shown me what I needed to do to improve if I ever fell short. I think one of Professor Costa's best talents is his ability to speak the language of Jiu Jitsu. I've never met anyone who can articulate and describe the techniques of Jiu Jitsu more precisely. The Body of Four Academy is a premier place to learn and truly understand BJJ and MMA in Toronto.

Dave "Hammer" Hutcheson / Brown Belt/ Franco-Behring Central Academy

I have had the pleasure of training with Professor Costa for eight years. The passion he brings to fighting, in combination with a wide range of techniques and unique creativity, have all contributed to a fierce, highly intelligent, dialect of BJJ that is effectual in both sport jiu jitsu and self defense. These two qualities are rare to find in within one fighter, but Professor Costa exemplifies both of these traits. Professor Costa brings a wealth of experience and fervor to Body of Four Academy. He teaches the art with a very methodical curriculum that requires a deep level of understanding of BJJ and the human body. Professor Costa also trains his students in fitness and conditioning, employing his own brand of unique, BJJ-oriented methods. Students at the Body of Four Academy are of the highest caliber and compete at regional, national and international levels and place among the top athletes in virtually all of these tournaments. The students demonstrate the same shrewd and highly technical style of jiu jitsu as Professor Costa and are known in the BJJ community for their exceptional performance. The Body of Four BJJ Academy is among some of the most reputable dojos in the world.

Ashlin Kanawaty / Franco-Behring Brown Belt / Central Academy

Professor Costa is a very technical Jiu Jitsu instructor. The system he uses and the knowledge he has is amazing. I don't only learn to submit, but I learn to defend; questions and answers. The skills I aquired from him has helped me develop the foundation needed to improve my Jiu Jitsu. The more I learn, the more amazed I am with Jiu Jitsu. Thank you Professor Costa for everything you have tought me. Sincerely your friend and student.

Deline Cheth / Blue Belt / Matador BJJ