Dream | Graciemag

Ismael Santos and his dream of spreading Jiu-Jitsu around the world

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:00:55 +0000

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
The post Ismael Santos and his dream of spreading Jiu-Jitsu around the world first appeared on Graciemag.

Bibiano Fernandes luta este mês para defender seu título no One FC

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:31:13 +0000

Bibiano tem novo desafio pelo cinturão peso-galo do One FC. Foto: Divulgação

Tricampeão mundial de Jiu-Jitsu, campeão de duas categorias do Dream FC e agora dono do cinturão peso-galo do One FC, Bibiano Fernandes já tem data para buscar mais uma defesa de título e a manutenção de sua invencibilidade de cinco anos.

O manauara está designado a encarar o filipino Kevin Belingon no “One Championship: Dynasty of Champions”, marcado para o dia 23 de janeiro, em Changsha, na China.

Bibiano (18v, 3d) estreou no ONe FC em 2013 e não conheceu derrotas na organização. Na sua última apresentação, em julho do ano passado, venceu Toni Tauru por nocaute, e antes, em dezembro de 2014, finalizou Dae Hwan Kim no mata-leão.

Já Kevin (13v, 4d) vem de vitória sobre Koetsu Okazaki, por decisão unânime, no One FC 23.

E você, amigo leitor, acha que Bibiano conseguira mais uma finalização para manter sua cinta dourada do One FC? Comente conosco!
The post Bibiano Fernandes luta este mês para defender seu título no One FC first appeared on Graciemag.

Bibiano, 11th black belt world champ to join UFC ranks

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:30:55 +0000

Bibiano Fernandes (in white) against Jonatas Tagarela at 2006 Worlds. The Amazonas native is now part of a select "team" of 11 Jiu-Jitsu and MMA monsters. Photo: GRACIEMAG.com.

A Jiu-Jitsu champion of the world in 2003, ’05 and ’06, and the Dream bantamweight GP winner in 20011, Bibiano Fernandes is the latest gentle-art ace called up by the UFC. The thick-skinned shorty who swiftly dispatches opponents with double, sometimes triple, attacks already has a date and location for his octagon debut. The bantamweight from the Amazon will be taking on another Jiu-Jitsu whiz in Roland Delorme (8w, 1l) on July 21 at UFC 149, which will unfold in Delorme’s homeland.

Brazil’s “The Flash” is the 11th black belt IBJJF world champion in Jiu-Jitsu to enter the Ultimate Fighting Championship ranks, joining the likes of Amaury Bitetti, Fabio Gurgel, Roberto Traven, João Roque, Marcio Pé de Pano, Murilo Bustamante, Frédson Paixão, Gabriel Napão, BJ Penn and Fabricio Werdum. (Not to mention Sérgio Moraes and Delson “Pé de Chumbo”, who have done battle in the octagon, but only in TUF Brazil, so far.)

In the video below you can get a glimpse of Bibiano, now representing Carlson Gracie Canada, and his multifaceted attack. In less than a minute, he sinks an armbar, goes to the triangle and switches back to the arm. Learn from him, and share your prediction: Who takes it, Bibiano or Delorme, in the UFC this July?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4mhU3cjmYI
The post Bibiano, 11th black belt world champ to join UFC ranks first appeared on Graciemag.

Bibiano, o 11º campeão mundial na faixa-preta a ingressar no UFC‏

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:37:37 +0000

Bibiano Fernandes (de branco) contra Jonatas Tagarela no Mundial 2006. O amazonense faz parte de um seleto "time" de 11 monstros do Jiu-Jitsu e MMA. Foto: GRACIEMAG.com

Campeão mundial de Jiu-Jitsu (2003/05/06) e do GP dos galos do Dream (2011), Bibiano Fernandes é o mais novo ás do Jiu-Jitsu contratado do UFC. O baixinho casca-grossa que despachava oponentes com a velocidade de seus ataques duplos, por vezes triplos, já tem data e local para a estreia no Octagon. O peso-galo amazonense encara o canadense também bom de Jiu-Jitsu Roland Delorme (8v, 1d), no dia 21 de julho, pelo UFC 149, que será realizado na casa do adversário.

O “The Flash” verde-amarelo é o 11º faixa-preta que foi campeão mundial de Jiu-Jitsu pela IBJJF a ingressar no Ultimate. Bibiano junta-se a Amaury Bitetti, Fabio Gurgel, Roberto Traven, João Roque, Marcio Pé de Pano, Murilo Bustamante, Frédson Paixão, Gabriel Napão, BJ Penn e Fabricio Werdum. (Sem falar em Serginho Moraes e Delson Pé de Chumbo, que lutaram no Octagon, mas apenas no TUF Brasil, por enquanto.)

No vídeo abaixo, você confere Bibiano, hoje representante da Carlson Gracie Canadá, e o seu ataque múltiplo. Em menos de um minuto, ele encaixa um armlock, vai para o triângulo e retorna para a chave de braço. Aprenda com ele e palpite: será que dá Bibiano ou Delorme no UFC de julho?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4mhU3cjmYI
The post Bibiano, o 11º campeão mundial na faixa-preta a ingressar no UFC‏ first appeared on Graciemag.

5 motivos para Cigano temer o Jiu-Jitsu de Overeem

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:31:19 +0000

Overeem nem precisou gastar o Jiu-Jitsu na estreia no UFC. Agora o desafio é o campeão Cigano. Foto: UFC/Divulgação.

Logo após a vitória de Alistair Overeem sobre Brock Lesnar, no primeiro assalto da luta principal do UFC 141, hordas de repórteres foram atrás de Junior Cigano com a singela e inevitável pergunta. “E agora, campeão?”.

Cigano, calejado como seu punho direito, comentou que não se impressionou com o muay thai ou com o chutaço do holandês, que abalroou as costelas do gigante americano Lesnar, por sinal devidamente aposentado após o nocaute técnico.

“Overeem é um grande lutador, bate forte, mas eu confio no meu boxe”, resumiu o campeão peso pesado.

Em termos de mão, dificilmente alguém discorda do astro brasileiro para a luta que vai valer o cinturão, lá pelo meio do ano. No chão, numa eventual troca de posições, é que pode morar o perigo. Cigano sabe disso.

Na ponta do lápis, Overeem, invicto desde 2007, finalizou 17 adversários com a ajuda do Jiu-Jitsu, oito apenas com a famigerada guilhotina. Mas seu jogo é mais versátil que isso, como o GRACIEMAG mostra a seguir. Com vocês, cinco dos maiores momentos da feição suave de Alistair Overeem.

1. Overeem pega Belfort no Jiu-Jitsu

Na Saitama Super Arena, Vitor Belfort e o holandês se embolaram, na primeira fase do Pride GP meio-pesado, em 2005. Grogue em pé, Vitor foi presa fácil no Jiu-Jitsu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upIx2hxFE2E

2. O melhor da Europa na luta agarrada

Na seletiva europeia para o ADCC 2005, Overeem sobrou. Finalizou todos os oponentes no pescoço. Na final, encarou o sueco Mikael Grothe, e passou grande parte da luta na meia-guarda. Tentou alguns botes sem sucesso, mas que foram importantes para desviar a atenção do oponente. Até que, no cem-quilos, veio o ataque final. Overeem deixou um espaço para o sueco virar de quatro, e aí sim, com o pescoço na mira certinha para a guilhotina.

3. Overeem também tem guarda

No ano 2000, o novato Alistair era apenas o irmão promissor de Valentijn Overeem, o homem que no ano seguinte finalizaria Randy Couture. Alistair encarou no Japão, pelo evento Ring Millenium, o local Yasuhito Namekawa, quando mostrou que sua guarda de Jiu-Jitsu era mais do que um escudo, era uma arma das perigosas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtLp2pxRYbA

4. Jiu-Jitsu invertido

No Dream 5, em 2008, contra o mão-de-pedra Mark Hunt, Overeem investiu no jogo de solo. Encaixou a americana invertida, que o neozelandês tentou defender capotando. Veja como terminou.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pty8Ma8QDbU

5. Esganando o ganso com o Jiu-Jitsu

Overeem, em 2000, provou mais uma vez a lei de Helio Gracie: “Contra o sono, não tem valente”. Contra Vladimer Tchanturia, no Ring 2000, Overeem fintou o braço, mas ele queria mesmo era o pescoço. Com o gogó inimigo exposto, o holandês encaixou o esgana-ganso, apelido do mata-leão sem o braço atrás da cabeça.

E para você leitor, faltou algum grande lance? Você acha que o Jiu-Jitsu de Overeem é capaz de surpreender o campeão Cigano? Comente a seguir, logo abaixo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8gtUo-_02U
The post 5 motivos para Cigano temer o Jiu-Jitsu de Overeem first appeared on Graciemag.

5 reasons Cigano should fear Overeem’s Jiu-Jitsu

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:58:43 +0000

Overeem didn't need to rely on his Jiu-Jitsu on his UFC debut. His next challenge is the champ, Cigano. Photo: UFC/publicity.

Just after Alistair Overeem pummeled Brock Lesnar into retirement in the first round of their encounter at UF 141, there were hordes of reporters on Junior Cigano’s tailcoats with a simple and inevitable question: “What now, champ?”

Cigano, as calloused as his right fist, remarked that he wasn’t impressed by the Dutchman’s Muay Thai or the liver kick that crumpled the monstrous-proportioned Lesnar to the ground and opened the way to the technical knockout.

“Overeem is a great fighter; he hits hard but I have faith in my boxing,” said the heavyweight champion in summary.

Where fists are concerned, it’s hard to argue against the Brazilian heavyweight holding his own when the two square off midway through the year. On the ground, though—should it go there—, that’s where the danger lies. Cigano knows it.

On paper, Overeem, who hasn’t lost a fight since 2007, has put away 17 opponents using his Jiu-Jitsu, eight of them with his notorious guillotine choke. But his game is more well-rounded than that, as GRACIEMAG.com will paint a picture of below, with five of Alistair Overeem gentle art highlights.

1. OVEREEM NABS BELFORT’S NECK

Vitor Belfort and the Dutchman tangled at the Saitama Super Arena for the opening stage of the Pride middleweight GP of 2005. Already dazed on his feet, Vitor was easy pray for “The Reem’s” Jiu-Jitsu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upIx2hxFE2E

2. BEST GRAPPLER IN EUROPE

At the European tryouts for the 2005 ADCC, Overeem was a cut above the rest, choking every one of his opponents out for the win. In the final he took on Mikael Grothe and spent most of the match in the Swede’s half-guard. He made a few unsuccessful attack attempts; they were important in that they diverted his opponent’s attention, though. Until the final attack came, from side-control Overeem allowed Grothe enough room to turn on all fours; that’s when the guillotine showed up in Overeem’s cross-hairs.

3. OVEREEM’S GOT GUARD TOO

In the year 2000, Alistair the rookie was just the promising brother of Valentijn Overeem, the man who the following year would submit Randy Couture. Alistair took on local boy Yasuhito Namekawa in Japan and showed that his guard was more than just a shield; it was a lethal weapon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtLp2pxRYbA

4. REVERSE JIU-JITSU

At Dream 5 in 2008, facing the heavy-handed Mark Hunt, Overeem put all his chips on his ground game, sinking a reverse americana armbar, which the Kiwi tried defending by flipping over. Watch how it ended.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pty8Ma8QDbU

5. STRANGLING THE GEORGIAN GOOSE WITH JIU-JITSU

In 2000, Overeem again proved Helio Gracie’s Law: “There isn’t a tough guy out there who can hold out against oncoming sleep.” Against Vladimer Tchanturia at Rings 2000, Overeem faked a lunge at an arm, but what he really wanted was a neck. With his enemy’s throat exposed, the Dutchman sunk a goose-strangler, the nickname for a rear-naked choke without the arm behind the head.

What do you think, dear reader, is some big highlight missing? Think Overeem’s Jiu-Jitsu can catch the champion off guard? Post your thoughts in the comments section below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8gtUo-_02U
The post 5 reasons Cigano should fear Overeem’s Jiu-Jitsu first appeared on Graciemag.

Bibiano, a champion quick on the draw

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:34:18 +0000

Dream publicity photo

Loyal GRACIEMAG readers remember Bibiano Fernandes from his days raking in gold at Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, when the burly half-pint would dispatch opponents with his swift double, sometimes triple attacks.

New Year’s in Japan, the Carlson Gracie Canada representative from the Brazilian state of Amazonas was quick on the trigger, leaving the Saitama Super Arena with two wins and the promotion’s bantamweight GP belt. First, Bibiano outpointed countryman Rodolfo Marques; then he went up against Antonio Banuelos, and the Brazilian’s “The Flash” super powers kicked in and got him the knockout in time for him not to miss the New Year’s fireworks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3_RIhSozE8
The post Bibiano, a champion quick on the draw first appeared on Graciemag.

Bibiano, um campeão rápido no gatilho

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:23:12 +0000

O leitor fiel de GRACIEMAG lembra de Bibiano Fernandes desde os tempos as vitórias no Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu, quando o baixinho casca-grossa despachava oponentes com a velocidade de seus ataques duplos, por vezes triplos.

No réveillon japonês, o amazonense, hoje representante da Carlson Gracie Canadá, mais uma vez foi rápido no gatilho, e deixou a Saitama Super Arena com duas vitórias e o cinturão do GP de galos da organização. Primeiro, Bibiano superou o compatriota Rodolfo Marques, por decisão unânime, e na final mostrou ao bigodudo Antonio Banuelos o poder do “The Flash” brasileiro, nocauteando a tempo de não perder os fogos da virada.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3_RIhSozE8
The post Bibiano, um campeão rápido no gatilho first appeared on Graciemag.

Fedor volta a ser Fedor em Saitama

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:56:44 +0000

Ao pisar novamente no quadrilátero onde brilhou na década de 2000, Emelianenko Fedor se inspirou e não quis saber das habilidades do judoca Satoshi Ishii. Relembrando os áureos tempos, o russo só precisou de 2min40s para nocautear o ídolo japonês na Saitama Super Arena. Se ainda não viu, veja agora.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs8Cc4ihGeo
The post Fedor volta a ser Fedor em Saitama first appeared on Graciemag.

Watch Fedor’s New Year’s win

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:26:08 +0000

Returning to the Japanese cage where he shot to stardom prior to trying his luck across the world in the USA, Fedor Emelianenko returned to his better form and shrugged off the Olympic-level skill Satoshi Ishii brought to the table. Reminiscent of his performances as the most dreaded fighter on the planet, the Russian took just 2:40 minutes in knocking out the Japanese Olympic champion. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs8Cc4ihGeo
The post Watch Fedor’s New Year’s win first appeared on Graciemag.

Fedor trounces Ishii on New Year’s Eve

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:09:15 +0000

At the turn of the year in Japan, Dream served up an action-packed card to ushe in 2012. In the bantamweight GP, Bibiano Fernandes was crowned champion (read here). But superstars Shinya Aoki and Fedor Emelianenko were also there to put in stellar displays.

In the main event of the evening, Fedor earned his second win since dropping three fights in a row for the first time in his storied career. In just 2:29 minutes, the Russian put away Olympic gold medal, winning judoka Satoshi Ishii.

Aoki / Publicity photo

Aoki, one of the biggest stars in Japan, entered the ring with a shot at equally Rodrigo Minotauro’s submission record. It wouldn’t be this time, though, as his triumph over Satory Kitaoka came via unanimous decision, keeping his record at 19 finishes—one less than the Brazilian heavyweight’s.

Check out the complete results from the evening:

Dream
December 31, 2012
Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan

Fedor Emelianenko defeated Satoshi Ishii via KO at 2:29 min of R1;
Shinya Aoki deefeated Satoru Kitaoka via unanimous decision.

Bantamweight GP:

Antonio Banuelos defeated Masakazu Imanari via split decision;
Bibiano Fernandes defeated Rodolfo Marques via unanimous decision;
Bibiano Fernandes defeated Antonio Banuelos via TKO at 1:21 min of R1.

Other fights:

Hiroyuki Takaya defeated Takeshi Inoue via unanimous decision;
Megumi Fujii submitted Karla Benitez via armbar at 1:15 min of R1;
Tatsuya Kawajiri submitted Kazuyuki Miyata via arm-triangle at 4:54 min of R2;
Hayato Sakurai defeated Ryo Chonan via unanimous decision;
Yusup Saadulaev defeated Hideo Tokoro via KO at 0.24 min of R1.
The post Fedor trounces Ishii on New Year’s Eve first appeared on Graciemag.

Bibiano beats two and takes Dream GP

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:38 +0000

Bibiano in action / Photo: FEG Inc

The traditional New Year’s Eve event in Japan, now the charge of the Dream promotion, saw Brazilian black belt Bibiano Fernandes enter 2012 on the right foot.

In winning the Dream bantamweight GP, first Bibiano took a unanimous decision over his countryman Rodolfo Marques in one of the two semifinals. Next, he made quick work of Antonio Banuelos, getting the knockout just 1:21 minutes into the gran finale.

Check out the complete results from the Dream bantamweight GP:

Antonio Banuelos defeated Masakazu Imanari via split decision;
Bibiano Fernandes defeated Rodolfo Marques via unanimous decision;
Bibiano Fernandes defeated Antonio Banuelos via TKO at 1:21 min of R1.
The post Bibiano beats two and takes Dream GP first appeared on Graciemag.