Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

GAD Founder

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."

2025 IBJJF Pan No-Gi Gold

Paulo Roberto Silva

Head BJJ Instructor

"Piupiu" · @paulo_piupiu

Paulo "Piupiu" Silva is a BJJ black belt and decorated international competitor — most recently taking gold at the 2025 IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship. With additional gold medals across the CBJJE and FPJJ, Paulo brings world-class technical expertise and a genuine love for the gentle art to every class.

At GAD Chelmsford, Paulo has built a welcoming, high-performance environment for students of all ages — from first-timers to seasoned competitors chasing gold at the highest level.

Muay Thai Instructor

Janio Junior

Head Muay Thai Coach

"The Danger" · @janio_thedanger

Janio Junior is a high-energy Muay Thai specialist and certified personal trainer who brings intensity, heart, and purpose to every session. His classes blend authentic striking technique with dynamic conditioning — no two workouts are the same, and no student gets left behind.

What sets Janio apart is where he's been. He fought his own battles with obesity and alcoholism — and won. Martial arts was the turning point. The discipline, the community, and the daily commitment to showing up transformed his life, and now he channels that experience into coaching others through their own. He doesn't just teach Muay Thai. He teaches what it means to choose yourself.

"I've faced obesity and alcoholism in my own life — martial arts is what saved me. Today, my mission is to use everything I've learned to help my students find strength inside and outside the ring."

Kids MT · Women's Program

Melyssa Monahan

Kids Muay Thai & Women's Program Coach

Teacher by profession. Coach by passion. · @n.e.cartelgirl23

Melyssa grew up in Lowell, MA, starting her martial arts journey in kickboxing and taekwondo (red belt) before finding jiu-jitsu in 2020. After her first competition, she was hooked.

Now a BJJ purple belt (2025) training under Raphael Carneiro and Paulo "Piupiu" Silva, Melyssa also trains Muay Thai under UFC bantamweight Rob Font and Orlando Font — a partnership going on five years strong.

A teacher by profession and coach by passion, Melyssa leads the Kids Muay Thai and Women's programs at GAD Chelmsford, helping students build technique, confidence, and drive — on and off the mat.