Uncover the Inspiring Journey of Santiago Furlong: The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Fueling Champion Athletes
Like all athletes, exceptional instructors are shaped through experience and dedication, rather than an inherent talent. Sure, innate ability can play a role, but let’s be honest—it’s the long hours spent refining techniques, the sweat in the gym, and the willingness to face challenges that truly shape a champion. Just ask Santiago Furlong.
Originally hailing from Argentina, Santiago had the potential to shine on the football field or even take a spin on the tango floor. Yet, his heart was captured by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that hails from Brazil’s vibrant culture.
“I’ve been immersed in martial arts and combat sports for as long as I can remember,” Santiago reflects. “I got my start in boxing back in high school and later ventured into mixed martial arts. It was during that journey that I stumbled into my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, and I knew instantly that this was where I belonged.”
### A Fateful Competition
Years of tireless training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culminated in a defining moment for Santiago—the São Paulo International Open, one of Brazil’s premier competitions.
“This was my first time competing on an international stage, and boy, did it feel daunting,” Santiago recalls. Facing off against seasoned competitors from Brazil, which is essentially the home ground of Jiu-Jitsu, was no small feat.
Emerging victorious from that challenging bracket didn’t just bolster his confidence; it ignited a fire within him to dive wholeheartedly into Jiu-Jitsu as a career. “Winning in São Paulo was monumental for me,” he explains. “It validated my technical abilities and proved that I could think strategically under pressure.”
### Life as a BJJ Instructor
For the past eight years, Santiago has transformed those experiences into valuable lessons for his students. Residing in New York now, he serves as an instructor at the Gentle Art Studio, a Lotus Club Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu branch located in Astoria.
“My experiences have been a backbone of my teaching philosophy,” Santiago shares. “I emphasize not only technical prowess but also the need to be a versatile athlete. In Jiu-Jitsu, adapting to different styles and situations is key—it’s not enough to rely on a handful of techniques.”
Santiago’s teaching focuses on holistic preparation, addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the sport. Having experienced various athlete mindsets himself, he tailors his instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. Sharing his personal journey through challenges, he highlights the mindset and work ethic crucial for success in Jiu-Jitsu. He truly values one-on-one time with his students, offering personalized feedback that resonates with their individual journeys.
“By giving targeted attention and guidance, I help my students cultivate confidence and hone the skills they need to succeed in Jiu-Jitsu,” he states. “It really is as straightforward as that.”
### The Structure of His Program
Typically, a session with Santiago begins with him explaining various techniques and exercises, followed by hands-on drilling and sparring. The sparring can vary; sometimes focusing on specific techniques, while at other times, students engage in free sparring to apply what they’ve learned in a more dynamic context.
“This structure is designed for growth,” Santiago says. “First, we incorporate and practice new techniques, then we transition into positional and constraint sparring to navigate common fight scenarios, and finally, we engage in free sparring to replicate the real intensity of competition.” After these exercises, he conducts Q&A sessions to help troubleshoot any struggles his students may face, ensuring that they gain a deeper understanding of the sport.
### Achieving Great Results
The results of Santiago’s method speak volumes. His students have excelled in significant competitions organized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation—one of the most respected organizations in the sport. Recent years have seen his students bring home medals from prestigious events like the IBJJF Master Worlds, IBJJF World No Gi, IBJJF Pans, and more, consistently ranking high within their divisions.
### And He Wants to Keep Going
“My mission is clear: to relentlessly push myself and my students towards higher levels of achievement so we can reach our goals together,” Santiago expresses with passion. “Through dedication, consistency, and hard work, I truly believe we can continue to grow our team and achieve even greater success.”
In every class, in every student, Santiago sees the potential for greatness—an extension of his own journey and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes. And that’s what makes his journey so rewarding.
