Cassio Werneck

Cássio Werneck (born 17 February 1974) is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, instructor and owner of Cassio Werneck Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu located in Sacramento, California.

Early years
Werneck began training in martial arts at 11 years old, practicing Capoeira for 4 years. He switched to grappling in 1991, moving to a Judo club where he was coached by sensei Miura. Cassio was exposed to more of the self-defence aspect of  jiu-jitsu through Professor Sardella, a member of the Federal Police. In 1993, Werneck's focus turned to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Grappling career
Werneck fought in the Southern California Pro-Am Invitational 2003, where he beat Jeff Newton in the opening round before losing to Rener Gracie in the quarter-final. The match with Gracie drew attention due to a controversial finish, where Werneck claimed that he did not tap.

Werneck competed at the IBJJF Master World Championship on September 2, 2023, where he won the master 4 middleweight division.

Teaching career
Athletes such as Randy Couture, Frank Mir, Dan Henderson and Urijah Faber have also trained under Cassio at his Sacramento location.

Cassio has conducted seminars in the Middle East as well as in the U.S. and Brazil.