Bernardo Faria

Bernardo Faria is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Ricardo Marques who worked extensively with Fabio Gurgel, who competed extensively for the Alliance Academy in the sport’s international circuit. Widely regarded as one of the most important super-heavyweights of his generation, with titles in jiu-jitsu’s top tournaments. Faria is also the co-founder of the BJJ Fanatics site, one of the most successful online retail stores in grappling.

Bernardo Faria Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Bernardo Rocha de Faria

Nickname: Bernardo is often called “Bê”, short for Bernardo.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlson Gracie > Sergio Souza > Ricardo Marques > Bernardo Faria

Main Achievements:

• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2010, 2013, 2015**)
• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2016*/2015/2010**)
• 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2010*)
• 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2010/2011/2012)
• 1st Place IBJJF Pro League (2014)
• 1st Place IBJJF Pro Cup (2011*)
• 2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2017/2011**)
• 2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2012*)
• 3rd Place IBJJF World Championship (2009)
• 3rd Place IBJJF European Open (2010* / 2011*)

Favorite Position/Technique: Wheel Sweep, Half Guard

Weight Division: Super-Heavyweight (100kg – 221lbs) or Heavyweight (94kg – 201lbs)

Association/Team: Alliance Jiu-Jitsu

Bernardo Faria Biography

Bernardo Faria was born on the 26th of January, 1987 in Juiz de Fora, a small town on the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He started training Jiu Jitsu in 2001 when he was 14 years old because one of his best friends (Pedro Cid) invited him to train at his gym. That gym was run by Ricardo Marques.

Bernardo’s first major competition try out was the World Cup (CBJJO) as a Junior in 2003, which he lost due to lack of experience. Faria came back strong the next year (still as a Junior) and got the Silver Medal in his weight class and Bronze in the open weight division. He reached his blue belt that same year and there he stayed until 2005 getting 2 Silver Medals at the Mundial (World Championships) and one Bronze in the meantime.

Bernardo Faria earned his Purple Belt in 2006, becoming Brazilian National Cup Champion and a World Champion in the Absolute Division that same year (among many other important trophies) and so it didn’t come as a surprise when he was awarded his brown belt in 2007.

Although he wanted to try his luck at the Brazilian Nationals again in 2007, an appendicitis operation took him off the mats for a while and he was unable to compete, he did manage to compete in the World Championship reaching second place in his division. The next year a meniscus problem took him out of the World Championship. In 2009 after Bernardo received the Black Belt, he took a big step in his career. Understanding that he wanted to follow Jiu-Jitsu as a career, he moved to Sao Paulo to join a bigger more structured team, the decision was taken his master Ricardo Marques’ consent and full support. He decided to join Alliance as he felt great admiration for Fabio Gurgel, “The General” of the team’ Sao Paulo Head Quarters.

Bernardo Faria vs Tiago Gaia (Nova Uniao)

Bernardo Farias European 2010 (Absolute Division)