Every martial artist has a beginning, a spark that ignites a lifelong journey. For Juan Carlos Lopez, that spark came as a teenager in Ecuador, when a simple triangle choke on an MMA video set him on a path that would eventually lead to the highest levels of Jiu-Jitsu.

From those first steps on the mat, guided by his brother Carlos and a circle of dedicated coaches, Lopez embraced the philosophy that has carried him through every stage of his career: never stop learning.

Today, Lopez’s life revolves around training, recovery, and the pursuit of excellence. His daily routine reflects the discipline of a professional athlete, balancing intense sessions with the wisdom of rest and study.

Lopez sees Jiu-Jitsu as more than a sport; it is a community builder, a force that unites people of all ages and backgrounds. His vision of an academy is not just a place to train, but a support system where friendships are forged and collective success is celebrated.

In this interview, he shares the lessons, challenges, and motivations that continue to shape his path, offering inspiration to anyone who steps onto the mat in search of growth.

GRACIEMAG: Every great tree has deep roots. How did you start in Jiu-Jitsu?
JUAN CARLOS LOPEZ: I started Jiu-Jitsu when I was 13 years old, in Ecuador. My brother Carlos showed me a video of an MMA fight where a guy finished the fight with a triangle. I thought it was really cool, and the next day my dad took us to train at a friend’s gym. The rest is history. The coaches who have guided me the most throughout my journey are my brother, Carlos Lopez, Alberto Marmol, Fernando Soluço, Johnny Tama, and Johnny Faria. PJ Barch has also been extremely influential in my game over the last couple of years. The greatest lesson I have learned from all of them is to never stop learning. No matter how much experience you have, you should never think you know everything. There is always something new to learn, improve, and understand.

What does your daily planning look?
Training is fundamental to my life. I usually train Monday through Saturday, often twice a day. Depending on the day, that can be a Jiu-Jitsu session and wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and lifting, or sometimes two Jiu-Jitsu sessions. At the same time, I have learned that recovery is just as important as training hard. Having slower and easier days allows my body to recover and also helps me look at my Jiu-Jitsu from a different perspective. You don’t always have to train as hard as possible to improve. Studying and drilling are also a huge part of my development, along with getting enough rest. Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I like playing tennis, golfing, or simply going to the beach and resetting. Those things help me keep a clear mind and avoid burnout.

What are the main benefits that a Jiu-Jitsu professor brings to the community where he works?
I believe Jiu-Jitsu professors have the opportunity to impact so many people’s lives. It doesn’t matter if they are adults, kids, teenagers, men, or women, Jiu-Jitsu can bring people together. One of the greatest things about teaching is getting to know new people, making friendships, and building a strong community where everyone wants to see each other succeed. A good Jiu-Jitsu academy becomes more than just a place to train; it becomes a community and a support system.

What were the biggest challenges and main achievements you’ve had in your competitive career, and what lessons did you take from them?
Winning IBJJF medals was always a dream of mine. I didn’t compete in an IBJJF tournament until I was a purple belt. I competed a few times as a brown belt but was never able to win a gold medal. After moving to the United States, I started competing much more frequently and was able to win multiple gold medals. So, I can say that I accomplished one of my goals of becoming successful at the black belt level. But I still have much bigger goals. My biggest goals are to become a world champion, compete at ADCC, represent my country, and prove to myself that I can compete at the highest level of Jiu-Jitsu.

What is the secret to turning an average fighter into a great champion?
Discipline and consistency are the two biggest things. Anyone can train when they are motivated, but very few people continue training when things are difficult. Champions are the people who stick to the calendar, show up even when they don’t feel like it, and remain consistent and disciplined both in the sport and in their everyday lives. Talent can take you far, but consistency is what allows you to keep improving.

What motivational phrase do you like to repeat to yourself when going through a difficult moment in your career?
I remind myself how badly I wanted this life and how hard I worked to make it happen. I remind myself that I am living my dream. When things get difficult, I just keep moving forward. Going backward is not an option. I try to stay focused and sharp, knowing that every bad moment eventually passes. No matter what happens, you have to keep moving forward.

What advice do you usually give to those who dream of making a living from Jiu-Jitsu?
Be true to yourself and work hard. But I also think you have to be smart. Learn how to communicate, learn how to teach, and most importantly, learn how to treat people. In my opinion, that is one of the most important parts of building a career in Jiu-Jitsu. Nobody cares how good you are if you are a bad person. People want to be around people who are kind, well-mannered, respectful, and genuine. Learn as much as you can, compete, challenge yourself, and prove to yourself that you are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to.

What are your plans for the future? What level do you aim to reach, and how do you envision the path to get there?
My plans for the future are to keep my body healthy, continue competing at the highest level, keep learning, and travel the world doing what I love. I also want to build a family one day, to have kids and a beautiful wife, and hopefully share the mats with them. That would be an amazing part of my life. Eventually, I would love to open my own school, build an amazing Jiu-Jitsu community, and continue spreading the knowledge that was passed down to me. I want to keep learning, teaching, and sharing Jiu-Jitsu for the rest of my life.

With a 52-athlete fight card featuring both legendary well-knowns and carefully curated next-gens, a tripled purse and a venue with a 1,000-spectator capacity, Jeff Curran knows his next invitational will pack plenty of thrills.

JCI 4: Night of Champions will bring 26 submission-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matches to the mat at The MAC on Ridgefield Court in Crystal Lake Saturday, Sept. 19. Doors will open at 4 p.m., the pre-show starts at 5 p.m., and the livestreamed matches, including six title bouts, begin at 6 p.m., said Curran, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran, fifth-degree BJJ black belt and professor of the Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Crystal Lake.

Tickets and other details, including the full fight card, are available at jcinvitational.com.

Curran — whose career now includes running nationwide camps and retreats as well as starring in and producing a YouTube series called “The Martial Life” — said he is excited about all of the pairings he has built from the hundreds of athletes who have applied from the U.S. and abroad since he started his invitational in 2025. But he’s especially excited about adding his first international competitor, as well as the return of a young, new UFC BJJ competitor.

“We’re building more than an event,” Curran said. “We’re building a championship platform where the best competitors in the world want to compete.”

JCI 4 will feature Shooto Watanabe of Japan against local fighter Joey Diehl for the bantamweight title. Watanabe trains in the greater Tokyo area and is an athlete with DEEP Japan, an organization akin to a feeder for UFC.

Among the youngest to step onto the JCI mat this September will be Raphael “Rafa” Ferreira of Draper, Utah, who, at age 5, was not especially enamored with his new Jiu-Jitsu lessons. By age 18, though, he’d become a UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor who won by submission in his debut professional match-up April 2. He then competed in JCI 3 in May, claiming the featherweight title, which he will defend this September, about a month after his 19th birthday.

Unlock the power of the Lasso Guard with two high-level submissions! In this video, Joao Cizeski breaks down the essential adjustments needed to trap your opponent and secure the tap.

Notice that in the first variation, Cizeski uses the arm trapped by the leg as a fulcrum to roll over and finish the position with a locked-in triangle chokes. In the second position, he utilizes the same mechanics to finish the movement with another submission, this time the omoplata shoulder lock.

João Felipe Cizeski is a highly accomplished 1st-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the legendary Felipe Pena, recognized for his extensive competitive background and deep instructional expertise. Originally from Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Cizeski built a stellar competitive resume before transitioning his focus to mentorship, capturing multiple CBJJ Brazilian National titles alongside podium finishes at prestigious international tournaments like the IBJJF European Open Championship.

Athlete from Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks in California, Joao is widely respected for his highly technical teaching approach, discipline, and absolute dedication to student growth. Embracing the core philosophy that “Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone”, Cizeski tirelessly works to shape average competitors into elite champions while leveraging the gentle art to foster confidence, resilience, and lifelong transformation throughout his local community.

Joao Cizeski BJJ class

The road to a Jiu-Jitsu black belt is usually paved with exhaustive repetition and an encyclopedic accumulation of techniques,” says GMI Professor Fabrício Lopes. “However, in a sport that demands as much from the mind as the body, my classes focus on decoding the hidden logic behind every lever and transition.”

Forged in the heart of the Gracie Barra Headquarters, the black belt emphasizes conceptual understanding as the core of his methodology. “Instead of creating students who mechanically copy movements, I focus on developing strategic reasoning, exact timing, and the ability to anticipate the opponent’s reactions.”

For Lopes, collecting hundreds of techniques without understanding their underlying logic creates a false sense of progress. “I want my students to develop the dynamic ability to adapt and solve complex problems in fractions of a second.”

Understanding that students absorb information differently, Fabrício designed a flexible pedagogy that caters to everyone – from high-level competitors looking for tactical pressure to 45-year-old recreational practitioners training to relieve stress after work.

In this exclusive interview, the professor shares valuable lessons on class structure, the future of teaching, and the ultimate secret of a true master: focusing less on impressing and more on evolving the student.

GRACIEMAG: You developed a teaching methodology called the “Predictive Adaptation Coaching System.” What are its main features?
FABRÍCIO LOPES: The core idea is teaching students to understand Jiu-Jitsu conceptually rather than just memorizing techniques. I focus heavily on positional awareness, anticipating reactions, leverage, timing, and adaptability. While traditional teaching relies on isolated movements and repetition, my system connects the positions. This helps students understand why a movement works and how to adapt it dynamically in live combat. Additionally, the system is highly adaptable. It is designed not just for competitors, but also for recreational practitioners, beginners, older students, and those with physical limitations. The goal is to build students who can think and solve problems under pressure, instead of relying solely on athleticism or memorized sequences.

What are the most common flaws you see in Jiu-Jitsu instruction worldwide?
The biggest issue is an excessive focus on accumulating techniques without conceptual understanding. Many students learn hundreds of moves but lack a deep grasp of positioning, timing, reactions, and decision-making. Another mistake is using a one-size-fits-all approach. A world-class competitor does not learn the same way as a 45-year-old recreational practitioner who trains after office hours. I also believe many schools over-rely on repetition without teaching the logic behind the movements. Repetition matters, but understanding drives adaptability. Good instruction should empower students to become independent thinkers, not just copycats.

Does your teaching method work for any type of student? Are classes divided by student profiles?
Yes. Students learn differently based on their goals, age, experience, and physical condition. While the methodology’s foundation remains the same, the delivery changes. Competitors focus on reaction systems, tactical pressure, and strategic adaptation. Beginners need simplified conceptual frameworks and solid positional basics. Older or injured practitioners require maximum efficiency and energy conservation. A great coach must convey the same core principles in different ways depending on who is on the mat. My classes are structured progressively so that all students develop their understanding and face the right level of challenge.

Several instructors and gym owners already use your methodology. Who are they, and what has the feedback been like?
Over time, instructors and academy owners across Brazil, Canada, and the United States have integrated elements of my methodology into their schools. This includes independent coaches and instructors from various organizations who trained, competed, or studied under me. They now use concept-based teaching, positional systems, and progressive class structures. The feedback has been outstanding, particularly regarding student retention, faster understanding, better adaptability during sparring, and long-term technical growth. Instructors report that their students understand positions more deeply and apply techniques with much more confidence under pressure. Seeing these concepts scale through other coaches is the most rewarding part of my work.

You spent years immersed in the Gracie Barra ecosystem. What was the greatest lesson or principle from GB that shaped your methodology?
The greatest lesson I learned at Gracie Barra was the importance of structure, consistency, and long-term development. Training at the GB Headquarters exposed me to a highly professional environment where the curriculum, discipline, technical standards, and instructor development were taken seriously. It taught me that excellent coaching isn’t just about technical knowledge—it requires organization, clear communication, and creating systems that students can consistently follow for years. The Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program also deeply influenced me by emphasizing structured teaching, safety, and progression.

Many BJJ traditionalists fear that radical changes in teaching might dilute the martial art’s essence. How does your system protect that essence?
I understand that concern and agree that preserving the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is vital. My methodology does not replace traditional fundamentals; it enhances how they are communicated to modern students. The core values – discipline, technical efficiency, leverage, patience, composure, and problem-solving – remain untouched. The lineage, respect for the art, and technical principles are still the foundation of everything I teach. The only change is the communication structure and learning progression. Teaching evolution does not weaken tradition when the fundamentals remain intact. In many ways, improving understanding actually helps preserve the art more effectively for future generations.

If you could give just one golden piece of advice to a new instructor starting their very first classes today, what would it be?
Focus less on showing how much you know and more on helping students understand what they need. Many beginner instructors try to impress students with complex techniques, but great teaching is actually about communication, structure, patience, and clarity. Students won’t remember every single technique you teach them. What they will remember is whether you helped them evolve, gain confidence, and understand the art on a deeper level. A good instructor teaches techniques. A great instructor teaches understanding.

Marina Monteiro venceu Taynara Silva por finalização e conquistou o cinturão peso-palha do evento – Foto: divulgação

A 28ª edição do Iron Man MMA confirmou mais uma vez por que o evento é apontado como um dos principais shows de artes marciais mistas do Brasil. Realizado na última sexta-feira (29) no ginásio da AABB, em Belém do Pará, o evento reuniu casa cheia, organização impecável, estrutura de padrão internacional e um card repleto de grandes combates, consolidando ainda mais sua relevância no cenário nacional.

Além da qualidade técnica apresentada dentro do cage, o Iron Man MMA segue se destacando pela valorização dos atletas, pelo profissionalismo na condução do espetáculo e pelo compromisso com pautas sociais importantes, características que vêm tornando a organização uma referência no país.

O grande destaque da noite foi a conquista de Marina Monteiro. A atleta mostrou personalidade e alto nível técnico ao finalizar Taynara Silva com uma chave de braço e conquistar o cinturão da categoria até 52kg. Com mais uma atuação dominante, Marina dá um importante passo em sua carreira e reforça seu nome como uma das atletas brasileiras mais promissoras da atualidade, ficando cada vez mais próxima de uma oportunidade no UFC.

Wesley Micael venceu Eliezer Nascimento por decisão dividida e ficou com o cinturão até 77kg – Foto: divulgação

Na disputa de cinturão da categoria até 77kg, Wesley Micael, atleta treinado pelo lutador do UFC Bruno Blindado, protagonizou uma batalha equilibrada contra Eliezer Nascimento. Ao final dos três rounds, Wesley teve o braço erguido após decisão dividida dos juízes, conquistando um importante título em sua trajetória profissional.

A noite também contou com a vitória de Alessandro Soldado, que derrotou Willian “Gato Preto” por nocaute em uma das lutas mais aguardadas do card principal. Já o argentino Leandro Antunez, da equipe RD Champions MMA, mostrou toda sua qualidade no grappling ao finalizar Gean “The Killer” Pinheiro com uma inusitada chave de ombro.

Um dos momentos mais emocionantes do evento foi a luta de inclusão social entre Nandinho “Jackie Chan” e Rodrigo Aleixo. Em uma demonstração de técnica e superação, Nandinho venceu por finalização com um mata-leão, arrancando aplausos do público presente e reforçando a mensagem de inclusão promovida pela organização.

Na luta de inclusão social, Nandinho “Jackie Chan” deu show e conquistou o cinturão – Foto: divulgação

A edição também contou com a presença de grandes nomes dos esportes de combate. A lenda do MMA brasileiro, Wanderlei Silva, prestigiou o evento ao lado da atleta do UFC Tainara Lisboa. Outro destaque foi a participação do faixa-preta de Jiu-Jitsu e campeão mundial master Marcelo Dourado, que atuou como árbitro dos combates da noite.

O sucesso da edição também foi viabilizado por importantes parcerias institucionais, contando com o apoio do Governo do Estado do Pará e dos deputados Iran Lima e Henderson Pinto, que contribuíram para a realização de mais um grande espetáculo esportivo na capital paraense.

RESULTADOS COMPLETOS:

Card Principal:
Marina Monteiro venceu Taynara Silva por finalização (chave de braço) – Disputa de cinturão até 52kg;
Wesley Micael venceu Eliezer Nascimento por decisão dividida – Disputa de cinturão até 77kg;
Alessandro Soldado venceu Willian “Gato Preto” por nocaute;
Leandro Antunez venceu Gean “The Killer” Pinheiro por finalização (chave de ombro);

Luta de inclusão social:
Nandinho “Jackie Chan” venceu Rodrigo Aleixo por finalização (mata-leão);

Card Preliminar:
Manoel Maranhão venceu Emerson Baianinho por finalização (guilhotina);
Miguel Martins finalizou Cleyton Raphael;
Elias Guerreiro x William Pereira – No Contest.

Igor Silva sagrou-se campeão do África Continental Pro 2022: Foto: Reprodução/Instagram

O adversário é daqueles carrapatos e não solta a perna quando você fica em pé? Não se preocupe, destemido leitor. O multicampeão Igor Silva traz o antídoto para você finalizar o oponente com um bote letal no triângulo.

Repare que o adversário tenta a raspagem ao abraçar uma das pernas e Igor fica em pé. Em seguida, o professor prepara uma armadilha. Ele finta um chute para o lado e aproveita a movimentação do oponente para empurrar a cabeça dele para o lado. “Nesse momento, eu caio para trás, a minha mão vai na canela e fecho o triângulo. Abraço uma perna e levanto o quadril até a finalização”, ensina Igor Silva.

Confira a aula no vídeo abaixo, e bons estudos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Gracie Magazine Brasil (@graciemagoficial)

Master Sérgio Ignacio began his career in Rio de Janeiro, at his father’s private security firm. His father was an honorable Air Force lieutenant and former boxer and mixed martial arts fighter in Belém, Pará.

Sérgio quickly learned that the streets presented unpredictable scenarios, with physical confrontations and high-risk incidents where success was never guaranteed. Therefore, he sought something more reliable than weapons and wiser than luck: knowledge.

Instructed by some of the most prepared and experienced instructors in all fields, Master Sérgio Ignacio became an encyclopedia of techniques, tactical and strategic defense knowledge, after decades of firsthand experiences that can now help people during complex police operations or in situations as commonplace as a night on the subway.

The renowned police commissioner, now an active coral belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Florida, has experienced numerous high-risk situations, such as in 2016 when he nearly lost his life in an operation in the alleys of Vila Cruzeiro, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, after a grenade bounced and landed between his feet. He survived the shrapnel thanks to the teachings he had learned, combined with the composure he possessed under maximum pressure, a quality honed on the streets and on the mats.

“It wasn’t my time,” reflects the master, who has become a solid bridge between martial arts and public and private security. Looking back on his career, Sérgio Ignacio reflects:

“I am an experienced police officer, and if I have survived this far, it is thanks to the excellent instructors and training partners I have had since the 1980s. What I learned in active service, I make a point of passing on in BJJ Defense classes, a course for the benefit of martial arts instructors and teachers, public and private security agents, and people of all ages in civil society. A self-respecting instructor wants their students to be better than they were, and that’s how I always try to teach. As a friend says: I don’t save money, I’m going to save knowledge?”

Master Sérgio began Jiu-Jitsu in the early 1980s, brought by his friend Renzo Gracie, and was one of the first students of the renowned Gracie Barra team. He was Renzo’s training partner and accompanied him in several MMA fights in the United States and Japan.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the study of combat arts provided him with invaluable resources and technical details that saved him from countless close calls as a police officer. He went on to teach and shape the vision of thousands of good police officers in Rio de Janeiro.

Over the years, he also distinguished himself in the private security sector, participating in national and international events, providing security for celebrities, authorities, and the general public.

Just another day in the office for master Sérgio

It is this practical experience, tested in real-life situations, that he seeks to transmit through his teaching system called BJJ Defense in academies around the world, from police department mats to Jiu-Jitsu schools in Florida, Rio, and New York, across all flags and teams.

BJJ Defense instruction takes place in training sessions of a few hours or in segmented seminars divided into modules, depending on the demand of those interested. The courses have already served academies, public security forces, the private sector, Jiu-Jitsu instructors seeking specialization, and civil society in general, in schools such as Renzo Gracie Upper West Side, run by Professor Luca Atalla, and Ralph Gracie, run by Professor Regis Calixto.

* Check out scenes from one of the BJJ Defense courses in New York:

The Jiu-Jitsu master also explained how he adapted and condensed everything he experienced while actively practicing. After all, Sérgio Ignacio has accumulated specializations in various courses and training programs, and developed and implemented the most renowned tactical courses for civil police officers in Rio de Janeiro, such as the Special Tactical Operations Course (COTE) of the Special Resources Coordination of the Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro (CORE).

“The BJJ Defense system is a bridge between classic self-defense and the perceived needs of the contemporary world. Nothing that works is discarded in my courses, where I try to make as many connections as possible with real life. The philosophy of what I teach is to offer the maximum resources for professionals or citizens to avoid any confrontation. By distancing themselves from the problem, they will have a better chance of returning home safely. There can always be unforeseen events on the streets, the result can be unexpected, but training increases our chances of victory or survival,” analyzed the master, who also worked as private security for the Brazilian headquarters in five Olympic Games, in Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, London and Rio.

“There’s a well-known protocol in the US that teaches how to act in the face of imminent crises and attacks, whose motto is ‘if possible, avoid confrontation: Run or hide; if not possible, fight.’ What BJJ Defense instruction seeks to convey, in a practical and objective way, is how to use the Technique-Tactics-Strategy tripod to increase your chances of success in a difficult moment,” summarized Master Sérgio Ignacio.

For the police officer and instructor, the real dynamics of events will show us what is necessary and possible to do – sometimes even to have the opportunity to escape or hide, it may be inevitable to have to fight. After all, victims under threat need to find ways out and solutions in the blink of an eye, and for this to be done efficiently, experience and technical knowledge are necessary. Through training, students develop not only physical reaction capabilities, but also essential attributes such as reaction time, proper positioning, perception of the scenario, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

And is Jiu-Jitsu focused on self-defense compatible with training for competition, in the master’s view?

“Of course it is,” assures Sérgio. “And the proof of that is my own son, my first black belt. Daniel is trained in both areas. I took him from white belt to black belt with all aspects of BJJ involved, and always with the guidance and participation of Renzo Gracie. He even underwent periodic knowledge exams at every belt promotion. We always respect the maturation time at each stage, but we mainly demand technical knowledge in all areas. That’s how you train a complete black belt instructor.”

As a purple belt, at first Gracie Barra school, in the 1980s.

Those who had the opportunity to study and learn from the master never tire of praising his teaching methods and system. Such is the case of police chief and former Rio de Janeiro civil police secretary Marcus Vinícius:

“Sérgio Ignacio is one of the best civil police officers in the history of Rio de Janeiro. His rare ability to combine and multiply his operational, tactical, and technical knowledge made him a reference for me, as well as for thousands of police officers in Rio. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher at the police academy and had the pleasure of accompanying him on numerous street operations. I believe that some of his most valuable qualities, such as discipline, hierarchy, and calmness, he brings from a lifetime dedicated to the sport on the mats, as well as from training and police operations.”

Sérgio, his son Daniel and master Renzo Gracie in NY

Or as his friend Renzo Gracie, MMA champion, summarized: “The reason I became the champion I am was because I trained daily with him since my blue belt. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this master.”

* For more information, visit BJJDefense.com or contact BJJ Defense by email:

bjjdefense1@gmail.com.

* And follow master Sérgio Ignacio on Instagram, here.

≥≥≥≥ Below, check out some testimonials about Master Sergio Ignacio’s work:

* Renzo Gracie

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Master

“Sérgio Ignacio is today one of the ten greatest experts in self-defense techniques on the planet, for a simple reason: his technical arsenal manages to be efficient inside a ring, an alley, or a moving car. The reason I became the champion I am was because I trained daily with him since blue belt. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this master.”

* Victor César dos Santos

Federal Police Chief and Secretary of Public Security for the State of Rio

“Sérgio Ignacio’s work in the area of ​​training and capacity building was a turning point for the civil police, regarding the deployment and reorganization of special operations units. He participated in the creation of the Special Resources Coordination, CORE, and its subdivisions. His experience as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, combined with the various courses he took around the world, helped public safety by promoting greater efficiency and effectiveness in the techniques used in operations. His teachings helped preserve the lives of generations of police officers and prevented countless incidents of collateral damage during operations in extremely high-risk areas in Rio.”

* Rodrigo Oliveira

BJJ black belt, veteran police chief and one of the longest-serving coordinators of CORE in Rio

“As a police officer and instructor, Sérgio Ignacio is an exceptional master. Unconditional loyalty, rare technical ability, and a willingness to work rarely seen throughout my career. I remember with great pride the inauguration of CORE Jiu-Jitsu, an association at the headquarters of the Special Resources Coordination of the Rio police, an achievement of his, on an afternoon with the presence of the great master Robson Gracie. As a black belt, he always followed the philosophy ‘Anytime, in any weather, and anywhere’. I am very proud to have served alongside him.”

Felipe Souza won the IBJJF Los Angeles Open championship.

Felipe Souza is experiencing one of the most consistent phases of his black belt career. A regular presence on IBJJF podiums, the Master 3 athlete has been closely following not only his own development, but also the rapid evolution of the division as a whole.

Felipe emphasizes that this stage of his career is defined by maturity and a deeper understanding of his game.

“I see this phase of my career with a lot of maturity and purpose. Black belt is a constant process of evolution, and competing in Master 3 challenges me to keep improving technically, physically, and mentally. Today I understand my body, my game, and my strategies much better, and that allows me to compete at a high level with more awareness,” he said.

The growth of the master division has been one of the most noticeable trends in modern Jiu-Jitsu. For Felipe, the shift goes beyond numbers, it’s about mindset.

“I believe the biggest factor is the change in mentality. Today, master athletes prepare with the same level of professionalism as adult competitors. Many athletes stay active for longer, maintaining high performance and bringing a huge technical background. That has raised the level of the division a lot,” he explained.

Even as the years go by, Felipe remains highly competitive, something he credits to his ability to adapt and stay consistent.

“The key is adaptation. You can’t train the same way you used to. You need to be smart with preparation, balance training, recovery, and personal life. Consistency is what keeps an athlete relevant,” he noted.

Another defining aspect of his journey is competing alongside his brother, Diogo Souza. The two often meet in finals and choose to close out their divisions — a decision that carries meaning beyond competition.

“It’s something very special. We share training, challenges, victories, and lessons. Closing out divisions with him reflects a journey we built together. It strengthens my motivation and the pride of representing our family in the sport,” he said.

Looking ahead, Felipe also commented on the recent announcement of a BJJ Stars Grand Prix dedicated to master athletes, a move seen as a major step toward greater recognition.

“I see it as an extremely important and necessary initiative. Master athletes deserve this space because they still deliver a very high technical level. A GP like this shows that longevity has value in the sport and helps strengthen the division even more,” he concluded.

With consistent results and a clear mindset, Felipe stands out as part of a generation proving that longevity and high performance can go hand in hand in modern Jiu-Jitsu.

Diogo Souza is used to winning titles. Photo: Personal archive

With over two decades dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu, Diogo Souza represents a generation that has helped shape the growth of the IBJJF master divisions. At 44 years old, born in 1981, the 4th-degree black belt, who began training in 2001 and earned his black belt in 2011, remains active and competitive, standing as a clear example of longevity in the sport.

For Souza, the biggest shift from the adult division to Master 3 is not just physical, but mental.

“In the adult division, everything is very intense, very physical, and fast-paced. In the master division, experience plays a much bigger role. Today, I choose my moments better, I rely more on timing and strategy, and I focus on efficiency. It’s not about using more strength or wasting energy, it’s about understanding the right moment to push, attack, and control the match. Maturity makes your game more technical and intelligent,” he explained.

Despite the evolution in style, one goal remains unchanged across all levels of experience: the absolute division. Souza emphasizes that it continues to represent one of the purest tests in Jiu-Jitsu.

“The absolute division has a very special meaning because it tests the essence of technique. You can face heavier, stronger opponents with completely different styles. When you win that division, it shows that your technique, strategy, and mindset can overcome physical differences. Even for experienced athletes, it remains one of the most valuable achievements,” he said.

Maintaining high-level performance after the age of 40, according to Souza, requires a more complete and disciplined approach, both on and off the mats.

“After 40, performance comes much more from intelligence than just intensity. I strongly believe in balancing training, recovery, and discipline outside the mats. Sleep, nutrition, strength work, mobility, and injury prevention become just as important as technical training,” he noted.

That maturity also directly impacts competition strategy, especially when comparing weight divisions to the absolute.

“In your weight class, you usually face opponents with similar physical attributes, so strategy is more about style, grips, pace, and technical imposition. In the absolute division, adaptation is key. You have to adjust distance, timing, and risk management because you might face someone much bigger or more explosive. The approach becomes more tactical, focusing on positioning, leverage, and control,” he explained.

The continued growth of the master divisions in IBJJF events reflects a broader evolution within the sport, and athletes like Souza are at the center of that shift.

“This shows how Jiu-Jitsu has evolved into a sport of longevity. Today, we see athletes over 40 competing at a very high level, which proves that technique matures over time and modern preparation allows for a long career. Jiu-Jitsu stays with you for life,” he concluded.

Quatro décadas após o povo do Jiu-Jitsu cair de amores pelas cumbucas de açaí no Rio de Janeiro, agora seus atletas estão tendo a oportunidade de lutar dentro de uma delas, em tamanho família.

É a arena do UFC BJJ, que a partir desse formato inovador e regras próprias, tem causado curiosidade entre os fãs de Jiu-Jitsu e atraído grandes astros do esporte, entre wrestlers, grapplers e faixas-pretas. Se o evento vai conquistar o público e virar mania, como o açaí em Copacabana nos anos 1980, ainda veremos.

O tatame, que lembra as velhas pistas de skate, foi inspirado no evento Karate Combat e em edições do Pit Submission Series. A arbitragem do UFC BJJ tem arrancado elogios, graças a campeões experientes, como os brasileiros Leticia Ribeiro, Ricardo “Cachorrão” Almeida e Vitor Ribeiro, o Shaolin, ao lado dos americanos Eliot Kelly, Chris Crail e Jason Harzog.

Em conversa com o GRACIEMAG.com, a fera Shaolin conversou sobre as características e desafios do evento em forma de tigela, e sobre as regras e lições que ele ainda extrai, ao arbitrar lutas em ritmo tão intenso – como as lutas de astros como Nicholas Meregali, que retornou após severa contusão com vitória, no meio de fevereiro. 

Entre um evento e outro, Vitor segue ensinando o bom Jiu-Jitsu em sua novíssima academia, na cidade de Scotch Plains, Nova Jersey. Confira!

GRACIEMAG: Você passou dos 40 anos de Jiu-Jitsu, e completou dez como árbitro no UFC. Que lições você ainda consegue aprender sobre Jiu-Jitsu, ao ver grandes lutas ali do melhor lugar do estádio?

VITOR SHAOLIN: Eu levo muito a sério a função de árbitro, e procuro rever lutas e estudar muito. Quando entro ali para mediar um combate, minha meta é atuar com o máximo de tranquilidade para reduzir ao mínino o risco de erro. Fomos atletas, e sabemos como é doloroso ver um árbitro cometer um erro, por precipitação ou desatenção. Eu tenho me dedicado a essa função de árbitro com toda minha energia, e por isso não tenho competido há tempos. Não gosto de fazer nada meia-boca. Dou minhas aulas para meus jovens alunos em Nova Jersey, e o resto do meu tempo eu foco em ser um bom árbitro.

O que passa na sua cabeça enquanto arbitra uma grande luta, como foi o retorno do Meregali?

Uma vez lá dentro, é puro caos. Eu só posso estar lá de cabeça serena, totalmente vazia, como se fosse uma final de Mundial. É assim que eu procuro agir, sem interromper os atletas até que eu esteja convicto que chegou a hora de separá-los. Procuro estar, como nos meus tempos de atleta, calmo durante o maremoto.

O que pensa sobre o formato bem peculiar da arena do UFC BJJ?

Em lutas de atletas explosivos, bons de quedas e rápidos, volta e meia o árbitro se via numa situação de precisar interromper a luta em momentos chaves, quando ambos ameaçavam caírem fora do tapete. Isso sem falar naqueles casos que tantas vezes vimos, quando os competidores chegam ao limite do dojo com uma finalização quase encaixada e dá a maior discussão.

É bom para os atletas? Eles têm elogiado?

O formato do dojo do UFC BJJ requer atenção em especial quando os lutadores ou lutadoras caminham para trás, buscando uma defesa, afinal é um formato inclinado. É preciso assim se ligar, para manter o equilíbrio. Mas é uma ideia promissora, que ao meu ver minimiza muitas reclamações e tem facilitado o nosso trabalho de arbitragem. Claro que sempre há um treinador ou atleta que vai chiar, mas normalmente são atletas que vão reclamar até de uma unha quebrada. Há prós e contras para lutadores de todas as origens. O bom representante do Jiu-Jitsu, assim como os bons lutadores de wrestling, vai se adaptar e seguir vencendo como costuma fazer nas outras ligas.

E as regras?

Creio que, mais do que o formato do dojo, os três assaltos de cinco minutos podem ser mais desafiadores. Porque o camarada precisa saber dosar a energia para não chegar ao último round cansado, devido ao ritmo do combate. Então é aquela tática, procurar ganhar posição que não deixe você exausto, já que é preciso gás total para o último assalto. Ninguém quer ir para a última etapa de boca aberta, entregue às moscas. Mas isso é outro aspecto que você se adapta e prepara bem durante os treinamentos.

Você tem arbitrado lutas de jovens craques do Jiu-Jitsu. Acha que o jogo da nova geração é melhor que o das anteriores? 

Não sei se é justo comparar, eu também lutei e treinei com campeões muito rápidos, e com finalizadores muito técnicos. Caras como Léo Vieira, Royler Gracie, Robinho Moura não ficam nada a dever a ninguém de nenhuma geração. O nível de lutas no UFC BJJ está absurdamente alto e a torcida fica de boca aberta, claro. E o que mais me alegra é ver onde o esporte chegou. Se você for pensar, esse estilo de Jiu-Jitsu sem kimono era treinado pelos mestres Carlson e seu irmão Rolls, seguiu evoluindo com seus alunos e está hoje no UFC. Queremos que isso só melhore, por isso fazemos reuniões de arbitragem o tempo todo, para entendermos como podemos melhorar e colaborar ainda mais com esse esporte.

Como está a vida por aí?

Eu tenho apenas uma escola, para ter mais tempo para mim. Vejo a Gracie Barra e a Alliance fazendo um ótimo trabalho de expansão e franquias, e o Jiu-Jitsu de qualidade está num ótimo caminho, atingindo cada vez mais pessoas. Eu quero manter um ritmo mais tranquilo, e poder curtir minha família e meus quatros cachorros. E, de vez em quando, pegar a estrada para arbitrar lutas sempre que precisarem dos meus conhecimentos. 

The road to the podium was anything but easy. Gosling opened his campaign with a high-stakes clash against Michael Kingrey, currently ranked third in the world for 2025. By overcoming Kingrey, Gosling paved his way to the top of the super-heavyweight podium.

However, it was in the Absolute (Open Class) division where Gosling’s grit truly shone. His run included a victory over Joshua Garcia, the 2024 No-Gi World Medium-Heavyweight Champion, followed by a grueling match against Thomas Anthony, a powerhouse and multi-time World and Pan-American medalist in the Ultra-Heavyweight category. In the final, Gosling defeated the formidable Rafael Barbosa to seal his double-gold status.

“The level of competition was incredibly high,” Gosling noted, reflecting on the gauntlet he faced. “It was a very tough tournament”. This victory isn’t an outlier but the continuation of a scorching run that began in late 2025. Over the last six months, Gosling has been a fixture on the podium, collecting double gold at the Tampa, New Jersey, and New York Opens, alongside two silver medals in Atlanta. His resume also includes a PBJJF World Championship title, marking 2025-2026 as arguably the finest stretch of his career.

Despite the hardware, Gosling maintains a stoic approach to the sport. His success is built as much on mental fortitude as it is on technical proficiency. “I view results objectively,” Gosling explained. “Victory or defeat doesn’t define who I am; it just shows where I am at that moment. When I win, I keep my feet on the ground. When I lose, I perform a cold analysis: what worked, what didn’t, and what needs adjustment”.

By utilizing visualization and positive internal dialogue, Gosling has mastered the art of the “quick reset,” allowing him to move from the euphoria of a Miami gold to the focus required for his next battle without carrying the weight of the past.

Stormy Paxton’s journey to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was anything but conventional. Before stepping onto the mats, she had built a respected career as a government marine ornithologist, earning publication credits for her work on pelagic ichthyoplankton. Her life revolved around science, research, and data, until Jiu-Jitsu entered the picture and changed everything.

What began as a physical challenge quickly evolved into a profound personal transformation. Through Jiu-Jitsu, Paxton discovered resilience, confidence, and a sense of liberation she had not experienced elsewhere. The impact was so powerful that she made a bold decision: to leave her scientific career behind and fully dedicate herself to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Today, Stormy Paxton trains and works under Professor Fabio Villela in Austin, Texas. Professor Villela is the owner of Gracie Barra Cedar Park, Gracie Barra Round Rock, and Gracie Barra Georgetown. Under the mentorship of Professor Fábio “Gigantinho,” Stormy played a key role in building and expanding the women’s Jiu-Jitsu programs across all three academies. Her efforts helped create structured, welcoming environments where women could train with confidence, purpose, and consistent support.

The programs Stormy helped develop go far beyond technical instruction. Many women arrive on the mats carrying emotional – and sometimes physical – trauma. Through Jiu-Jitsu, Stormy guides them toward reclaiming ownership of their bodies, establishing healthy boundaries, and rediscovering strength through challenge. On the mats, adversity becomes a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and personal freedom.

Stormy leads by example. She competes not only for personal achievement, but to inspire the students she coaches, specially women and children. Her competitive résumé is impressive: ranked #1 overall No-Gi blue belt in the world, ranked #1 in her division in the gi at purple belt, and a highly decorated purple belt competitor. Her titles include Pan American No-Gi Champion, Pan American Gi Champion, and World Champion. Following her world championship performance, Stormy was awarded her brown belt under Professor Fabio Villela, a milestone that reflected not only competitive success, but leadership and character on the mats.

Despite her accolades, Stormy Paxton’s true focus remains impact. Through consistency, discipline, and mentorship, she demonstrates what is possible when perseverance meets purpose. In a sport known for its difficulty, Stormy is building something lasting: stronger women, resilient communities, and living proof that transformation is earned one roll at a time.