Fernando Soluço atop the No-Gi Pan heavyweight podium / IBJJF photo

The first ever Master & Senior Worlds will go down this weekend at the Long Beach, California Pyramid, and Jiu-Jitsu’s burliest veterans will be there to show the competitive flame still flickers within.

Among those to grace the mats with their presence are Vitor Shaolin, Robson Moura, Rodrigo Comprido, Givanildo Santana, Ricardo Bastos, Fernando Soluço, Marcelo Pereira, Daniel Beleza, Carlos Holanda, Marcos Torregrosa, Aldo Caveirinha, Rodrigo Munduruca and Bruno Bastos, among other masters-aged aces.

Now in the senior division, there’s Saulo Ribeiro, Erick Wanderlei, Cassio Werneck, Alexandre Paiva, Bernardo Pitel, Gustavo Dantas, Luciano Nucci, Cleber Luciano, Paulo Guilhobel, Fredson Alves, Régis Lebre, Marcelo Vilhena, Renato Verissimo, Marcelo Pache and Renato Tavares. Can you imagine what the absolute’s going to be like?

To Fernando Soluço, catching up with old friends is an important part of the tournament: “It’s an important event. The generation that competed at the first Worlds, in 1996, will be there. They’re guys who wrote the sport’s history. I hope to have a good championship, see Jiu-Jitsu’s old guard in action again and catch up with the guys as well,” said the Jiu-Jitsu professor at Alliance Ecuador. “I’m confident. I’ve been training hard, won the heavyweight division at the No-Gi Pan, will be doing this Worlds, and I even have an MMA fight coming up on October 17.”

Check out Fernando Soluço teaching a half-guard pass in the video below. And click here to find out who all is in the Master & Senior Worlds.

Who’ve you got shining brightest at the inaugural Master & Senior Worlds? Let us know in the comments field below.

Fernando Soluço no alto do pódio do peso pesado no Pan Sem Kimono. Foto:IBJJF.

O primeiro Mundial de Master & Sênior rola neste fim de semana, na pirâmide de Long Beach, na Califórnia, e os veteranos mais cascudos do Jiu-Jitsu vão marcar presença e mostrar que a chama continua acesa.

Entre os inscritos, craques como Vitor Shaolin, Robson Moura, Rodrigo Comprido, Givanildo Santana, Ricardo Bastos, Fernando Soluço, Marcelo Pereira, Daniel Beleza, Carlos Holanda, Marcos Torregrosa, Aldo Caveirinha, Rodrigo Munduruca e Bruno Bastos, entre outros masters.

Já no sênior, estão Saulo Ribeiro, Erick Wanderley, Cassio Werneck, Alexandre Paiva, Bernardo Pitel, Gustavo Dantas, Luciano Nucci, Cleber Luciano, Paulo Guilhobel, Fredson Alves, Régis Lebre, Marcelo Vilhena, Renato Verissimo, Marcelo Pache e Renato Tavares. Imaginaram o absoluto?

Para Fernando Soluço, rever os amigos é parte importante do torneio: “É um evento importante, vai estar presente a geração que lutou o primeiro Mundial, em 1996. São caras que escreveram a história do esporte. Espero fazer um bom campeonato, assistir à velha guarda do Jiu-Jitsu na ativa outra vez e rever o pessoal também”, disse o professor da Alliance no Equador. “Estou confiante, venho treinando forte, fui campeão peso pesado no Pan Sem Kimono, vou ao Mundial e ainda tenho uma luta de MMA agora no dia 17 de outubro”.

Veja no vídeo abaixo, Fernando Soluço ensinando a passar a meia-guarda. E, para conferir quem está dentro do Mundial Master e Sênior, clique aqui.

Quem vai brilhar na primeira edição do Mundial Master & Sênior? Comente com a gente.

Fabio Leopoldo at 2011 Pan / Photo: Dan Rod

While the number of stars in the Pan 2012 adult division is flabbergasting, the over-30-year-old divisions are a rocky road unto themselves. As GRACIEMAG.com discerned, Irvine, California, will be awash with familiar old faces and seasoned champions come this Thursday the 29th.

Among those signed up for the master, two-time absolute champion of the world Rodrigo Comprido is in, as are professors Flavio Cachorrinho, Denílson Pimenta, Theodoro Canal, Aldo Caveirinha, Daniel “Mano Brown” Pires, Baret Yoshida, Rodrigo Clark, Thiago Silva, Bruno Bastos, Leonardo Peçanha and Roberto Tozi.

EX-UFC FIGHTERS IN SENIOR CLASS

Now in the senior division, Bernardo Pitel (who will also be putting in an appearance at adult) and Renato Tavares join the battle for light featherweight gold, Cleber “Tomadinha” Luciano and Paulo Guilhobel will compete at middleweight, while former UFC fighters Renato “Charuto” Veríssimo and Ricardo “Cachorrão” Almeida will take to the mats as medium heavyweights. And then there’s Roberto Godói at super heavyweight and Francelino Gonçalves at ultraheavyweight.

“I’ve never won a Pan. I’ve been runner-up and third place before, but never champion; and I want this title. The bracket will be really tough, as usual; but that will just make the conquest all the more satisfying, God willing,” says Francelino.

A fierce competitor who has won the championship on five prior occasions, black belt Fabio Leopoldo’s name appears on the IBJJF list, too. And he’ll be competing at home, amid his students. Check out some of the highlights involving the leader of Gracie Morumbi in Ventura, California, at the 2011 Pan. Watch and learn.

To see the full competitor list, click here.

What do you think, gentle reader; who makes it to the top of the podium in Irvine?

Fabio Leopoldo no Pan 2011. Foto: Dan Rod

Se o número de estrelas no adulto do Pan 2012 é de impressionar, na faixa etária acima de 30 anos os duelos tampouco estão moleza. Como o GRACIEMAG.com analisou, velhos conhecidos e notórios campeões do Jiu-Jitsu estão garantidos em Irvine, na Califórnia.

Entre os inscritos no master, o bicampeão mundial absoluto Rodrigo Comprido está dentro, assim como os professores Flavio Cachorrinho, Denílson Pimenta, Theodoro Canal, Aldo Caveirinha, Daniel Pires “Mano Brown”, Baret Yoshida, Rodrigo Clark, Thiago Silva, Bruno Bastos, Leonardo Peçanha e Roberto Tozi.

Ex-UFCs no sênior

Já na divisão sênior, Bernardo Pitel (que também aparece no adulto) e Renato Tavares devem brigar pelo título do peso-pluma, Cleber “Tomadinha” Luciano e Paulo Guilhobel disputam a categoria médio, enquanto os ex-UFC Renato “Charuto” Veríssimo e Ricardo “Cachorrão” Almeida se engalfinham no meio-pesado. Outros cascudos são Roberto Godói, no super-pesado, e o cearense Francelino Gonçalves na categoria pesadíssimo.

“Eu nunca venci o Pan, já fui vice e terceiro, mas campeão ainda não, e quero muito este título. A chave como sempre está muito difícil, mas isso só vai valorizar mais essa conquista, se Deus quiser”, diz Francelino.

Fera que já faturou por cinco vezes o torneio, o faixa-preta Fabio Leopoldo também aparece na listagem da IBJJF, e luta em casa, diante dos alunos. Confira alguns dos melhores momentos do líder da Gracie Morumbi em Ventura, Califórnia, no Pan 2011, e aprenda com ele.

Para ver todos os inscritos, clique aqui.

E para você sagaz leitor, quem chega em Irvine com garrafas para vender?

Frazatto garantiu presença no Havaí. Foto: Ivan Trindade

A IBJJF prorrogou o prazo de inscrições para o Honolulu Open. A data final era neste sábado, mas foi estendida até o dia 31 de agosto, próxima terça-feira (inscreva-se aqui).

O evento, que acontece no dia 4 de setembro, no ginásio da Henry J. Kaiser High School, marca a volta de grandes competições da IBJJF ao Havaí. Os faixas-pretas Bruno Frazatto, Jonatas Tagarela, Bruno Bastos, Laércio Fernandes e Aldo Caveirinha, entre outros, disseram que estarão dentro do Honolulu Open. Entre as equipes, times tradicionais do arquipélago havaiano como Gracie Barra, Relson Gracie, Nova União, Brazilian Freestyle, Grappling Unlimited, Gracie Technics, Gracie Humaitá, Maui Jiu-Jitsu, Longman JJ, Mad Tiger JJ e Gracie Jiu Jitsu North Shore, entre tantas outras, também devem estar dentro.

Outro ponto alto é a homenagem a BJ Penn, Egan Inoue, Renato Charuto, Luis Limão, Kai Garcia e Bruno Longman, que receberão o diploma de faixa-preta da IBJJF.

Caveirinha ministra aulas em Honolulu

Um dos professores na Gracie Barra University, em Honolulu, Aldo “Caveirinha” está ansioso pela volta dos eventos da IBJJF no arquipélago do Havaí. No dia 4 de setembro, na Henry J Kaiser High School, acontece o Honolulu Internacional Open.

“Vai ser um grande evento”, diz o faixa-preta, que, além de comandar os alunos, deve estar em ação no dojô.

“Estou muito ansioso pra colocar o kimono e tentar uma medalha para a minha equipe também, além de ver esse grande evento no dia 4 de setembro”, comenta.

Segundo Caveirinha, a competição é também uma boa oportunidade para o Jiu-Jitsu havaiano.

Os alunos da GB University estão dentro do Honolulu Open

“É uma grande chance para os professores daqui mostrarem o seu trabalho. O Havaí vai entrar para historia dos grandes eventos no mundo da arte suave, até porque contamos com grandes equipes aqui como Gracie Barra, Relson Gracie, Nova União, Brazilian Freestyle, Grappling Unlimited, Gracie Technics, Gracie Humaitá, Maui Jiu Jitsu, Longman JJ, Mad Tiger JJ e Gracie Jiu Jitsu North Shore, entre tantas outras. Vamos mostrar que a modalidade é muito forte aqui”, encerra.

Para saber mais sobre o Honolulu Open e se inscrever, clique aqui.

No dia 22 de agosto, a IBJJF também realiza o Chicago Open. Inscreva-se aqui.

Caveirinha teaches class in Honolulu

One of the teachers at Gracie Barra University in Honolulu, Aldo “Caveirinha” is anxious about the upcoming IBJJF on the Hawaiian archipelago. This coming September 4 at Henry J. Kaiser High School the inaugural Honolulu International Open is set to take place.

“It will be a great event,” says the black belt, who besides leading his troop of students, should hit the mats for some action, as well.

“I’m really anxious to put on the gi and try for a medal with my team, as well as to see this great event on September 4,” he remarks.

According to Caveirinha, the competition is also a great opportunity for Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu.

The students at GB University are all set for the Honolulu Open

“It’s a great chance for teachers here to showcase their work. Hawaii will enter the history of the great worldwide gentle art events, if just because we have great teams here like Gracie Barra, Relson Gracie, Nova União, Brazilian Freestyle, Grappling Unlimited, Gracie Technics, Gracie Humaitá, Maui Jiu-Jitsu, Longman JJ, Mad Tiger and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu North Shore, among others. We’re going to show the style is really strong here,” he says in closing.

To find out more about the Honolulu Open and sign up, click here.

On August 22 the IBJJF will hold the Chicago Open. Click here to sign up.

Maycon winning Gold at the 2009 No Gi Worlds, alongside friend Rodrigo Clark of GBSB

Carvalho grew up in Teofilo Otoni, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. It was a small town that had no Jiu-Jitsu. One day, a friend who was a purple belt, came to visit from Rio and stayed with him for 6 months. They trained together in Carvalho’s home, and that was all it took for Jiu-Jitsu to enter his blood stream, “I knew then that Jiu-Jitsu was my life,” says Carvalho. “From the first time I rolled in my living room with my friend, after that moment, it was always a part of my life plan.”

Carvalho’s friend went back to Rio, and Carvalho was left in his town without Jiu-Jitsu. Two years later, when Carvalho was 18 years old, he went on vacation to the city of Maceio. He was at the beach and went looking for some Acai because he knew he’d meet some Jiu-Jitsu guys there, “I wanted to train so badly,” Carvalho says, “As luck would have it, I ended up meeting a GB guy and went to train with him. I was hooked for life… again.”

Carvalho ended up staying in Maceio, “My mom called me to come home because I was supposed to be starting university. Once I’d found GB Jiu-Jitsu, though, I knew I was never going back. My parents knew how much I wanted to pursue it, so they backed my decision to stay.”

Two years later, Carvalho moved to Belo Horizonte, in his home state, and joined Professor Aldo Caveirinha’s team as a blue belt, “I owe Professor Aldo a lot,” says Carvalho, “He let me stay with him so I could train. All he asked was that I teach at his school once I became a purple belt, which I did.” In fact, Carvalho stayed with Caveirinha for about nine years. They became very close over the years, “He’s still my best friend today,” Carvalho says.

When Carvalho became a brown belt, he left Belo Horizonte for Rio to train with Carlos Gracie Jr. He remained there for two years, “The first time I went to train with Master Carlos, he was so nice to me. He helped me out, and let me stay and train there. He welcomed me with open arms.”

While in Rio, Carvalho talked to Caveirinha every week. Carveirinha told Carvalho that he had to go to Europe for three months and asked Carvalho to return to Belo Horizonte, “He asked me to be head instructor of his school while he was away. I couldn’t believe he trusted me with the job, even though there were other black belts there.”

Carvalho says the experience changed his life, “The opportunity he gave me inspired me to teach for life. It showed me, more than anything else I’d ever done, that this was my life path.” When Caveirinha returned to his well-managed school, he gave Carvalho his black belt. Carvalho says it was the greatest moment of his life.

Maycon and his partner, Paul Barbosa of GB Fullerton

In 2007, Carvalho went to Long Beach, California, for the Worlds with Philipe Della Monica and Marcus Neuenschwander, “We decided to stay and teach here,” Carvalho says, “We wanted to represent GB.” The three black belts were training at the GB Lake Forest school to prepare for the Worlds. That was the only GB school in Southern California at that time, so there were no teaching jobs, “Professor Flavio (Almeida) told me about a new school in Danbury, Connecticut,” Carvalho says, “So, I moved to help with the school there. I stayed for 6 months.”

Then, in 2008, Carvalho returned to Southern California for the Pan. Professor Flavio asked him whether he wanted to help open a school in Arkansas, “I said I would do it. I stayed in Jacksonville for five months.”

At the end of his tenure in Jacksonville, he received a call saying that Paul Barbosa was opening a school in Fullerton, California, in January 2009. Carvalho was invited to move to Southern California to be the head instructor at GB Fullerton, “Life is really good,” Carvalho says, “I love California. The people are nice and my best friends live here. Training at GB America in Irvine is amazing. Master Carlos Gracie is here. If you love Jiu-Jitsu, you want to be in Irvine.”

Ever since settling down in the state he so loves, Carvalho has seen some great events come to pass. Last November, he won gold at the No-Gi Worlds, “I trained a lot for that. It was very exciting!”

But Carvalho’s passion remains teaching, “I’m changing lives,” he says, “I love seeing a student progress. I feel like I’m working with a rough stone and making it smooth and perfect. Watching a student perform a good technique that he learned from me, then seeing him perfect it in class, and then watching him take it to competition and use it there makes me feel really good.”

Maycon coaching on the mats at GB Fullerton

Carvalho says his goal is to fill GB Fullerton with students. He really enjoys working there, “Paul (Barbosa) is the best partner. We have a great friendship. I want to teach for life and be a professor forever. I want to breathe BJJ every day.”

Photo by Angelena Ormonde

Professor Marcus “Soneca” Neuenschwander just opened Gracie Barra Long Beach in December 2009 and already has over 65 students training at his school.

At his first women’s class in February 2010, 16 women showed up for the class. Not only is his business “humming” along, but his personal life is also at a high point. He recently married Kyvia Gracie and they had their first daughter, Kiana, in October. Life is sweet for Neuenschwander for sure.

Neuenschwander says his dream has always been to have his own family-oriented GB school, “Master Carlos, Marcio Feitosa and I made the decision to come to Long Beach and I’m very happy here. We didn’t know it at the time, but our location is in a very family-oriented neighborhood.”

Neuenschwander says he wants to give the community a nice place to learn GB’s self-defense techniques and the BJJ lifestyle, “The school is growing fast. We already have 65 students after two months, but it’s not just the number that’s making me happy. What I’m excited about is that all the students are having fun and coming together like a family. They’re taking care of each other. The students organized the first GBLB breakfast. They like the family environment and it’s what I’ve always dreamed of being a part of. It’s really cool.”

GB Long Beach group. Photo: Paula Young

“Soneca” was trying to open the school at the same time his wife, Kyvia, was having their baby, “I originally hadn’t planned on opening a school so fast, but that changed when I found out Kyvia was pregnant. Then I really wanted to open a school immediately for my family. It got a little crazy because there was so much going on in my life all at the same time. One minute before I stepped inside the hospital room for my wife’s C-Section, I was getting calls that they were trying to put the mats down at the school! Everything’s great now, though. The baby’s fine, and the academy’s good.”

Self-defense class. Photo: Paula Young

Neuenschwander was a student of Professor Aldo “Caveirinha,” who is a black belt under Master Carlos. “I started BJJ as a kid at 13. He passed on to me all of Master Carlos’ ideas and showed me how BJJ can change your life. I learned how to live a healthy lifestyle and respect my colleagues at an early age. Those lessons changed my life and formed the person I am today. I want to pass those same ideas down to my students so they can enjoy the same healthy BJJ lifestyle and have it change their lives in the same positive way that it did mine.”

Neuenschwander has won gold in multiple state championships in Brazil. He won gold in the Brazilian Nationals Team Tournament and as a black belt; he came in 3^rd place at the European Open, 3^rd place in the No Gi Worlds, and was Dutch Open Champion and American National Champion in Gi and No Gi. But what sets this competitor apart from many other competitors is his team-oriented mind-set, “Everybody wants the gold medal,” Neuenschwander says, “But if that’s all you focus on, you start to lose the teamwork. So, sometimes I just go to tournaments to represent the team. Even if get bronze, I get points for the team. If I lose, I know I did my best, so I don’t get upset for myself, I get more upset that I didn’t get points for my team.”

Kids class. Photo: Paula Young

Neuenschwander says that although he has a busy business and family schedule ahead of him this year, he still plans on competing at every IBJJF tournament on the calendar. But at the end of the day, Neuenschwander’s just a family guy: “I have two brothers and three sisters back in Brazil. Now I have my own family here and I’m trying to build my academy into an extended family. It makes me happy.”

Caveirinha is getting ready for move to Hawaii. Photo: Personal archives

A Gracie Barra black belt who has produced a great number of athletes in Minas Gerais, Aldo Januário, better known as Caveirinha, was called up for a mission on behalf of the team. The fighter is packed for Honolulu, Hawaii, where he will head training at Gracie Barra University.

“Master Carlos Gracie Jr. invited me to go to Hawaii to teach at Gracie Barra University. I expect it to be a bigger gig than what I did in Minas. Today, in Belo Horizonte (the capital of Minas Gerais state) I count 45 black belts, with several world champions and champions of a number of other major events. My team is one of the largest in BH and I intend to do something in even bigger proportions in Hawaii,” he says, very optimistic about the project.

“I feel the name Gracie Barra will be very strong there, a reference around the world. Working in the team for 23 years, I went from white to black belt under Master Carlos and, now this new opportunity has arisen, I’m not going to waste it. Everyone who knows me knows how determined I am and how much I love my team and students. We’re going to do great over there! ” he adds.

No stranger to challenges, the trip to Hawaii reminds him of the time leading up to his move to Minas Gerais to teach.

“It was funny. I showed up at the academy and Carlinhos said, ‘Caveirinha, do you want to make a living with Jiu-Jitsu? Then he go home and grab a suitcase; you’re going to go live in Belo Horizonte.’ (laughs) That was in 1997 and nothing was premeditated. But the master has known me since I was a kid and knows that I follow through with my end of the bargain. I showed up there without knowing anyone and gradually got the project moving. Nowadays we have academies in Europe and some of my students are with the master in California. The most important thing for me about this gig in Hawaii is that Carlinhos put faith in me again. My goal is to open 100 Gracie Barra academies in several countries!”

Aldo with students in Belo Horizonte. Photo: Personal Archive

In the meantime, Caveirinha is reminded how work at the branches in Minas Gerais carries on strong, and bears news.

“In Belo Horizonte my brother Fabio will be in charge. We have a number of new projects. Next month we’ll open a new academy, which will be the largest in BH, fully integrated into the Gracie Barra Premium Schools system. Students may only enter if they are properly uniformed and we will follow all the teaching methodology,” he says, going on to explain the advantages of the system.

“Of the branches I’m in charge of, half already follow this method. In my view, it’s revolutionary, preventing, for example, new students from getting hurt. Carlos Gracie and Marcio Feitosa are to be congratulated. It’s something that is good not just for the higher ranked, but also for beginners. These days, someone who enrolls at the academy then goes on to take his wife, children and friends to train. The overall organization is what makes the difference. This will revolutionize things and will be reflected in the number of students around the world,” he wagers.

Jiu-Jitsu to the rescue – Caveirinha is one of many Brazilians born into a humble family. For the resident of a poor community in Rio de Janeiro, sport, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, provided new opportunities in life.

Surrounding Master Carlos Gracie Jr. (middle), Caveirinha and family. Photo: Personal Archive

“My father left my mother, Betti, with five children. I’m from the Rio das Pedras community in Jacarepagua, and from a modest family. My greatest joy is seeing my brothers and family members all training Jiu-Jitsu. The sport has changed our lives and today we are happy for this choice and for being able to help our family a bit. My life was always been like this, a great battle. I suffered, but Gracie Barra is a family and I love it more with every day. For this reason there’s no such thing as team Caveirinha; it is all one. I fight and will always fight for Gracie Barra.”

Speaking of fighting, Caveirinha also made his name in competition. These days, though, he is focused on teaching, a passion of his. But, if need be, competing is not out of the question.

“I had the pleasure of winning a lot of championships and fighting alongside Marcio Feitosa at the Brazilian Team Nationals. I have a good CV as a fighter, but what I like most is expressing my love for the team and the pleasure I derive from teaching Jiu-Jitsu. For me the most rewarding thing is to see a student with a medal or developing good technique in practice. But I’m 31 years old, if need be I can fight still (laughs)! “

Caveirinha se prepara para o Havaí. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

Faixa-preta da Gracie Barra que formou diversos atletas em Minas Gerais, Aldo Januário, mais conhecido como Caveirinha, foi escalado para mais uma missão em nome do time. O lutador está de malas prontas para Honolulu, no Havaí, onde será responsável pelos treinos na Gracie Barra University.

“Foi um convite do mestre Carlos Gracie Jr. e vou para o Havaí dar aulas na Gracie Barra University. A expectativa é fazer um trabalho maior do que fiz em Minas. Hoje, em Belo Horizonte, conto com 45 faixas-pretas, com vários campeões mundiais e de diversos outros grandes eventos. Minha equipe é uma das maiores na capital BH e pretendo fazer algo maior ainda no Havaí”, diz ele, muito otimista com o projeto.

“Acho que o nome Gracie Barra será muito forte lá, uma referência para o mundo. Trabalho na equipe há 23 anos, sou formado da branca à preta pelo mestre Carlos e, já que tenho essa nova chance, não vou desperdiçar. Todos que me conhecem sabem da minha garra e do meu amor pela equipe e alunos. Vamos arrebentar lá!”, completa.

Acostumado a desafios, a ida para o Havaí faz recordar de quando foi convocado para dar aulas em Minas.

“Foi engraçado. Cheguei na academia e o Carlinhos me disse: ‘Caveirinha, você quer viver de Jiu-Jitsu? Então vai em casa, pega uma bolsa com roupas que você vai morar em Belo Horizonte.’ (Risos) Isso foi em 1997, e não foi nada programado. Mas o mestre me conhece desde criança e sabe que sou pau para qualquer obra. Cheguei lá sem conhecer nada e, aos poucos, desenvolvi esse trabalho. Hoje conto com academias na Europa e alunos meus que estão com o mestre na Califórnia. O mais importante para mim nesse trabalho no Havaí é que o Carlinhos confiou em mim mais uma vez. Minha meta é conseguir abrir cem Gracie Barras, academias em vários países, e botar para quebrar!”

Caveirinha e os alunos em BH. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

Entretanto, Caveirinha lembra que o trabalho continuará forte nas filiais em Minas Gerais, que vêm com algumas novidades.

“Em Belo Horizonte o meu irmão Fabio vai ficar no comando. Estamos com muitos projetos novos. Vamos inaugurar no próximo mês uma nova academia, que será a maior em BH, totalmente adequada ao sistema Gracie Barra Escolas Premium. Os alunos só podem entrar devidamente uniformizados e seguiremos toda a metodologia de ensino”, conta ele, que também comenta as vantagens do sistema.

“Das filiais que comando, metade já segue esse método. A meu ver, é algo revolucionário, que evita, por exemplo, até que um aluno novo se machuque. Carlos Gracie e Marcio Feitosa estão de parabéns. É algo que é bom não apenas para os graduados, mas para os iniciantes também. Hoje, o cara que se matricula na academia depois leva a esposa, filhos e amigos para treinar. Vê toda a organização e isso faz diferença. Isso vai revolucionar e refletir na quantidade de alunos por todo o mundo”, aposta.

Só o Jiu-Jitsu salva – Caveirinha é um entre tantos brasileiros que nasceu numa família humilde. Morador de uma comunidade carente da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, o esporte, especificamente o Jiu-Jitsu, proporcionou novas possibilidades na vida.

Rodeando o mestre Carlos Gracie Jr. (centro), Caveirinha e a família. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

“Meu pai abandonou minha mãe, dona Betti, com cinco filhos. Sou da comunidade Rio das Pedras, em Jacarepaguá, de uma família humilde. Minha maior alegria é ver meus irmãos e familiares todos treinando Jiu-Jitsu. O esporte mudou nossa vida e hoje somos felizes por essa escolha, pois podemos ajudar um pouco à família. Minha vida sempre foi assim, com muita batalha. Foi sofrido, mas a Gracie Barra é uma família e a cada dia que passa amo mais isso. Por esta razão não tem esse negócio de equipe Caveirinha, é tudo uma coisa só. Luto e sempre vou lutar pela Gracie Barra.”

Falando em luta, Caveirinha também marcou o nome nas competições. Hoje, se dedica mais ao ensino, uma paixão. Mas, se for preciso, combater não está fora dos planos.

“Tive o prazer de vencer muitos campeonatos e lutar ao lado do Marcio Feitosa no Brasileiro de Equipes. Tenho um currículo bom como lutador, mas o que eu mais gosto de expressar é o amor pela equipe e o prazer de dar aulas de Jiu-Jitsu. Para mim o mais gratificante é ver um aluno com uma medalha no peito ou desenvolvendo uma boa técnica nos treinos. Mas tenho 31 anos de idade, se precisar luto ainda (Risos)”.