One of the toughest men to have competed in combat sports, Enson Inoue, or “Yamato Damashii”, is an American born Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under John Lewis, being the founder of the world famous Purebred Academy. A polarizing figure in both jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA), Enson was of great importance in the development of Brazilian jiu jitsu in Japan, having introduced the combat style to many important Japanese grapplers.
Fabiano Scherner is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt of Murilo Bustamante and Luis Roberto Duarte, having earned his grade in under four years, a remarkable achievement in the sport. Scherner is also a former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who competed for important organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Cage Rage.
Givanildo Santana is a Lotus Jiu Jitsu Club representative, and former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who was regarded as one of the top jiu jitsu stylists in MMA, having finished his career with an 18-3-0 record, 16 submission wins (13 armbars).
Geovanny Martinez, commonly known as “Geo” Martinez is a 10th Planet jiu jitsu black belt under Eddie Bravo and one of the top no gi grapplers of his generation, having reached his black belt grade in 3 years time with big wins at touraments such as the ADCC trials and EBI.
Rodrigo Pagani is a jiu jitsu black belt under Saulo Ribeiro, being an illustrious representative of the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu association in Brazil. A former Brazilian National and International Masters & Seniors champion, Rodrigo Pagani is mostly known for his trademark positions, such as the “magretti choke” and the “curu curu guard”.
True BJJ legends, the Ribeiro brothers (Saulo and Alexandre) are among the best grapplers that have ever competed in a jiu jitsu arena. This is BJJ Heroes’ tribute to the two Manaus brothers, for their work towards a better jiu jitsu.
One of the most common submissions in Brazilian jiu jitsu and grappling competitions around the world, the americana is a shoulder and elbow lock who’s creation seems to point to the early 20th century. On this article you will find out more about the origins of the position and the way it entered the jiu jitsu community.
One of the most common submissions in Brazilian jiu jitsu, the kimura lock has been part of grappling culture since the beginning of the 20th century. Here is a small account of the history of the kimura lock in Brazilian jiu jitsu, it’s roots and the reason behind the name in Brazilian culture.
David Terrell (Dave Terrell) was the first black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu awarded by Cesar Gracie. Widely regarded as one of the top grappling competitors of his generation, having medalled at the ADCC tournament finals and with wins over renowned competitors such as Ricardo Almeida, Fernando “Margarida” or Dean Lister. David Terrell transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA), reaching the UFC, though he would later be cut from the organization after a series of unfortunate injuries. Dave Terrell later became one of the top grappling and MMA coaches in North California, through his own endeavour, the NorCal Fighting Alliance, find out the story of this American grappling legend here.
Dimitrius Souza, also known as “Dimi” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Sergio Moraes and one of the top Alliance academy representatives in the heavyweight division. A product of the Nascidos para Vencer social project in Sao Paulo, Dimitrius medalled in some of the top tournaments in the world at black belt such as the World Jiu Jitsu Championship, having also won the Brazilian National title on several occasions as well as the South American title.
One of the top representatives of the Gracie Barra team during the early 2000’s, Bruno Fernandes became one of the most prestigious grappling coaches in Canada, having worked with many of UFC’s top stars from the Tri Star gym in Montreal, including George St. Pierre. Bruno later founded the first Gracie Barra academy in Montreal.
Fernando Gurgel is one of the founders of Brazilian jiu jitsu’s most dominating team, the Alliance academy. A former student of Romero Cavalcanti, Fernando Gurgel was at one point the head coach of the Alliance academy in Rio de Janeiro. Fernando is also the older brother of Fabio Gurgel. Find more of this great BJJ figure here.
the donkey guard is a grappling position created by Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, Jeff Glover as a way to taunt and frustrate his opponents, being first used against Tom Barlow at the ADCC tournament (2011). The position resembles a a closed guard in reverse, and has been commonly used by it’s creator since 2011.
Sergio “Malibu” was one of the most recognizable figures in Jiu Jitsu during the 1980s and 1990s. One of the main advocates for the surfing/jiu jitsu lifestyle crossover, and former Pan American and Brazilian National Jiu Jitsu Champion, Malibu was a student of Rolls Gracie and Rickson Gracie who became highly involved with the start of the Master Academy of Romero Cavalcanti.
One of the greatest super heavyweight competitors in jiu jitsu’s sporting history, Alexandre “Café”, became known as a Gracie Barra representative during the 2000’s decade, where he accumulated victories over some top competitors such as Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Fernando “Terere” or Demian Maia to name a few. Café also had a short spell as a mixed martial arts fighter, competing in the UFC.
Ricardo Rezende is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, being also one of the most talented grapplers of his generation, having earned important titles in the sport, such as the World Expo GP, the No Gi Pan American and the Miami Open, to name a few. Find more on this Fight Sports athlete here.
Kim Terra is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Ricardo Vieira, being a representative of the CTBJJA at international events, a team created by Kim’s older brother Caio Terra. Kim is regarded as a tough competitor in the black belt division, having medalled in tournaments such as the World and Brazilian National No Gi Championships as well as the Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championship. Check inside for more detail regarding Kim Terra.
One of the top competitors in Brazilian jiu jitsu’s female division, Monique Elias stormed through her competition at the lower belt levels obtaining a stacked list of sporting accomplishments. Find the story of this former model turned into fierce competitor in one of the toughest sports in the world.
One of Europe’s most prestigeous tournaments, the IBJJF London Winter Open 2015 was (yet again) an alround success. Located in the excellent Copper Box …
The toreada guard pass is the name given to a position utilized in Brazilian jiu jitsu and other grappling martial arts/combat sports, from which the top player can establish side control, escaping the guard. On this article you will find the history of this position, its origins, the top toureando guard passers in the history of the sport and see instructional videos of how to use the position.
