Soca at 2009 International. Photo: Carlos Ozório

A fighter who shone as a featherweight, Alexandre “Soca” Carneiro keeps up with the news surrounding the International Masters and Seniors, which kicks off July 22 in Rio de Janeiro. The fighter remarks on the competitions value.

“I feel it’s really important for Jiu-Jitsu, after all, this new generation of champions today comes from our current Masters and Seniors,” he says.

The black belt currently teaches class at his academy, Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in Long Island, New York. Although cutting it close, Soca may appear at the Tijuca Tennis Club with some of his students.

“Nothing’s in stone yet, because I put off getting organized due to a project that ended up not happening. I’m going to try and organize things to compete. If I do, I’ll probably take some students,” he says.

In 2009, Soca put in an appearance. Not having competed in years, he ended up losing in the final, in a close match, but had some great bouts before then. Check out Soca in action:

Master Soca’s Fight @ Rio International 2009 from Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Vimeo.