A strong BJJ team from Sao Paulo, Brazil, it has challenged the big teams for many years. This is a selection of their main figures (competitors & instructors) and their bio’s, from Murilo Santana to Tiago Alves and of course, the leader, Barbosinha (Marco Barbosa).
Luiz Panza is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Marco Barbosa who is one of the top heavyweight competitors of his generation. A former professional model, Luiz Panza traded the catwalk for Jiu Jitsu, turning professional in 2013. On his first year as a black belt competitor, Luiz immediately made a name for himself piling up medals at the highest level of BJJ.
Alessandro Capodeferro is the leader of the “Escola Bragantina de Jiu Jitsu” an affiliate of the Barbosa Jiu Jitsu team in Bragança Paulista (State of Sao Paulo). Capodeferro is an instructor and a competitor having achieved podium spots at several important tournaments such as the Sao Paulo State Championship and the World Cup.
Often (wrongly) regarded as the first woman black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Patricia Lage is a highly decorated BJJ practitioner with over 30 years experience in the sport and titles in the Brazilian Nationals and the World Cup. Patricia is also the daughter of 8th degree black belt Roberto Lage, an illustrious figure in Sao Paulo’s Jiu Jitsu landscape.
Leandro Lo Pereira is one of the top Jiu Jitsu competitors in the lightweight division. A black belt under Cicero Costha, Leandro became an overnight sensation after he defeated Michael Langhi – April 2011 – (who had been unbeaten for 3 years) on his way to the top spot of the World Pro JJ Cup in Abu Dhabi. Since the win in the Middle East, Leandro has cemented himself as one of the best in the business with wins at the Copa Pódio and Pan American.
Cícero Costha is a respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach and former top competitor in the black belt featherweight division. Cicero Costha received the rank of black belt in BJJ training under the guidance of Marco Barbosa, having gone to create his own team under his name. A strong competitor of his own merit, Costha slowly gained his space and notoriety as an instructor from his gym in Ipiranga – State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, having brought to BJJ competitors such as Leandro Lo and the Miyao brothers.
Tiago Alves is one of the most famous BJJ practitioners from the Barbosa Jiu Jitsu Team. A black belt in both Jiu Jitsu and Kung Fu Alves excelled in the “Arte Suave” having achieved many important titles in the black belt division, such as Brazilian National Champion (with and without the Gi), Pan American Champion and even South American champion.
Adriano Silva is one of the top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors of his generation who fought most of his career for the “Equipe Barbosa” …
One of the best female fighters today, Luanna Alzeguir has collected Gold medals throughout these last few years. Get to know more about this phenomenal fighter from Alliance.
Marco Barbosa, kindly nicknamed “Barbosinha” or “Barba” by the fans and friends in the Jiu Jitsu community, is a Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt who is regarded as one of the best instructors in BJJ. His academy in Sao Paulo, Barbosa Jiu Jitsu, is a top of the line grappling, Jiu Jitsu & MMA facility from where Marco Barbosa has produced several high level competitors.
A ADCC Brazilian trials winner and a Brazilian National Champion in Jiu Jitsu, this Mario Yamasaki black belt is easily one of the top fighters in the middleweight division. Get to know more about this Sao Paulo native.