Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Hamel.
Hi Cameron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Elevate Jiu Jitsu’s journey started from humble beginnings. Our two owners: Professor Filemon Teixeira and Instructor Cameron Hamel, have different backgrounds – from Brazil to Longwood. They came together at their previous academy, and decided to open their own place. In July 2024, they started Elevate Jiu Jitsu in Instructor Cameron’s garage, training many families that they had previously trained with. This led to our opening at our new Longwood location in January 2025. The two have brought a blended mix of experience, including Professor Filemon training in Brazil Gutho/Atos. They hope to combine their talents to become a home for Longwood Jiu Jitsu and everyone wanting to train BJJ in and around Orlando.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, everything has been relatively smooth. Figuring out the logistics of a Martial Arts gym from the mats to the changing rooms was challenging. We also had to do a little construction in the space but overall, it came out fantastic and we have been moving full speed ahead.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Elevate Jiu Jitsu?
Elevate Jiu Jitsu is a place where everyone cares about each other. Everyone knows everyone and is treated equally with respect. There is no hierarchy in our BJJ academy. We strive to be neighborhood helpers, whether that’s for kids in school or adults looking for fitness. Our competitive BJJ focus is supported by our close-knit community. We host group events, including holiday parties and BBQs to bring students closer together. On the mat, our leaders: Professor Filemon Teixeira and Instructor Cameron Hamel, keep everyone motivated. Students are treated like family and are encouraged to reach new heights. We invite everyone – from competitive high school wrestlers to families – to hop on the mat at Elevate Jiu Jitsu!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
As Jiu Jitsu practitioners, we mostly follow FloGrappling, ADCC, UFC, and many different grappling creators from B-Team Jiu Jitsu to Lachlan Giles and Jordan Teaches Jiu Jitsu or Chewjitsu. We follow and support all Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors. Joe Rogan is a huge supporter of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community as well. Recommended reading for learning some Jiu Jitsu history are Opening Closed-Guard: the Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil: The Story Behind the Film- by Robert Drysdale, and The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World’s Greatest Martial Arts Family- by Kid Peligro.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elevate-bjj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatejiujitsu_longwood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573937667328
