1990s Jiu Jitsu

Marcos Barreto made history as the very first world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion in the “Galo” weight division, back in 1996. A black belt …

Leka Vieira is one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, being the first female black belt World Champion of the sport (1999), Leka took women’s BJJ to the next level raising awareness to that side of the sport, paving the way to the new generation. She was also the first known woman to graduate another woman with the black belt in Jiu Jitsu (Cindy Omatsu).

Waldomiro Perez Junior is a historical Jiu Jitsu figure in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. A black belt in BJJ under Marcelo Behring …

Pedro Sauer isan 8th degree Brazilian jiu jitsu coral belt and a former student of the legendary Rickson Gracie. Pedro Sauer is revered as one of the …

Moises Muradi is an important figure in the development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the state of Sao Paulo. Having earned his black belt …

Yuki Nakai is a legendary martial arts fighter and Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, who became well known by mixed martial arts (MMA) fans …

The 1997 pluma BJJ black belt World Champion, Joao Roque went on to have a fruitful MMA professional career, fighting in shows such as the Shooto Japan, UFC, Deep and VTJ. Roque is also one of the first African native BJJ black belts in the world.

Master Marcelo Saporito is the head coach of one of the most iconic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies in the world, the “Academia Carlson Gracie” in Rua Figueiredo Magalhaes, Copacabana. He took the mammoth task of replacing the late Master Carlson Gracie at the helm of the gym, which he did to perfection with over 200 team titles to this date.

A historical figure at the turn of the century for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Castello-Branco fought some of the best fighters of his generation. He is also one of the main figures of the Alliance BJJ team and one of the founding members of Brasa.

Léo Leite, is one of the most successful Judo players to have wondered into the world of BJJ. A Brazilian National Judo Team representative Leonardo Leite is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under “Gigi” Paiva from Alliance, having won 2 world BJJ championships and 3 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu National gold medals.

Milton Maximiliano Trombini is one of the leaders of Cia Paulista, a famous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team from Sao Paulo. Max is also a famous Judoka with strong ties to the Brazilian National Judo Team, having been involved with other National teams like the German, English and Russian.

A multiple time World Champion, Omar Salum is one of the best rooster weights (Peso Galo) in the history of Jiu Jitsu. The fighter from the Amazon state of Brazil was also considered to be one of the 5 top most technical fighters in the world by BJJ legend Royler Gracie

Luís Carlos, also Known as Manimal is a famous Jiu Jitsu black belt under the late Master. Having produced tremendous talent such as Raphael Abi-Rihan, Manimal, a true “casca grossa” of BJJ, lived with Master Carlson for several years having absorbed his wisdom and knowledge.

Carlos Machado was one of the pioneers of  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the United States of America. A black belt under Gracie Barra founder …

Royce Gracie is a legendary Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter. Being the son Helio Gracie – one of the fathers of BJJ – Royce held the Gracie family torch high while helping to built the sport of MMA and bringing awareness to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through his famous victories in the early UFC’s. In 2003 Royce Gracie was also inducted in UFC hall of fame.

An amazing grappler “Soca” has conquered numerous BJJ and submission wrestling competitions including the prestigious ADCC tournament (considered to be the elite grappling trophy), the Pan American BJJ Championship and the “Brasileiro”.

One of the most controversial fighters in Jiu Jitsu due to his bitter rivalries with former team mate Roberto Godoi and BJJ’s enfant terrible Ryan Gracie, “Macaco” was also one of the first BJJ fighters from Sao Paulo to transition successfully from Grappling to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).

A true gentleman of the sport, “Toco”, a Carlson Gracie black belt is also the founder of the prestigious “Nova Geracao” team. From his gym in Rio de Janeiro he has produced some of the best grappling talent in the world.

A respected Jiu Jitsu black belt and arguably the best referee in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (CBJJ/IBJJ). Muzio is also one of the leaders of the Brasa team and a very successful instructor with over 30 black belts under his guidance

A Jorge Pereira black belt, Guigo is a World and Pan American Champion from Rio de Janeiro. Today he lives in Sao Paulo where he leads his own BJJ team.