Wiliam Robson Dias

William Dias was the devoted and beloved head instructor at Silicon Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Menlo Park, CA, which he founded in 2017. William passed away while teaching an online class for his students in his home on June 18, 2020.

William was born in Sao Paulo, Brasil. He started training in the Martial Arts at 7 years old and received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Ralph Gracie in 2006 after 10 years of training. He believed in teaching with special attention to strong and solid basics, proper technique over power, and most importantly loyalty and dedication to and respect for his students and the martial arts. It is based on this philosophy that William founded his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, Silicon Valley Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, which was his dream. William was proud that his Academy was family-oriented and welcomed students of all backgrounds and abilities into a peaceful and joyful atmosphere where students helped each other learn and grow in the martial arts and as human beings.

Over the years, William helped many children and adults both on and off the mat, and is remembered for his warm smile, kindness, and selflessness. He loved the ocean and felt most free and at peace while surfing. He also loved spending time with his dogs and cat, hiking, and laughing. He enjoyed sharing his love of life, surfing, and family with his niece and nephews. He is dearly missed and always remembered by his family, students, and friends