By BJJ Heroes on March 14th, 2012

Rodrigo Fajardo “Pimpolho” (Gracie Barra)

Rodrigo Fajardo

Rodrigo Fajardo is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the illustrious Gustavo Muggiati who fights for the Gracie Barra – Curitiba team camp. Rodrigo Fajardo has been a top competitor for the medium heavyweight division since the mid 2000’s conquering several important tournaments including the European Open, the Brazilian national championship and the south American championship.

Rodrigo Fajardo in Detail

Full Name: Rodrigo Fajardo

Nickname: “Pimpolho” is the name attributed to a small and restless child. The name was given due to Rodrigo Fajardo’s demeanour.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie >Carlos Gracie Jr > Gustavo Muggiati > Rodrigo Fajardo

Main Achievements:

European Champion (2011)
Brazilian National Champion (2007 brown, 2002 blue)
South American Champion (2011 & 2009 – black, 2007 brown)
Brazilian National Teams Champion (2004 – purple)
South Brazil Champion (2011, 2010, 2009 – black)
Brazilian National Silver Medallist (2004 – purple)
Brazilian National Bronze Medallist (2010 & 2009 – black, 2005 – purple)

Favourite Position/Technique: Triangle & Toe Hold

Weight Division: Meio Pesado (88kg/194lbs)

Team/Association: Gracie Barra – Curitiba

Sponsors:

pridefightwear.com.br
santagulla.com.br
academiaoxyplace.com.br
go2level.com.br
lionfighter.com

Rodrigo Fajardo “Pimpolho” Biography

Rodrigo Fajardo was born on the 29th of March, 1986 in Curitiba, Brazil. The martial arts appeared in Rodrigo’s life as a desperate attempt by his mother to put “Pimpolho’s” restless nature to some work and possibly fade out a little of his excess energy.

As his grandfather had trained jiu jitsu in the 1940’s, when he found out of Rodrigo’s mother’s intentions, the elder of the family immediately pressed Mrs Fajardo to put his grandson on a BJJ school, which happened when Rodrigo was 14 years old (year of 2000).

Gustavo Muggiati was Rodrigo’s first coach and the man who graded Fajardo in all his belts, including the, always memorable, black belt on December, 2007. After several podium spots at an international level and wins in the Brazilian National stage, Fajardo decided to start working with personal trainer, Guilherme Paiva to raise his game to the highest level. This hard work reaped its rewards with “Pimpolho’s” win at the European Open Championship in 2012, arguably one of the most coveted medals in the official IBJJF tournament schedule.

Rodrigo Fajardo vs Neca