João Miyao

João Miyao is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Cicero Costha who competes for the PSLPB academy (Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem) and Unity Jiu-Jitsu in this sport/martial-arts international circuit. Considered a prodigy of BJJ since his teens, João and his twin brother Paulo Miyao (commonly known as the Miyao Brothers) have piled up medals in the globe’s most important tournaments, both being among the very best competitors of their generation.

João Miyao Jiu Jitsu

Full name: João Ricardo Bordignon Miyao

Nickname: N / A

lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Marcelo Behring > Waldomiro Perez > Roberto Godoi > Marco Barbosa > Cicero Costha > João Miyao

Main Achievements:

• IBJJF World No-Gi Champion (2015/2017/2018)
• IBJJF Pan American Champion (2018/2017/2016/2015/2014)
• IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion (2018/2015)
• IBJJF European Champion (2019/2018/2014)
• ACBJJ 6 Grand Prix Champion (2017)
• IBJJF Brazilian Champion (2014)
• UAEJJF Abu Dhabi Pro Champion (2018)
• UAEJJF Grand Slam Abu Dhabi Champion (2018/2019)
• UAEJJF Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro Champion (2015)
• UAEJJF Grand Slam Los Angeles Champion (2017)
• IBJJF World 2nd Place (2017/2015/2014)
• IBJJF World No-Gi 2nd Place (2016)
• IBJJF World Championship 3rd Place (2018)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

• IBJJF World Champion (2013 brown, 2012/2011 purple)
• IBJJF Pan American Champion (2013 brown, purple 2012, 2011 blue)
• IBJJF European Champion (2013 brown)
• IBJJF Brazilian Champion (2013 brown, purple 2012)
• CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Champion (2012 purple)
• IBJJF European 2nd Place (2013* brown)
• CBJJ Brazilian Nationals 2nd Place (2012* purple)
• CBJJ Brazilian No-Gi Nationals 2nd Place (2012* purple)
• IBJJF Pan American 3rd Place (2013* brown)

* Absolute
** Weight and absolute

Position / Technique Favorite: Berimbolo

Weight Division: Peso Pluma  (64,00 kg / 141.5 lbs)

Team/Association: PSLPB Cicero Costha/Unity JJ NYC

João Miyao Biography

João Miyao was born on May 11, 1991 in the city Andirá in the state of Paraná – Brazil, along with his twin brother Paulo Miyao. They are 3rd generation Japanese descendants with humble beginnings, being the sons of a farmer and a housewife.

The two began martial arts through Judo, but found Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 16 and never looked back. The Miyao bros first teacher was Adriano Carvalho, who early on recognized the talent these two boys possessed and encouraged them to train and fight more regularly. With the Jiu Jitsu “bug” growing and growing, the two brothers decided they wanted to become Jiu Jitsu fighters professionally and so as they soon as they were of age they moved to São Paulo (against the wishes of their parents) to pursue their dream.

In São Paulo the Miyao brothers found a home in Cicero Costha’s social project, the PSLPB or Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (Fighting for Good Social Project). Living within the academy along with other eager athletes, the brothers began winning many championships focusing many of their techniques on the Mendes brothers (Rafael and Guilherme). Their sharp and bendy guards and the fact the Miyao’s were consistently medalling in the absolute divisions weighing only 64 kilos brought the curiosity of the media to the Parana duo, and with this curiosity/recognition came the sponsorships needed for siblings to showcase their skills in the top competitions of the world, a test they passed with flying colors.

Although Paulo Miyao has received a brown belt before João, João caught up with his brother and the two ended up getting the desired black belt together on June 2013.

Banner pic by: BJJPix

João Miyao vs Pedro Arruda

João Miyao vs Márcio André