The most important submission based martial art on the planet, BJJ has prospered tremendously in the last 20 years and is a long way from it’s start in the late 1920s. Today Jiu Jitsu is a thriving sport and one of the fastest growing martial arts on the planet having produced several champions that went on to be successful in MMA. This article is a short run through the sport since the early days until today.
One of the most successful wrestlers to have transitioned into Jiu Jitsu, this BJJ black belt under Renzo Gracie is a former 197 lbs Cornell University Wrestler with two D1 NCAA “All American” Wrestling championships and a Silver Medal at the ADCC.
Ricardo Cavalcanti is one of the most successful BJJ instructors to have moved to the United States from his native Brazil. A true old school black belt, having earned his stripes under Carlson Gracie, Ricardo today coaches at his academies – Team Cavalcanti – spread out through the Nevada territory.
Raised amongst the Gracie family, Gregor Gracie is the half brother of Rolles and Igor Gracie (both sons of the late Rolls Gracie). Gregor is also one of the top Jiu Jitsu fighters of his generation to fight in MMA. With medals in some of the hardest grappling tournaments in the world (BJJ Mundial, Brazilian Nationals, Nogi Worlds and ADCC) this Renzo Gracie black belt has taken time off his busy schedule to successfully dipped his toes into the fashion industry.
A Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Shinya Aoki is one of the most entertaining MMA fighters in the world. The Japanese superstar who has won numerous mixed martial arts bouts by submission, was forged in the Paraestra gym and is a decorated BJJ black belt with many important titles to his name
Peter Letsos is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Carlon Gracie Junior. A Chicago native, Pete the Greek spent several years living, training and competing in Brazil having competed and medalled in important tournaments such as the Pan American, Gracie Invitational and many others. Pete is also the founder of Rio Jiu Jitsu, an academy he runs in the US.
Sergio Babu is a Judo, BJJ and Luta Livre black belt and one of the most sought out jiu jitsu coaches in the world of MMA. He has dedicated most of his life to grappling (though he is also a successful lawyer) having worked on improving the submission abilities of fighters such as Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva, Gesias Cavalcante, Rogerio Nogueira “Minotauro” and many others.
Master Lloyd Irvin is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Leo Dalla and one of the most important and successful American born BJJ instructor in the world, having developed high end talent such as Mike Fowler, JT Torres, James Harbison and many others.
Fabio Prado, also known as ‘Pateta‘ (Goofy) is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Marcelo Clemente from the famous Gracie Ilha academy in Rio …
Shane Rice was the first Canadian native to hold a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Rickson Gracie. With a vast …
Roger Coelho is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Jorge Patino and Roberto Godoi with many important medals in the BJJ circuit to …
Paulo Tarcisio Jardim is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Leonardo Vieira, having fought for important teams such as Nine Nine and Checkmat …
Daniel Garcia, also known as “Neguinho”, is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Rodrigo Feijão from the Nova União team. A World Cup …
BJJ Worlds Blue and Purple BJJ Worlds Absolute Division BJJ Worlds Rounds 1, 2 and 3 BJJ Worlds 1/4 Finals Men’s BJJ Worlds Black …
Vinicius Corrales is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Fernando Paradeda from Porto Alegre, Brazil. One of the best fighters in the southern region of the country, Corrales made a dent into BJJ’s landscape after reaching the final of the World Pro Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2011, ha had also won that year the Nogi (without kimono) aspect of that same competition (WPC).
Leonardo Nogueira is one of the many aces from Alliance’s Jiu Jitsu camp. A BJJ black belt under Fabio Gurgel, Mr Leo Nogueira has an extensive competitive record with many important trophies on his cabinet, his first big mark in the black belt division came as he won a gold medal at the Brazilian Nationals in the open weight division (2011).