Daniel Hortegas at a police tactics and self-defense workshop at the Norcross Police Department in Georgia – Photo: personal archive

Jiu-Jitsu black belt Daniel Hortegas recently took part in a police tactics and self-defense workshop at the Norcross Police Department in Georgia, alongside Roan “Jucão” Carneiro and Rodrigo “Artilheiro.” The initiative is part of the work led by Jucão with police departments across the region, where he helps develop and implement training programs, including the POST program, designed to enhance officers’ control and defensive skills. For Hortegas, the opportunity represents another way to apply Jiu-Jitsu beyond the competitive arena.

“This stage of my career in Georgia, working alongside Professor Jucão, has provided me with incredibly enriching experiences. As part of the team he leads, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in these workshops. I accepted this challenge because I believe Jiu-Jitsu is a tool that goes far beyond competition or sport. Being able to share knowledge with professionals responsible for the safety of our community is a way of serving society and giving back for everything Jiu-Jitsu has given me,” he said.

During the workshop, the instructors demonstrated practical Jiu-Jitsu applications specifically designed for law enforcement, focusing on control techniques, leverage, body positioning, and decision-making under pressure. “Police officers operate in high-adrenaline situations where decisions must be made in seconds. In those moments, technique must be deeply ingrained so that the response is efficient, proportional, and safe. Jiu-Jitsu is extremely effective because its essence is controlling a situation through technique, not brute force,” explained the black belt.

Hortegas believes that an athlete’s true legacy is serving society – Photo: personal archive

ADCC veteran, experienced MMA competitor, and winner of numerous Jiu-Jitsu titles, Hortegas believes that the knowledge acquired throughout his career should be used to benefit society. “If I had to summarize it in one word, it would be accountability. The principles of Jiu-Jitsu: discipline, self-control, respect, technique, and resilience, can be applied everywhere, from teaching children to preparing professionals responsible for protecting their communities. An athlete’s true legacy is not only the titles they win, but their ability to use that knowledge to serve others.”

The Brazilian also praised the officers’ reception to the training and highlighted the outstanding work Roan “Jucão” Carneiro has been doing with law enforcement agencies. “It’s clear how much respect the officers have for Professor Jucão, not only because of his accomplishments as an athlete and coach, but because of his commitment and the professionalism with which he carries out this work. That creates an environment of trust. Once the officers experienced the adjustments, leverage, and control techniques firsthand, their confidence in the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu grew, reinforcing the value of this kind of training.”

Hortegas joined Roan Jucão and Rodrigo Artilheiro for a police training workshop – Photo: personal archive

Now once again representing American Top Team Sandy Springs in Georgia, Hortegas believes that projects like this, along with his recent participation in the Lacerda Cup, give new meaning to his career. “These experiences allow me to use the knowledge I’ve gained through decades of training and competition to make a positive impact on other people’s lives. After all, titles open doors, but what we do after walking through those doors is what truly defines our legacy.”

Roan Jucão, Luan Chileno e Daniel Hortegas nos bastidores do Lacerda Cup – Foto: arquivo pessoal

A participação de Daniel Hortegas na Lacerda Cup, realizada em Fort Benning, nos Estados Unidos, foi mais do que uma simples experiência competitiva. Integrado à rotina da American Top Team e treinando sob a liderança de Roan “Jucão” Carneiro na ATT Sandy Springs, o faixa-preta viveu um momento que, segundo ele, representa a essência mais profunda do Jiu-Jitsu.

“Jiu-Jitsu é uma ponte que vem ampliando seu alcance. Perceber que nessas décadas de dedicação a um propósito de evoluir como atleta me trouxe até esse acontecimento, onde o Jiu-Jitsu retorna à sua prática original, de forma marcial e não puramente esportiva, foi muito interessante”, destacou Hortegas. “Presenciar o Exército Americano sendo beneficiado pela prática do Jiu-Jitsu e, de alguma forma, poder fazer parte disso foi muito gratificante.”

Com uma trajetória consolidada, que inclui títulos mundiais pela IBJJF, participação no ADCC e lutas de MMA no Brasil e no exterior, Hortegas vê sua história diretamente conectada ao ambiente que o levou até essa experiência. A relação de longa data com a American Top Team e a parceria com Jucão foram determinantes.

“Foi através desses resultados e da dedicação que consegui chegar até eles que recebi o convite para retornar aos Estados Unidos e treinar na American Top Team, equipe da qual faço parte desde 2005. Uma coisa conecta a outra. Por estar aqui treinando com meu amigo de longa data, o Jucão, na ATT Sandy Springs, surgiu o convite para participar e ajudar o Luan Chileno na Lacerda Cup”, explicou.

Segundo o faixa-preta, estar inserido em um ambiente de alto nível como o da equipe americana reforça a importância de se manter ativo e em constante evolução, não apenas como atleta, mas como alguém capaz de impactar outras pessoas através da arte marcial.

“Estar ali foi uma grande confirmação de quão essencial é estarmos ativos e operantes na prática e na evolução constante, pois nossa contribuição como atleta e artista marcial para a sociedade transcende os eventos esportivos e de entretenimento”, afirmou.

O Lacerda Cup foi realizado em Fort Benning – Foto: divulgação

A experiência ganhou ainda mais significado ao dividir o ambiente com atletas como Luan Chileno, brasileiro que construiu carreira no muay thai antes de ingressar no exército americano. Para Hortegas, esse tipo de trajetória evidencia o impacto das artes marciais na formação humana e na construção de novos caminhos.

“O Luan demonstrou que o esporte te prepara para novas jornadas. O alto rendimento te dá a capacidade de lidar com qualquer nível de desafio e superar dificuldades em prol de algo maior. E quando olhamos para a história do Pedro Lacerda, que dá nome ao evento, vemos um legado que transcende a própria vida. Isso é incrível”, afirmou.

Ao longo dos anos, Hortegas passou a enxergar com mais clareza o papel do Jiu-Jitsu como ferramenta de transformação, algo que, segundo ele, sempre esteve presente, mas hoje ganha ainda mais relevância dentro e fora dos tatames.

“Sempre foi um paralelo. Mesmo com foco competitivo, estamos lidando com pessoas o tempo todo. A capacidade de adaptação, de superar dificuldades e persistir se transforma em uma oportunidade de servir, seja como suporte emocional ou como referência para quem precisa de um caminho”, analisou.

Fora dos tatames, essa filosofia também se reflete na vida pessoal. “Existe uma força invisível que é o grande diferencial de quem pratica Jiu-Jitsu a longo prazo. Os benefícios são para toda a vida. Hoje, como pai, vejo meus filhos se beneficiando desses valores e das capacidades físicas e psicológicas que o esporte proporciona”, concluiu.

 

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Um post compartilhado por Luan Chileno (@luanchileno)

Daniel Hortegas, Roan Jucão and Luan Chileno backstage at the Lacerda Cup – Photo: personal archive

Daniel Hortegas’ participation in the Lacerda Cup, held in Fort Benning, United States, was more than just a competitive experience. Integrated into the routine of American Top Team and training under the leadership of Roan “Jucão” Carneiro at ATT Sandy Springs, the black belt lived a moment that, according to him, represents the deepest essence of Jiu-Jitsu.

“Jiu-Jitsu is a bridge that keeps expanding its reach. Realizing that decades of dedication to evolving as an athlete led me to this moment—where Jiu-Jitsu returns to its original practice in a martial sense, not purely as a sport—was very interesting,” Hortegas said. “Seeing the U.S. Army benefit from Jiu-Jitsu and, in some way, being part of that was extremely rewarding.”

With a solid career that includes IBJJF world titles, participation in ADCC, and MMA fights in Brazil and abroad, Hortegas sees his journey as directly connected to the environment that led him to this experience. His long-standing relationship with American Top Team and his partnership with Jucão were key factors.

“It was through those results and the dedication it took to achieve them that I received the invitation to return to the United States and train at American Top Team, a team I’ve been part of since 2005. One thing connects to another. Being here training with my longtime friend Jucão at ATT Sandy Springs led to the invitation to participate and help Luan at the Lacerda Cup,” he explained.

According to the black belt, being immersed in a high-level environment like the American team reinforces the importance of staying active and constantly evolving—not only as an athlete, but as someone capable of impacting others through martial arts.

The Lacerda Cup was held in Fort Benning – Photo: press release

“Being there was a strong confirmation of how essential it is to remain active and engaged in continuous practice and evolution, because our contribution as athletes and martial artists to society goes beyond sporting and entertainment events,” he stated.

The experience gained even more meaning as he shared the environment with athletes like Luan Chileno, a Brazilian who built his career in Muay Thai before joining the U.S. Army. For Hortegas, this type of path highlights the impact of martial arts on personal development and the creation of new opportunities.

“Luan showed that sport prepares you for new journeys. High-level performance gives you the ability to handle any level of challenge and overcome difficulties in pursuit of something greater. And when we look at the story of Pedro Lacerda, who the event is named after, we see a legacy that goes beyond life itself. That’s incredible,” he said.

Over the years, Hortegas has come to see more clearly the role of Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for transformation—something that, according to him, has always been present, but now carries even greater meaning both on and off the mats.

“It has always gone hand in hand. Even with a competitive focus, we’re constantly dealing with people. The ability to adapt, overcome difficulties, and persist becomes an opportunity to serve—whether as emotional support or as a reference for those who need a path forward,” he analyzed.

Outside the mats, this philosophy also reflects in his personal life. “There’s an invisible force that is the true difference-maker for those who practice Jiu-Jitsu long term. The benefits last a lifetime. Today, as a father, I see my children benefiting from these values and from the physical and psychological skills the sport provides,” he concluded.

 

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Um post compartilhado por Luan Chileno (@luanchileno)