Não Para Nunca

LEARN BY FROM ONE OF THE BEST

Originally from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Professor
Popeye is a second-degree black belt who is
currently training and competing. His teaching
career spans more than ten years, seven of
them in Singapore.

STRUCTURED CURRICULUM

GFTEAM Singapore provides a pre-planned, structured
curriculum for each level. Each class will be conducted in
modules and structured in a way that enables students to
execute the movements easily. This is done by breaking
down a more complex technique into smaller, simpler
movements while preparing students to execute the actual
technique.

Be a GFTEAM member

GFTEAM is represented from all over the world. The team
currently has more than 250 branches around the world,
and plans to expand even further.

Our Programs

FOR kids

Jiu-Jitsu is not just about Jiu-Jitsu techniques; kids learn improved motor skills, focus, discipline, and confidence by participating in this program.

Fundamentals

Make learning easy and seamless with self-defense and technical fundamentals. Also relevant for those who took a break and are returning to martial arts.

Intermediated

This class aims to shape students and provide them with the techniques they need to advance from their current belt/rank to the next.

ADVANCED

As you learn how to integrate movements that you've already learnt, identify opportunities, and attack and defend strategically, you'll be able to learn high level techniques (remember, they are basic techniques perfected, and seamlessly interconnected).

Our HISTORY

In 1996, Professors Pedro Gama Filho and Paulo Jardim of Gama Filho University (UGF) in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, saw the potential of Jiu Jitsu and created the first team within the university through Master Julio Cezar Pereira together with Masters Alexandre Baruna and Marcus Belo. They then took the first of many steps towards the growth and expansion of Jiu-jitsu.

As the team expanded its horizons to include not only jiu-jitsu training, but also MMA, it became necessary to change the name, as MMA cannot be linked to an educational institution. The University of Gama Filho also lost its support following the death of Professor Pedro Gama Filho and the team transitioned and reformed. A grappling fight team named GFTeam was formed.

In less than two years, GFTeam was able to consolidate, continue the work, and expand.

Our methodology

We understand how intimidating newly learned techniques can be.

GFTeam Singapore provides a pre-planned, structured curriculum for each level. Each class will be conducted in modules and structured in a way that enables students to execute the movements easily. This is done by breaking down a more complex technique into smaller, simpler movements while preparing students to execute the actual technique.

As a result, you will have a more thorough understanding of the technique, how to execute the movement, and how the techniques relate to one another.

A complex technique, such as the flying armbar, is executed by knowing the fundamental moves and connecting them together.

The structured classes will also allow continuity and progress in each class over time.

About GFTeam Singapore

In 1996, Professors Pedro Gama Filho and Paulo Jardim of Gama Filho University (UGF) in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, saw the potential of Jiu Jitsu and created the first team within the university through Master Julio Cezar Pereira together with Masters Alexandre Baruna and Marcus Belo. They then took the first of many steps towards the growth and expansion of Jiu-jitsu.

Gfteam Singapore Goal

Our goal is not only to build champions in tournaments, but to use Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to help you shape your character. With jiu jitsu in your life you will not only excel on the mats but outside of them too.

Jiu-jitsu teaches you responsibility, confidence, and security so you can deal with clients, bosses, and stress better. This will also make you a better person for your loved ones and those around you.

Rather than doing what is convenient, we do what is right. Our actions are based on the fact that it is the right thing to do. We are capable of accomplishing any task or overcoming any challenge. Gfteam nao para (Gfteam never stops)

GFTEAM

Introduction to Our Instructor

Professor Vinicius ‘Popeye’ Wingerter

Professor Popeye is a 2nd degree black belt under Master Julio Cezar Pereira and Jake Mackenzie of GFTeam. He is an active competitor who had won several international competitions under IBJJF. He has a solid background of competing wrestling and No-gi BJJ. He has more than 15 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and 10 years of teaching of which 7 of those in Singapore and he love what he does. His passion for the sport and for his students to be the best is unparalleled.

As a professor he has helped his students reach their goals in high level competitions. Benjamin Chia is a silver medalist in SEA games 2019 who is also a gold medalist for many international competitions such as IBJJF Asian Open and was the best in his division in Singapore. Nathaniel Yeo, who is a gold medalist for 2 years straight in 2018 and 2019 in IBJJF Pan Pacific Open (Australia), and silver medalist in IBJJF Asian Open (Japan).

Outside of teaching he is a loving husband and father of his daughter, Norah and two cats Kira and Dela (both named after Jiu Jitsu technique). He enjoys spending quality time with his family on his day off.

Testimonials

I started training with Popeye when I was 37 years old. By 38 I was competing. And confidently, thanks to Popeye’s generous training and dedication to always being at the vanguard of what is a rapidly evolving discipline. He frequently stays long after class is over to answer any questions i may have, whether that be from positions covered in the class itself, or that I saw on YouTube the night before and wanted clarification over. Could not recommend him more.

I had my first few classes of BJJ with Professor Popeye and he made me feel so comfortable as a beginner back then. As an adult learning something knew it was pretty daunting, but knowing that I had good support and an understanding professor, I look forward to class everytime!

Popeye is the most technical educator in the sport of jiu jitsu I have ever come across. Always going into the minute details of each position, and creating training scenarios where these positions are felt and practiced. More importantly, he always pushes his students to improve and develop in all aspects of the game, and has made me fall in love with the intricacies of BJJ.

Prof Popeye is an all rounded and dedicated coach, who puts 100% effort into every class. He spends time correcting techniques and is genuine about teaching the art of Jiu Jitsu. He’s great with kids too

Have spent a year training under Popeye and found him to be a super professor, on and off the mats. Very professional, detailed and good vibes when training and rolling!

As someone who has no experience previously and just jumping into this sport, Popeye has been very patient and the way he explains the various techniques allows me to not only perform the technique but to understand the underlying reason for doing it. That quality is definitely hard to find and Popeye delivers it. He doesn't teach the classes as if its a normal class he teaches with passion and wants students to understand the logic and knowing when to apply rather then just knowing how to do it.

As someone who has been learning all sorts of craft since I was a child, I have to say that professor Popeye is one of the best teachers I’ve met. I wish my other teachers were as structured, detailed, and disciplined as Popeye. I’ve even taken some of Popeye’s methods of teaching and applied them to my own work as a music educator. Don’t let the fierce face fool you. Popeye is very warm and friendly, and he always wants the best out of his students. I’ve trained under him for the past 6 years and hope to eventually have my daughter learn from him too. 10/10 would recommend.

Prof Popeye is very patient, especially when it comes to beginners, not just the moves but in helping the students understanding the concepts of jiu jitsu. For the more advanced, prof definitely pushes the pace, pushing you to the limit but at the same time, creating an environment where you can improve and grow. Super fun and accepting bunch of people to train with as well!

Prof Pop’s passion and love for Jiu Jitsu is very contagious. His intensity is unmatched and he is an amazing teacher for competitors looking to roll hard preparing for tournaments as well as all age levels practitioners aiming to develop their skills safely in a great environment. He helped me so much in developing key positions like the single x guard and the back take. Thank you prof

As a teacher, Popeye was always reliable and organized – he is always working on his syllabus and finding the right teaching methods for each of his classes. He also readily led our warm-ups, including participation whenever we do not have an equal amount of students. What I thoroughly enjoyed as well was the dedication to drill certain movements in order to get it into our system. He is also firm but always finds ways to break it down more simpler for newer students. If a student is unable to roll forward, he is there to guide them. All in all, Professor Popeye is a dedicated teacher with a positive attitude. I wouldn’t hesitate to participate in his classes the next time.

I joined BJJ with the thought of trying a new sport. Initially I thought it’ll be quite hard to understand. However, my first class with Popeye was really fun! He explained and showed me the basics from the very start and it kept me wanting more. His teaching methods were different for each individual despite teaching in a big class — which something that I treasure as I’m on the slower side. I’ve never felt lost and he was always there to share his knowledge and tips. His classes are always enjoyable and I would strongly recommend to anyone who is starting their BJJ journey. Thank you, Popeye!