Rafael Cordeiro Interview
Chute Boxe Head Instructor.

Socal gets an early MMA Christmas.

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Rafael Cordeiro is one of the most notable MMA trainers on the planet. To the average fan, his name may be obscure. For the dedicated fan, especially those following Chute Boxe, Rafael is far from unknown. His personal MMA fight record is a modest 4-2, competing in lesser recognized shows such as the IVC and the BVF. This record doesn't take any of his Vale Tudo, and bare-knuckle fights from Brazil into account however. Moreover, it is not his fight record MMA enthusiast should be concentrating on, its the pedigree of top-notch fighters he trains.

So who has he helped train? Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva, Anderson "Spider" Silva, and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua... just to name a few.

In September, Rafael opened a Chute Boxe fight academy in Huntington Beach next door to Cleber Luciano's BJJ school. Cordeiro officially opened his doors on September 19th with a free seminar to anyone that could fit, and trust me, it wasn't easy to fit. Notable names in attendance were Doug Marshall, Fernando Betega, and Cleber Luciano.

Paired together, Cleber and Rafael plan on developing fighters and taking their program to the next level. That's a mean combo. They've staggered their training schedules, so that students can train one style, walk next door, and train in the next.

"No more excuses, when we finish Ju-Jitz (Cleber's accent shortens his lingo) here, you walk next door and train Muay Thai. I don't want to hear 'I'm tired', or 'I couldn't get here on time'. Training is all day, and if you want to fight you need to come, and be dedicated", exclaimed Cleber as he led a mass of BJJers out the door to Rafael's new gym.

I'm not writing this article from an outsider's perspective. I've spent the last few weeks training with Rafael. I've also spent the last few weeks nursing myself from some serious Muay Thai.

Socalmartialarts.com: What distinguishes Chute Boxe from other Muay Thai schools?

RC: Before, BJJ was dominating the MMA scene. Chute Boxe came with a different style, a Muay Thai style. It's more aggressive, more specific for MMA. You see Wanderlei and all those guys, they changed the whole scene.

Socalmartialarts.com: Do you teach any grappling in your Muay Thai class?

RC: I've trained BJJ (black belt), wrestling, and stand up. We train the athletes for MMA, to be more well rounded. You've got to be well rounded, that's why Chute Boxe mixes things up, but Muay Thai is the main focus.

Socalmartialarts.com: How long have you been training Muay Thai?

RC: 20 years.

Socalmartialarts.com: What about Jiu-Jitsu?

RC: About 12 to 13 years.

Socalmartialarts.com: Who are some of the more notable fighters that you have trained?

RC: Wanderlei Silva, Anderson Silva, Mauricio Shogun., Cyborg...

Socalmartialarts.com: That's a pretty impressive list. Do you ever plan on fighting yourself?

RC: No, now its all about the students. To fight, you have to train alot. I train every day, but when you are going to fight, you have to train 3-4 times a day, and I don't have time for that anymore. With the business, and kids...its hard to keep up the two things, you know?

Socalmartialarts.com: Your school in Brazil, how big is it, how many students?

RC: About 300 students.

Socalmartialarts.com: Is it the biggest in Brazil?

RC: It's the best in Brazil (laughs).

Socalmartialarts.com: What made you decide to open a school here?

RC: For the future, there are a lot of fighters here. Some of the best Brazilian fighters are here, some of the best coaches. A lot of opportunity.

Socalmartialarts.com: How did you partner up with Cleber, how did that come togehter?

RC: I met Cleber through Macaco. He told me Cleber has the best Jiu-Jitsu in California, and if I ever go there, I should partner up with him.

Socalmartialarts.com: I see. Now, if you had to pick 3 things that are essential for being successful at Muay Thai, what would you say?

RC: Respect, raca (heart/hustle), and knees.

Socalmartialarts.com: Knees?

RC: Yeah, I love knees (laughs).

Socalmartialarts.com: Yeah, I don't want to be on the other side of your knees. So, what's the secret to your success?

RC: You gotta respect everyone. To earn respect, you gotta give respect. Doesn't matter the race, the money...you respect the human being. It's the base for good relationships.

Socalmartialarts.com: Open mic time, anything you want to say to the fans?

RC: Chute Boxe creates the best fighters in MMA. Alot of people don't even know that. The biggest names train at Chute Boxe, even for a short time. They all come here because we have the foundation of the fighter. When you come here, you feel good to be here, it's like a family.

Socalmartialarts.com: Perfect, thank you.

RC: Thank you too.

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