Victor Estima (Gracie Barra)

Victor Estima is a prolific Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt who has medalled in some of the world’s most important BJJ tournaments such as the “Mundial”, the European Open and the World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship. Victor is also the brother of the legendary grappler, Braulio Estima.

Vitor Estima in Detail

Full Name: Victor de Oliveira Estima

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Carlos Gracie Junior > Victor Estima

Main Achievements:

• Nogi World Champion (2011)
• European Open Champion (2012)
• 2x World Silver Medallist (2003 blue, 2005 purple – absolute)
• World Pro BJJ Cup Silver Medallist (2009)
• World Bronze Medallist (2008 & 2009 black)
• European Bronze Medallist (2008 weight & absolute, 2011 black)

Favourite Technique/Position: Closed Guard

Weight Division: Peso Médio (82kg-181lbs)

Team/Association: Gracie Barra

Victor Estima Biography

Victor Estima was born in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil on the 8th of January 1985. Though Vitor did not grow up being a sporty person, he did start training martial arts at a relatively young age, he was 8 years old when he joined his brother Braulio at his Judo club. This was relatively short lived and Victor would follow his older brother once again, this time to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at age 12, training under Charles dos Anjos.

At his BJJ academy, Victor Estima did not have any other 12 year old kids to train with, every training partner was an adult and so Victor started losing the will to train. He stopped for a couple of years but always followed and supported Braulio in his athletic endeavors. This close contact with the sport kept the Jiu Jitsu “bug” alive inside Victor and he returned after a sabbatical couple of years.

When Victor Estima returned to his old academy, Charles dos Anjos had left, and Zé “Radiola” was the man in charge. Under Radiola, Victor showed that he was as gifted as his brother, conquering several competitions in his home state (in fact it was said in his interview to: martialedge.com, that he never lost a fight in Pernambuco), fighting many times as an adult when he was still in his early teens.

Victor started travelling to England to be with his brother who had moved to the European country when he was a purple belt. Braulio was instrumental to Victor Estima’s technical growth and his approach to competition which led to his black belt (awarded in 2006).

After so many trips to England, Victor decided to settle in the United Kingdom where he partnered up with his brother at Gracie Barra Midlands. In The UK, Victor also worked with a few MMA fighters, helping their grappling development, fighters such as the famed Team Rough House crew.

In 2011 after an unexpected last minute call for the world’s biggest grappling show, the ADCC, Victor proved that he belonged amongst the best being named as one of the most exciting fighters in the tournament (though failing to medal). A little over a month after the famous competition, Victor tried his luck once again at a major Nogi (without the use of the kimono) Jiu Jitsu tournament, the World Nogi Championship, proving again to be one of the top middleweights in the world by winning the tournament.

Victor Estima Fight Videos

Victor Estima vs Chris Liscandrio

Victor Estima vs Jonatas Novaes

Victor Estima vs Renato Tavares

Vitor Estima vs Tarsis Humphreys