Charles Gomes | Grounded in Purpose Through Jiu-Jitsu

From Brazil to the Navy to Lamborghini to Jiu-Jitsu: Charles Gomes’ Veteran Entrepreneur Story | The Oak Lines

Ted Adair interviews Charles Gomes—Brazilian immigrant, Navy veteran, former Lamborghini sales leader, and co-owner of Gracie Baja jiu-jitsu in Leesburg and Ashburn, VA. Charles shares his journey from a dirt-floor home in Brazil to California at age eight, joining the Navy after 9/11 as a damage controlman aboard USS John C. Stennis during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and discovering jiu-jitsu through shipboard “Friday night brawls”. He transitioned to sales through coaching connections, then joined Lamborghini’s US headquarters in 2012 to build customer relations for the Americas. Charles left Lamborghini for the direct impact of teaching jiu-jitsu—transforming bullied kids, supporting adults in health and sobriety, and building diverse community. He discusses mentorship for veterans, lessons from high-performing clients, and entrepreneurial advice: write goals in pen, actions in pencil, ignore critics, build a plan, and commit fully. The episode closes with his community work supporting veteran nonprofits, a 35-hour Veterans Day fundraiser, and an invitation to try Gracie Baja free for two weeks.