Maguilla began studying martial arts in junior high school. At age 11, Maguilla followed in his father's footsteps as a boxer. However, he quickly realized the limits of boxing and in 1985 his friend, Joao "Frango" Luis (a black belt under Ricardo De La Riva), persuaded Maguilla to try Jiu-jitsu.

Maguilla was so impressed with the immediate effectiveness Jiu-jitsu offered that he became a student at Carlson Gracie Sr.'s academy in Copa Cabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He earned his yellow belt the same year. It took just one more year to earn his blue belt, by which time he was able to control opponents 15 years his senior. The boost in self-esteem lead Maguilla to compete in Jiu-jitsu tournaments.

Over the next 5 years (1985-89), under Carlson Gracie and as a member of the world champion team "Nova/Uniao", he racked up numerous state champion victories with only a single loss. (Over 200+ fights)

In 1988, Maguilla finished training with Carlson Gracie and began an even more intense training regimen with the renowned Andre Pederneiras. (Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Sr.)

In 1997, Maguilla earned his black belt from Carlson Gracie Sr and Andre Pederneiras and came to the United States, opening his own academy in Silver Spring, MD where he now teaches others his own brand of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Self-Defense, Vale Tudo and Free-Style BJJ.