Professor Rafael “Sapo” Natal is from Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. He started his BJJ career in 2003 and now holds the rank of Black Belt, 3rd degree. He has been teaching at the Renzo Gracie Academy HQ since 2008.
Sapo holds many BJJ World Championship titles both in the US and abroad.
Sapo is also a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist. A professional from 2005 until 2017, he is best known for his 17-fight stint competing for the UFC.
Classes he teaches: NO GI Advanced on Mondays & Wednesdays at 12pm, Advanced Gi Class on Fridays at 12pm, and BJJ Beginner on Tuesdays at 8pm.