In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Joao Cizeski, a seasoned competitor and instructor whose career embodies the essence of the ‘Gentle Art.’ With a decorated competitive background including national titles in both Brazil and the United States, as well as podium finishes at the IBJJF Pan-American and European Championships, Cizeski has established himself as a prominent figure in the international Jiu-Jitsu scene. Beyond the medals, his work as a leader and mentor highlights the profound social impact of the sport, proving that technical excellence and community development go hand in hand.

Throughout our conversation, Cizeski shares his philosophy on transforming average competitors into champions, the strategic adjustments necessary for Master-level athletes to thrive, and his unwavering belief that Jiu-Jitsu is a tool for life-long transformation. From his disciplined approach to training to his vision for the future of the sport, he offers invaluable insights for practitioners of all levels. Join us as we explore the journey and the mindset of an instructor dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy on and off the mats.

GRACIEMAG: What benefits does a Jiu-Jitsu instructor bring to the community where they teach?
JOAO CIZESKI: I believe Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond being just a sport. It contributes directly to the physical, mental, and social development of the community. Jiu-Jitsu promotes discipline, self-control, respect, health, and inclusion, benefiting children, adults, and seniors alike. Beyond that, the academy becomes a safe space for social interaction, character building, and social prevention, helping young people find purpose, stay away from risky environments, and develop healthy habits. In the communities where I teach, this impact is visible both in athletic performance and in the overall quality of life of students and their families.

You have had a successful competitive career. What were your main achievements, and what did you learn from them?
Throughout my competitive career, I have won important titles, including national championships in both the United States and Brazil, as well as international results such as third place at the Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship and runner-up at the European Championship, among other high-level tournaments recognized by the sport’s leading federations. These achievements taught me that excellence is not only about talent, but mostly about consistency, deep study of the sport, daily discipline, and continuous growth. I also learned how to handle pressure, adversity, and responsibility, lessons I now apply directly to the development of my students.

In your opinion as an athlete, what is the secret to turning an average competitor into a top champion?
In my view, the key is seeing each athlete as an individual and understanding their strengths, limitations, and specific needs. Great champions are not built solely through hard training, but through proper methodology, constant guidance, precise corrections, and mental resilience. It is also essential to create an environment where athletes are continuously challenged yet fully supported. The combination of technical training, practical experience, and leadership is what truly makes the difference.

You consistently perform well even against younger athletes on your team. What tips do Master division athletes need to excel against adult competitors?
For Master division athletes, strategic intelligence is crucial. The focus should be on technical efficiency, pace control, proper positioning, and smart decision-making. Training with quality, respecting recovery, and preventing injuries are more important than sheer volume. Experience allows athletes to anticipate movements, conserve energy, and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. When applied correctly, age stops being a limitation and becomes a competitive advantage.

What motivational phrase do you like to repeat to yourself during challenging moments in your career?
Discipline beats motivation. In difficult times, I remind myself that great results are built on the days when no one is watching. Staying focused on the process and working consistently has always helped me overcome challenges and reach new levels.

How do you define yourself as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor? What is the philosophy behind your academy? And what advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a respected instructor?
I believe Jiu-Jitsu can positively transform people’s lives, just as it has transformed mine. Even when someone is going through a difficult personal phase, Jiu-Jitsu can be a powerful tool to help them overcome challenges. A good instructor must understand each student’s needs, whether competitive goals or simply the desire to improve quality of life, and provide the appropriate support. I define myself as an instructor committed to technical excellence, personal development, and long-term impact. The philosophy of my academy is based on respect, discipline, high technical standards, and continuous growth, both on and off the mat. For anyone aspiring to become a respected instructor, my main advice is to never stop studying, learning, competing, and serving. A great teacher leads by example and understands that teaching is a responsibility that requires preparation, ethics, and full dedication.

When someone hesitates to start training Jiu-Jitsu, what do you say to convince them to put on the gi and begin their journey in the gentle art?
I believe in the Gracie Barra philosophy that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone and that no one needs to be “ready” to start. Jiu-Jitsu is what prepares you. Beyond the physical benefits, it builds confidence, resilience, and mental clarity. It is a journey of self-discovery that positively impacts every area of life. The hardest part is taking the first step. After that, the results speak for themselves.

What is your biggest goal for the future of your career?
My main goal is to continue expanding my impact in Jiu-Jitsu internationally by developing high-performance athletes, qualified instructors, and strong communities. I want to contribute to the growth of the sport, raise technical and educational standards, and leave a legacy that goes beyond titles.

“A great coach needs to be constantly updating their knowledge, studying, and most importantly, inspiring. More than just teaching techniques, you have to make the student fall in love with the process—with the competition, the learning, and their personal evolution. When an athlete discovers their ‘why,’ everything changes. The rest is just a consequence,” teaches the black belt Leo Gosling.

In the following exclusive interview, the professor recalls how a fighter’s mentality helped him overcome a serious car accident. He also discusses the art of transforming average students into great champions, among other compelling topics. Check it out! Oss!

The word ‘overcoming’ has a special meaning in your Jiu-Jitsu journey, doesn’t it?
LEO GOSLING: Yes, it does. On March 1st, 2024, a truck hit the back of my car, and my neck suffered a major impact. I had to interrupt my winning streak in Jiu-Jitsu, which was one of the most difficult moments of my career. At the time, I was the No. 1 ranked athlete in the world by the IBJJF in the Master 2 Super Heavyweight division. Despite the setback, I tried to face the challenge with the same mentality I learned on the mats: never give up. I kept my focus on rehabilitation, following my treatment plan with discipline and faith, applying the same dedication I always brought to training. On October 26th of this year, I returned to competition and won the PBJJF World Champion title. It was a victory with a special flavor—not just for the medal, but for what it represented: a true comeback story.

You have coached several Jiu-Jitsu champions. What is the secret to transforming an average athlete into a major winner?
I believe the secret is understanding the human side of the athlete; everyone has their own timing, their purpose, and their difficulties. Here at Gracie Barra Davie, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this happen many times. Students like Troy Trocher, 12 years old, 2023 Pan-American Champion gray belt; Gavin Flores, 12 years old, 2024 Gi Pan-American Champion yellow belt; Camila Estrada, 2005 No-Gi Pan-American Champion; and also my sons Maui and Kauai Gosling, who were multiple-time podium finishers at the Pan-Ams, are all examples of dedication, discipline, and love for the sport. I try to teach more than just techniques; I try to pass on values, responsibility, and confidence. When the student understands that, the results come naturally.

What benefits does a Jiu-Jitsu professor offer to individuals and the community they serve?
As a professor and a father of three children, I believe that Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond the mats. It shapes better citizens. It teaches respect, discipline, self-control, and humility—values that make all the difference inside and outside the academy. Many students arrive shy, insecure, or dealing with personal issues, and over time, Jiu-Jitsu transforms these people. Seeing young people who might otherwise be on the streets become athletes, professors, parents, and good examples for the community is the greatest award a teacher can receive.

What have been your main achievements in Jiu-Jitsu, and what do they mean to you?
I would highlight the gold medal at the Pan-Ams and the North American Championships (both in my weight class and the absolute division). Multiple titles in Opens (weight and absolute). Now, with the PBJJF, I am a World Champion. Each conquest has a different meaning. For me, more important than the medal itself is what it represents: effort, faith, and consistency. These are the results of a lifetime dedicated to the gentle art and to the people who believe in this path alongside me.

What is your main goal for the future of your career?
My goal is to continue evolving, as an athlete, a professor, and a human being. I want to win the IBJJF World title in both my category and the absolute division, but I also want to form champions on and off the mats. I want my students to become good examples, to inspire others, and to multiply the values that Jiu-Jitsu teaches. The most important victory is seeing the positive impact this art can have on people’s lives.

When someone hesitates to train Jiu-Jitsu, what do you usually say to convince them to put on the kimono and start the journey in the gentle art?
I usually say that it is frustrating not knowing how to protect yourself, your family, or someone you love. But Jiu-Jitsu is much more than self-defense. It brings health, self-confidence, emotional balance, and even new friends. Training is a way to connect with the best version of yourself. And when you allow yourself to take that first step, the rest is a transformation.

Who are your biggest idols in BJJ?
Renato Ferro, my master forever, a world champion at brown belt and an example of character, simplicity, and loyalty. Rafael “Gordinho,” my friend and current master here in the US, who inspires me with his modern and human vision of Jiu-Jitsu. Roger Gracie, with whom I had the privilege of training since my brown belt days and closely following different phases of his career, including recently at Start Jiu-Jitsu, under Master Gordinho in Pembroke Pines. These are the references that have shaped not only my Jiu-Jitsu but also my way of living.

What advice would you give to young people who dream of making a living from Jiu-Jitsu?
Never abandon your studies. If necessary, slow down the pace of your training, but never stop studying. Education opens doors that Jiu-Jitsu alone cannot. Be loyal to your masters, respect the hierarchy, and honor those who believe in you. And remember: success is a consequence of dedication, patience, and love for what you do.

What benefits does a Jiu-Jitsu instructor offer to individuals and the community where they work?
EDUARDO INOJOSA: In addition to spreading the fundamentals of self-defense, respect, and discipline, we, Jiu-Jitsu instructors, empower individuals in terms of healthy living, both physically and mentally. I refer to encouraging self-confidence, self-control, and enabling people to overcome adversities. We motivate students to adopt positive values, fostering resilience and better decision-making under pressure—not only on the mat but also in daily life.

Besides teaching Jiu-Jitsu, you have a successful career as a competitor. What have been your main achievements, and what have you learned from them?
For me, it was during my purple belt in 2007 when I won the IBJJF Brazilian Championship, one of the first major competitions I entered. I was also the runner-up in the black belt category in 2015. In 2017, I realized a dream by becoming the champion at the Brazilian Team Championship, representing Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu. I also stood out in the AJP Grand Slams in Rio in 2021 and 2022. Throughout this journey, I learned a lot about discipline and resilience, as preparing for and participating in these competitions requires athletes to be in top form, both physically and mentally, and to always work with a long-term perspective.

What is your main goal for the future of your career?
My goal is to focus on training for competitions and return to competing, as this will enhance my skills as a black belt and help me practically demonstrate what I teach my students in class. Competing allows me to gain much more knowledge and accelerate my evolution. As we know, knowledge never ends; there’s always something new to learn in the gentle art.

When someone hesitates to train Jiu-Jitsu, what do you usually say to convince them to put on the gi and start their journey in the gentle art?
First, I try to listen to the person and understand their goals so that I can identify how Jiu-Jitsu can add positive values to their life.

Who is your greatest idol in your career, the person who serves as a guide in your major decisions? Why?
My idol is my fellow countryman Xande Ribeiro. Because of all he has achieved and represents for Jiu-Jitsu, he is a humble man who has never changed his way of being due to success. I was already a fan of his in 2016 when I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with Xande. I learned a lot from him during training. He is a great reference as an athlete, businessman, and person.

What motivational phrase do you like to repeat to yourself when going through a difficult situation?
“Never give up; you are one centimeter closer than you were yesterday. Today is a new day. I can!” Moreover, my family and those I love motivate me more than anything. If they are well, healthy, and happy, that’s all I need. I just know that everything will turn out fine.

The SJJIF’s idea of ​​bringing the Worlds to Brazil this year is really cool, an event that will take place on the 11th and 12th of November, in Rio de Janeiro. How did this idea come about and what benefits does it offer to the Jiu-Jitsu community?

JOÃO SILVA: Our event has athletes from all over the world and has had, in one of its biggest editions, representatives from more than 60 countries. However, several participants have not been able to participate due to a visa to the United States, which for many is unfeasible. For a long time, at the SJJIF assembly, there had been talk about the option of expanding SJJIF events and having the SJJIF World Cup on a traveling basis, giving the entire Jiu-Jitsu community the opportunity to participate in the event and compete for the world title.

I believe that the decision to bring this edition of the event to Brazil is something to be celebrated not only because it is the tenth edition, but because once again we are innovating and promoting the SJJIF values ​​of integration, fair play, respect and Brazilian culture through Jiu-Jitsu.

I believe that all Brazilian competitors should make the most of this unique opportunity to compete for the SJJIF world title in Brazil, especially for competitors thinking about making a living from Jiu-Jitsu abroad in the future, as an SJJIF world title on an immigration card It could be the difference in getting a work visa approved.

In addition to the country that will host the big event, what are the other news about SJJIF Worlds 2023?

This is a huge opportunity to acculturate to where sport Jiu-Jitsu was founded and to get to know everything that Rio de Janeiro has to offer, such as tourism, training, competition and much more. For athletes who have never competed in an SJJIF event, I think this is a unique opportunity to be part of history, being the tenth edition, the first time in Brazil and with cash prizes, a huge medal, belt, ring, trophy and, the most important, the world title. This year we will have belts in different divisions, something unprecedented.

This is the tenth edition of the show, a huge milestone for SJJIF. What are the most memorable moments in this journey? And what are the main lessons you learned from these 10 editions?

From the beginning we have worked hard to bring something better to our community. Being an event that promotes inclusion through “Jiu-Jitsu for all”, having in one event not only athletes from all over the world competing for the traditional divisions but also Parajiu-jitsu, Deaf Jiu-Jitsu and Jiu-Jitsu Special, giving everyone in the Jiu-Jitsu community the opportunity to compete for their world title. Regardless of age or whether they are elite or amateur, the event has several divisions giving everyone the opportunity to participate.

We have gone through several memorable moments, either through exceptional fights by great gentle art athletes or with moments through adapted fights, which are always inspiring for everyone and a magical moment in our events. The biggest lesson I believe is the fact that we can always improve and how in Jiu-Jitsu victory is always rewarding, but it is through defeat that learning is most intense. The important thing is to do your best and do everything with love, passion, respect and not being afraid to try something new.

And the future? What level will the SJJIF Worlds be at in ten editions? What are the main challenges and objectives ahead?

I believe that in the next ten events a lot will change. This tenth edition is already a milestone that will open this new journey where the World Cup will travel every year from country to country, promoting not only the federation but the sport itself. Something that we are very excited to see, as we believe that in the coming years we will see a much greater growth in competitors.

Who are the players who have most impressed you in this long history of the SJJIF Worlds and which players will stand out in this 2023 edition?

In these ten years we have seen many champions and we have seen several fights. Children like the Ruotolo brothers who already won the world championship in all the children’s categories. We saw super exciting black belt fights, such as Tayane Porfírio, Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa, Keenan Cornelios, Kaynan Duarte, Jonnatas Gracie, Luiza Monteiro, Otávio Sousa, Renan Vital, Nathiely De Jesus, Dany Gerard, Kendall Reusing, Ronaldo Júnior, Kennedy Maciel and much more.

Well, to tell you the truth, I’ve never been good at guessing who would win past editions, so I’m not even going to try in 2023, but I’m very excited to see the champions of this tenth edition.

This Tuesday, November 7th, the second and last day of the Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 took over the Mubadala Arena and welcomed the most experienced athletes of the competitive scene as they fought to earn the title of champion in the capital of Jiu-Jitsu.

After a first day of high-octane action, with black belts fighting for a spot at the main bracket in the country qualifiers and colored belts showcasing their prowess as they vied for a chance to advance in the sport, the tournament once again opened its battlefield for the men and women of the Master category.

The highlights were, as expected, the finals of the Master 1 division, with the athletes leaving their hearts on the mats as they fought for a chance to climb the podium. Check out how each final went down below and don’t miss the action schedule for the next days, as the Professionals take over the mats. Watch live at TX7.ae !

Men’s Gi / Master 1 / Black Belt

56kg – Emerson Cassio Silva vs. Masaaki Todokoro
In the lighter men’s division, the Brazilian Cassio Silva got the better of Japanese Masaaki Todokoro, who started the fight by pulling guard. Cassio tried a leglock spin and went up, then pulled and swept, opening the score at 2-0. After pressing on the side and passing the guard, making it 5-0, he left the north-south position to try and take Masaaki’s back. Without stabilizing the hooks, Cassio attacked the arm and earned another point on the scoreboard. Masaaki still received a point in his favor after an illegal grip from his opponent, but Cassio still took the win, conquering the title with a 6-1 score.

62kg – Hiago George vs. Nariman Mynbayev
A renowned player in AJP’s biggest tournaments, Hiago George displayed complete dominance and confirmed his favoritism. At the beginning of the fight, Kazakhstan’s Nariman Mynbayev pulled a half-guard. Hiago applied pressure and gained a point for almost passing, before reaching the side control with the three points. With a 4-0 score in his favor, Hiago disconnected before once again passing the guard and mounting twice in a row, raising the scoreboard to a whopping 18-0, ending the match in another major win for the Brazilian.

69kg – Thiago Marques vs. Gairbeg Ibragimov
A veteran of AJP tournaments, Brazilian Thiago Marques had an exciting duel against Gairbeg Ibragimov, from Russia. Gairbeg took the lead on the scoreboard when he landed a beautiful takedown, pulling Thiago with an ankle pick. Behind on the scoreboard by two points, Thiago managed to even the score after successfully defending against a foot attack. Thiago got another point after Gairbeg used an illegal grip, and went on to further increase his lead with a foot attack, putting the score at 4-2. Without faltering, Gairbeg rose again to even the score and take the lead 4-4. Being the last to score, the Russian came close to victory, but Thiago once again came dangerously close to going up, and with Gairbeg once again using an illegal grip, the Brazilian locked a triangle until the clock ran out, taking the victory by a 6-4 score.

77kg – Ali Monfaradi vs. Talison Costa
Bahraini athlete Ali Monfaradi closed his great 2023 season with a title at the World Masters. Facing the experienced Talison Costa, Ali had a tricky match against the Brazilian. Talison started in the lead on the scoreboard, almost taking down and catching the back, but still taking a 2-0 for the attempt. Ali entered with his dangerous half-guard and tied the score at 2-2. Talison attacked with the footlock and went up to make it 4-2. Underneath, Ali did a nice spin and went up trying to get the back. Two points were scored by attacking attempts, drawing 4-4. As he was the last to score, Ali conquered the win that will remain etched in the memory of Elements JJ Bahrain.

85kg – Flavio Vianna vs. Janos Estergal
Intense exchange standing up in the duel between Brazilian Flavio Vianna and German Janos Estergal. After receiving a punishment for not engaging in the fight, Flavio saw Janos take the lead at 1-0 and intensified his game. Flavio went down without stabilizing, tying at 1-1. With a double punishment for lack of combativeness, Flavio’s second punishment, the score was 3-2 for Janos. Flavio then went for a risky takedown and, without completely landing the move, earned the point he needed to tie the score again and take the win by scoring last.

94kg – Renato Cardoso vs. Roberto Dib Frias
UAE-based Brazilian Renato Cardoso was once again a standout on the mats of the Mubadala Arena. After winning a thrilling semi-final against superstar Jackson Sousa, Renato faced Australian Roberto Dib Frias in the final. Roberto rose from the double pull and started ahead with 1-0, but Renato soon adjusted himself to attack Roberto’s leg. By raising his hips, Renato managed to fully extend the leglock, winning by submission and taking another gold medal.

120kg – Felipe Bezerra vs. Justin Primrose
In the 120kg division final, the Brazilian Felipe Bezerra completely dominated the Canadian Justin Primrose, giving the latter no room to try and fight back. After opening the score with a takedown in the first seconds of the fight, Felipe increased the score from 2-0 to 5-0 with a lot of pressure on the guard pass. Upon arriving on the side, he controlled the actions, dominated Justin’s hips, and stabilized the winning score until the final whistle, taking the win via points.

Women’s Gi / Master 1 / Brown / Black Belt

49kg – Laura Peretti vs. Kacie Tan
Representing Italy, Laura Peretti showed a lot of technique in her duel against Thai Kacie Tan, who made the first action of the fight by jumping into closed guard. Laura opened her guard and used her knee to get to the side. Without completing the pass but scoring 1-0, Laura didn’t stop and brought constant danger to Kacie’s guard. By almost completing the pass again, Laura gained another point and closed the final duel with 2-0 on the scoreboard.

55kg – Ariadne de Oliveira vs. Chingwen Huang
Ariadne Oliveira gifted the crowd with a good showing of Jiu-Jitsu in her match against Taiwan’s Chingwen Huang. In a quick move, Ariadne pulled guard and then went up, scoring 2-0. Upon reaching the side, she passed to raise the scoreboard to 5-0 before trying a kata-gatame. Without completing the submission, Ariadne took the back and attacked with the winning choke. A Submission and a well-deserved gold medal for the Brazilian from the Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club.

62kg – Nadia Melo vs. Violeta Angelova
Nadia Melo was the main name of the 62kg division. Her duel against Bulgarian Violeta Angelova started slowly, with punishment for both sides for lack of combativeness. Violeta pulled a closed guard and made a good transition while looking for a chance to take the back, but Nadia avoided the danger and attacked Violeta’s leg. After adjusting her hip, Nadia managed to stretch and complete the submission, seizing the title.

70kg – Magdalena Loska vs. Tamara Rocha
A quick victory for Poland’s Magdalena Loska. Her opponent, Brazilian Tamara Rocha, pulled guard and went down. Magdalena saw the chance to land an attack on the foot and didn’t hesitate, landing a straight footlock to take the win in the first minute of the bout.

95kg – Katiuscia Yasmira Dias vs. Amanda Ribeiro
Yasmira Dias, from Guinea-Bissau, showcased her favoritism in the 95kg division. After a double punishment for lack of combativeness, Yasmira pulled and swept the Brazilian Amanda Ribeiro to take the lead 3-1. After passing guard and disconnecting, Yasmira swept again. Amanda managed to go up by the end, putting the scoreboard at 8-3, but Yasmira went up yet again, leaving the final score at 10-3 to add another victory to her grappling record.

The 2022/2023 season of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour and AJP Tour has whisked us away to the vibrant city of Miami. We began our journey in the United States on September 16 and 17, amidst the pulsating energy of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. Before setting foot on the west coast, our cameras delve into the intensive preparation regimes of athletes in California, recognized as the contemporary mecca of jiu-jitsu.

With its breathtaking coastline embracing enchanting beaches, California not only allures thousands of jiu-jitsu enthusiasts with its congenial climate and dynamic lifestyle but also houses prominent gyms and elite athletes in the discipline. Our documentary takes you through the revered halls of Checkmat HQ in Long Beach, Atos HQ, Alliance in San Diego, Fight Sports and Champion fit in Miami, providing an exclusive sneak peek into the sanctuaries where jiu-jitsu maestros hone their craft. As we traverse the nation to arrive in Miami, the host city for this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, witness athletes in their element, tweaking their techniques and shedding the extra pounds in the lead-up to the weigh-in during championship week.

Embark on a day in the sun-soaked life of Miami with Roosevelt Sousa and Lucas Lira, as our lens captures the ethos of the Magic City. The documentary offers unfettered access to behind-the-scene moments and encapsulates the electrifying highlights of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Miami 2023. CLICK HERE and revel in the experience!

Zayed Alkatheeri is the new Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Black Belt Chamion. Photo: Instagram/AJP

After a long journey in the 2022-2023 season, it was time to come back home. The AJP Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour circled back to its homonymous territory and provided an incredible display of technique at the modern Mubadala Arena, in the heat of UAE’s capital.

After three days of action from kids to masters, in all weights and belt divisions, this last Sunday, May 7th, the black belt champions, as well as the Heroes of the season, were finally revealed. The warriors who traveled the world with us and gave their best to accumulate points in the Black and Brown/Black rankings were awarded the Golden Eagle and a trophy, to remember for years to come that the glory is real for those who fight for it.

Check out the lines below for the results of the finals at the ADGS Abu Dhabi and the Heroes of the Season 2022-2023.

MEN’S GI / BLACK / PROFESSIONAL

56kg – Zayed Alkatheeri is a man on a mission. The 56kg jewel of the UAE came back from outstanding results in the season to end the tour with a big win for his crowd. And that’s what he did. After a tough semifinal match, won by points, Zayed went on to the finals to face the top-ranking Yuri Hendrex. The match was close, tied on points, but Zayed managed to score the last point and get the gold, causing cheers from the people who came to see their favorite athlete fighting live at the Mubadala Arena.

62kg – Khaled Alshehhi registered to fight in this ADGS to make a statement: He’s here to take over the 62kg division. His efforts in this tournament were awe-inspiring, with three tough fights until the glory of the gold. After beating Nariman Mynbayev and the dangerous Wagner Chrispim, Khaled faced Jefferson Fagundes at the grand final. With all his knowledge and technique, Khaled got the last point in an 8-8 bout and got home with the gold medal hanging on his shoulders.

69kg – Thiago Marques was the double champion of the day in the ADGS Abu Dhabi. After getting the gold on Saturday, in the Masters division, Thiago fought once again on Sunday, won three more fights, and went straight to the finals, to face the medal collector Hiago George. The Commando Group coach took a long breath, went into the duel with guns blazing, and beat Hiago via 3-2 to get his second gold of the tournament.

77kg – Adriano Araujo got his gold in a last-minute action and got crowned, as he deserved, after a great campaign in this ADGS. After winning two fights and beating Lucas Protasio in the semifinals, Adriano tied at 3-3 in his final against Andre Cantanhede. However, with a takedown landed at the eleventh hour, Adriano put the scoreboard in his favor, and the 5-2 points made him the champion of the 77kg division.

Jansen Gomes defeated Uanderson Ferreira in the 85kg final. Photo: AJP/Instagram

85kg – Three fights and three wins for Jansen Ramos. After landing an 18-0 score in the quarters and submitting GFTeam’s Hiago Lima in the semis, the Checkmat powerhouse went up against Uanderson Ferreira in the final round. After putting the score at 3-2, Jansen showcased his prowess by landing the submission that earned him the title.

94kg – Crowning a golden season, Marcos Carrozzino was unstoppable in the ADGS. With three fights and two submissions on the bracket, the GFTeam athlete went toe-to-toe with teammate Catriel Fernandes in a very balanced final round, with Marcos taking the win via the referees’ decision.

WOMEN’S GI / BROWN / BLACK / PROFESSIONAL

49kg – Diana Teixeira was merciless in the 49kg division. After submitting Flavia Quintareli in the semis, Diana went full-throttle for the final round, in which she quickly landed another submission against Isadora Maggioni to take the gold. 

55kg – Submitting every opponent that dared stand in her way to the gold, Ariadne de Oliveira was like a freight train on the 55kg division. First, she beat both Dayane Bazzoni and Galina Duranova to advance through the bracket. Then, in the final round, she wasted no time in landing her third and final submission against Alexa Yanes to become the reigning champion. 

62kg – Maria Luiza Delahaye had to fight twice before she could call herself an ADGS champion. After imposing her game and landing the score at 10-0 against Isabela Ribeiro in the semifinal, the GFTeam athlete went on to face fellow teammate Julia Alves in the gold round, settling the match with a submission to take the 62kg gold.

Ingridd Sousa was the name to look out at the 70kg division. Photo: AJP/Instagram

70kg – Ingridd Sousa was the name to look out for in the 70kg bracket. After submitting Marian Urdabayeva in the quarters and scoring 6-0 against Raquel Santos in the semis, the Brazilian athlete clashed with Yara Kakish in the finals, submitting yet again to stand atop the division podium.

95kg – The scoreboard was Izadora Silva’s best friend through the 95kg bracket. After landing a 4-3 against Marcelle Catanhede in the semifinal, Izadora went on to score a 2-0 against Mayara Moreira to become the 95kg champion at the ADGS.

The black beltchampions were revealed. Photo: AJP/Instagram

MEET THE HEROES OF THE ABU DHABI GRAND SLAM TOUR 2022-2023

Five capitals around the globe were chosen to receive the best Jiu-Jitsu athletes in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour. Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Sydney, London, and Abu Dhabi were the spots for our heroes to display the techniques and willpower used to overcome the adversities of fighting internationally and staying at the top of our rankings. Meet below our best and brightest Heroes of Jiu-Jitsu of the season 2022-2023!

Men’s Professional Black Belt Light Featherweight (under 56kg)

Zayed Alkatheeri (UAE) – 10400pts

Men’s Professional Black Belt Featherweight (under 62kg)

Leonardo Mario (Brazil) – 9400pts

Men’s Professional Black Belt Lightweight (under 69kg)

Meyran Maquine Alves (Brazil) – 7600pts

Men’s Professional Black Belt Welterweight (under 77kg)

Lucas Protasio (Brazil) – 6000pts

Men’s Professional Black Belt Middleweight (under 85kg)

Jansen Gomes Ramos (Brazil) – 9000pts

Men’s Professional Black Belt Heavyweight (under 94kg)

Catriel Oliveira Fernandes (Brazil) – 6000pts

Men’s Professional Black Belt Super Heavyweight (under 120kg)

Yatan Bueno (Brazil) – 9000pts

Women’s Professional Brown / Black Belt Roosterweight (under 49kg)

Diana Thais Teixeira (Brazil) – 7200pts

Women’s Professional Brown / Black Belt Light Featherweight (under 55kg) 

Ana Rodrigues (Brazil) – 8000pts

Women’s Professional Brown / Black Belt Lightweight (under 62kg) 

Julia Alves (Brazil) – 9800pts

Women’s Professional Brown / Black Belt Middleweight (under 70kg) 

Izadora  Silva (Brazil) – 8000pts

Women’s Professional Brown / Black Belt Heavyweight (under 95kg) 

Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil) – 8000pts

Photo: Personal Archive

At 23 years of age, Jeferson Guaresi is one of the strongest athletes from the new generation of Jiu-Jitsu. The black-belt from Unity Jiu-Jitsu proved he deserves this distinction as he won the IBJJF’s World Championship and No-Gi Pan in the last two months. These are medals at the highest level of the sport, especially in the black belt division.

With just two years of experience as a black-belt — a promotion given to him by Murilo Santana — Jeferson has accumulated 29 wins, nine of which were by submission. At the No-Gi Worlds, for example, he won four matches and scored two submissions against Rodrigo Lopes and Joseph Watson. In the medium heavy final, Jeferson played the strategist to beat Pedro Rocha, a fighter known for his guillotines. Jeferson spoke about his performance in a recent interview.

“The final was an interesting fight, because my opponent only had one move about which I had to worry,” he said. “It was a fight where I had to be very focused on not losing my concentration, but I knew my jiu-jitsu is up to date. It just came down to not messing up, and I’d walk away with the win. That was when I scored two points right away and then managed my advantage.”

Jeferson is an avid competitor who has won more than 100 medals in national and international tournaments — including gold at the IBJJF’s No-Gi Pan, No-Gi Worlds and European Championship — in the past eleven years, the time he has been practicing jiu-jitsu. He shared some thoughts on this journey:

“My goal in jiu-jitsu has never been just to be world champion; that’s a consequence of my training. In the course of this time, my goal is to help all who are parts of the sport. I want to make the sport grow more and more, and I want to help people achieve their goals. I want the practitioners of jiu-jitsu to be good people to society too. I’m greatly inspired by my master, Murilo Santana, who is a big influence on what I’ve become today. Rafael Godoi, my first teacher, is also an important part in my education as an athlete.”

Jeferson is considered by many to be the originator of the “thrown by” guard pass — a move that has earned him multiple gold medals in different competitions, including at the No-Gi Pan. Here’s a pioneer’s perspective on how the guard pass works:

“It’s important that you know how to create space to position yourself when it’s time to move. The guard pass I do is intricate and requires perfect timing and form; the secret is in the positioning of the hip and knee, responsible for preventing the guard player’s returning with the leg to defend. Then, I use one of my hands to control my opponent’s hip and advance my entire body to win the three points.”

To see how it works, check out Jeferson’s step-by-step tutorial in the following images.

Photo: Personal Archive

Bibiano Fernandes, 41, has an appointment under One Championship for December 5. The bantamweight champion will be defending his belt against John Lineker, who has only fought three times in the organization, between 2019 and 2021. The announcement was made by One’s CEO, Chatri Sityodtong.

Throughout his career, which began in 2004, Bibiano has achieved 24 wins and suffered four losses. In One Championship, which has employed him since 2012, he has 11 wins and just one loss.

“I’m happy to be able to defend my belt again,” the Brazilian said in a recent interview. “I’ve been on this journey for a long time. I’m happy, healthy, well trained. I want to show younger people that with discipline and hard work, you can get to where you want. Bibiano is the result of a lot of effort, lots of faith and dedication.”

In his native state of Amazonas, where he was staying several days ago, Bibiano got in touch with his roots before returning to Canada to resume his training.

“I’m in Manaus to visit my family and friends and have contact with nature,” he said. “I always come to Brazil before I have an important appointment in my life. Out here, the other day, I did a lecture at a military school for more than 200 students, where I spoke about the importance of being confident, having discipline and courage.” He added: “I’m quite happy to be here.”

Bibiano also revealed that he’s not done evolving in Jiu-Jitsu, as was recently recognized by his teacher, Prof. Osvaldo Alves.

“I’ve received another degree on the black belt,” said Bibiano, who is a three-time BJJ world champion. “I’m happy to conquer another step in the black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, the sport that gave me everything I have. I lost my mom very early, and my dad had no means to raise us; I went to the interior of Amazonas, but if today I am someone, it was the sport that saved me and because I believed I could be someone.”

Ismael and both golds earned at the Chicago International Open 2021. Photo: Reproduction

Currently in first place at the brown belt ranking of the IBJJF, the largest and most respected Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, Ismael Santos is one of the young prospects in the gentle art’s competitive scene. Under the tutelage of black belt Marcelo Ribeiro, he has joined a select group of athletes in the Xchange project, which supports young talents to participate in championships in the United States, to provide an international level experience for a new generation of competitors.

To tell his story, the 2021 Pan American champion chatted with GRACIEMAG and spoke about his dream of popularizing Jiu-Jitsu in American soil, his experiences on the USA and how these contributed to his maturation inside and outside of the mats. A real gem that, with its knowledge of the sport and the competitive scenario at a professional level, has plenty of baggage to use the sport to further the premises of health and self-confidence to future students. Check the lines below!

GRACIEMAG: How did you get to know Jiu-Jitsu? Already joined thinking about competing?

ISMAEL SANTOS: I was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu through a friend who was already training. I was already aware of the benefits of sport, so I joined him to learn about self-defense and live a healthier life. Also, I could expend excessive energies on the mat and, consequently, become more centered and focused on my studies. I started competing at age 13, still at white belt, and after three months of training, I was champion for the first time. At 15 years old, at blue, I was champion again, this time at the CBJJ Brazilian Team Nationals, by GFTeam. I won state and regional titles until, in 2015, I received the title of best youth blue belt in the state of Ceará.

Ismael, alongside professor Marcelo, boasts gold medal won at the Pan. Photo: Reproduction

At what point did you understand that you would become a professional?

I think the moment Jiu-Jitsu changed for me was at age 14, when I took my first trip to São Paulo. I received a lot of encouragement from my teacher Elinor Batista, who saw my potential early, encouraged me to pursue this future and do my best to be successful. Suddenly, for the first time, I was leaving my state to compete. That was very important for me. From there, I adjusted my mentality and felt in my heart that this would be my mission in life, that my destiny would be on the mats, showing Jiu-Jitsu to the whole world.

How does your family understand your profession in sport? Did you have their support at the beginning?

I am very grateful to my family as I’ve always had their support. In addition to encouraging me to follow my dreams, they always taught me to work hard, never give up and achieve my goals through merit. I learned a lot from seeing my father, who lost one of his legs when I was ten years old and still walks to work every day, and my mother, who never lost her smile despite living a difficult life and without running water in the interior of Ceará. If I got where I am, it’s all thanks to them.

Ismael heads the IBJJF’s brown belt ranking. Photo: Reproduction

And the mission to win the United States? How was the invitation?

I met Professor Marcelo Ribeiro through the project he has in Brazil, to help athletes compete and manage their careers in the United States. I arrived in the US for the first time in 2020, still as a purple belt. Because of the pandemic, I couldn’t compete and went back to Brazil. In 2021 he invited me again to spend a season at his family’s house and visit new places, practice my English and, of course, compete. I came back, worked hard and now I’m number one in the IBJJF brown belt ranking.

What has changed in your Jiu-Jitsu and has it changed in your life by joining the project at RMA?

I feel I evolved in different ways. In my personal life, I have matured because of the experience of getting to know a new culture and being so far away from my family. As a professional, the training routine and traveling to compete helped me to have a more professional point of view towards my career. Above all, I am grateful to Professor Marcelo, who recognized my efforts and allowed me to participate in this project.

With this new experience in the bag, what are your next plans for Jiu-Jitsu?

I intend to keep working hard and giving my best in all training and championships. I want to reach the ranking of the best black belts on the IBJJF and make other people see, as I do, the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu. My goal now is to be very successful and, through my results as an athlete, inspire adults and children to come to the mat and learn that Jiu-Jitsu can change lives.

Along with Marcelo Ribeiro and his RMA training partners, Ismael celebrates yet another victory. Photo: IBJJF/Giselle Villasenor Photography

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