Gustavo Machado BJJ- Team Carvalho PG

“Professor Del wasn’t just a coach — he was a mentor, a leader, and family to so many of us. He taught far more than jiu-jitsu. He taught respect, patience, discipline, kindness, and how to carry ourselves through life with strength and humility. His impact lives on in every student he encouraged, every lesson he shared, and every life he touched on and off the mats. Tonight we gather not only to mourn his loss, but to celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Though his roll here may be finished, his spirit, teachings, and love will continue through all of us forever.”

Del, you were a warrior. Wherever you went, you brought light where there was darkness.

Today I understand that jiu-jitsu was your life — not only because you loved the sport, but because you knew lives could be touched and transformed through it.

Our longing for you will never end.

Because you were never an ordinary person.

Thank you, Del, for everything you left behind for us.

But when I saw this photo that a mother made — she lost her son, who was your student — I remembered how deeply that affected you.

This is all about eternity.

You worked so hard. No one will ever be like you. Your love for jiu-jitsu was never just about the fight itself, but about the transformation you were able to bring into people’s lives.

And Jesus saw that. He gave you such a beautiful gift, and through your passing, I can see it even more clearly now.

You cared for people. So many lives have reached out to me saying that you pulled them out of dark places.

Del, thank you for taking care of me.

I had the honor of witnessing your beautiful meeting with the Father… and this photo represents that. Only those who truly knew you will understand.

I am still in shock, but the Lord Jesus took you out of suffering, and today you are on the mats of heaven.

You left a legacy, and you will never die.

Even without knowing what to do or where to go from here, I can only be grateful that God allowed me to witness all of this.

I love you, my husband.”** ❤️