Every martial artist has a beginning, a spark that ignites a lifelong journey. For Juan Carlos Lopez, that spark came as a teenager in Ecuador, when a simple triangle choke on an MMA video set him on a path that would eventually lead to the highest levels of Jiu-Jitsu.

From those first steps on the mat, guided by his brother Carlos and a circle of dedicated coaches, Lopez embraced the philosophy that has carried him through every stage of his career: never stop learning.

Today, Lopez’s life revolves around training, recovery, and the pursuit of excellence. His daily routine reflects the discipline of a professional athlete, balancing intense sessions with the wisdom of rest and study.

Lopez sees Jiu-Jitsu as more than a sport; it is a community builder, a force that unites people of all ages and backgrounds. His vision of an academy is not just a place to train, but a support system where friendships are forged and collective success is celebrated.

In this interview, he shares the lessons, challenges, and motivations that continue to shape his path, offering inspiration to anyone who steps onto the mat in search of growth.

GRACIEMAG: Every great tree has deep roots. How did you start in Jiu-Jitsu?
JUAN CARLOS LOPEZ: I started Jiu-Jitsu when I was 13 years old, in Ecuador. My brother Carlos showed me a video of an MMA fight where a guy finished the fight with a triangle. I thought it was really cool, and the next day my dad took us to train at a friend’s gym. The rest is history. The coaches who have guided me the most throughout my journey are my brother, Carlos Lopez, Alberto Marmol, Fernando Soluço, Johnny Tama, and Johnny Faria. PJ Barch has also been extremely influential in my game over the last couple of years. The greatest lesson I have learned from all of them is to never stop learning. No matter how much experience you have, you should never think you know everything. There is always something new to learn, improve, and understand.

What does your daily planning look?
Training is fundamental to my life. I usually train Monday through Saturday, often twice a day. Depending on the day, that can be a Jiu-Jitsu session and wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and lifting, or sometimes two Jiu-Jitsu sessions. At the same time, I have learned that recovery is just as important as training hard. Having slower and easier days allows my body to recover and also helps me look at my Jiu-Jitsu from a different perspective. You don’t always have to train as hard as possible to improve. Studying and drilling are also a huge part of my development, along with getting enough rest. Outside of Jiu-Jitsu, I like playing tennis, golfing, or simply going to the beach and resetting. Those things help me keep a clear mind and avoid burnout.

What are the main benefits that a Jiu-Jitsu professor brings to the community where he works?
I believe Jiu-Jitsu professors have the opportunity to impact so many people’s lives. It doesn’t matter if they are adults, kids, teenagers, men, or women, Jiu-Jitsu can bring people together. One of the greatest things about teaching is getting to know new people, making friendships, and building a strong community where everyone wants to see each other succeed. A good Jiu-Jitsu academy becomes more than just a place to train; it becomes a community and a support system.

What were the biggest challenges and main achievements you’ve had in your competitive career, and what lessons did you take from them?
Winning IBJJF medals was always a dream of mine. I didn’t compete in an IBJJF tournament until I was a purple belt. I competed a few times as a brown belt but was never able to win a gold medal. After moving to the United States, I started competing much more frequently and was able to win multiple gold medals. So, I can say that I accomplished one of my goals of becoming successful at the black belt level. But I still have much bigger goals. My biggest goals are to become a world champion, compete at ADCC, represent my country, and prove to myself that I can compete at the highest level of Jiu-Jitsu.

What is the secret to turning an average fighter into a great champion?
Discipline and consistency are the two biggest things. Anyone can train when they are motivated, but very few people continue training when things are difficult. Champions are the people who stick to the calendar, show up even when they don’t feel like it, and remain consistent and disciplined both in the sport and in their everyday lives. Talent can take you far, but consistency is what allows you to keep improving.

What motivational phrase do you like to repeat to yourself when going through a difficult moment in your career?
I remind myself how badly I wanted this life and how hard I worked to make it happen. I remind myself that I am living my dream. When things get difficult, I just keep moving forward. Going backward is not an option. I try to stay focused and sharp, knowing that every bad moment eventually passes. No matter what happens, you have to keep moving forward.

What advice do you usually give to those who dream of making a living from Jiu-Jitsu?
Be true to yourself and work hard. But I also think you have to be smart. Learn how to communicate, learn how to teach, and most importantly, learn how to treat people. In my opinion, that is one of the most important parts of building a career in Jiu-Jitsu. Nobody cares how good you are if you are a bad person. People want to be around people who are kind, well-mannered, respectful, and genuine. Learn as much as you can, compete, challenge yourself, and prove to yourself that you are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to.

What are your plans for the future? What level do you aim to reach, and how do you envision the path to get there?
My plans for the future are to keep my body healthy, continue competing at the highest level, keep learning, and travel the world doing what I love. I also want to build a family one day, to have kids and a beautiful wife, and hopefully share the mats with them. That would be an amazing part of my life. Eventually, I would love to open my own school, build an amazing Jiu-Jitsu community, and continue spreading the knowledge that was passed down to me. I want to keep learning, teaching, and sharing Jiu-Jitsu for the rest of my life.

Daniel Mérola Ignacio, 25, grew up on a mat. Son of black belt and famous referee Sérgio Ignacio, he was raised in the traditions of the Gracie family, and was accompanied from his earliest training by his godfather, Renzo Gracie.

It was Master Renzo who guided him throughout his entire training — from the loose kimono he wore as a child to the black belt he earned with merit and honor.

More than a disciplined and technical athlete, Daniel found his true calling in teaching. From a young age, he began leading classes and seminars, with emphasis on his work with women and children, where he combines sensitivity, clarity and confidence. He believes that Jiu-Jitsu can be a powerful tool for personal transformation — today, his greatest goal is to make this transformation accessible to everyone.

In addition to teaching at gyms for a variety of audiences, Daniel has a unique role in the area of ​​training focused on security and self-defense. He studied Business Administration, balancing his studies with training, classes and seminars, and is now a partner in one of the most respected security training companies in Brazil.

On a daily basis, he instructs private and public security professionals, helping them with the technical, physical and emotional development necessary for their roles. He is also a guest instructor at institutions such as the Special Resources Coordination of the Civil Police (Core), the Army Paratroopers group and Acadepol, the training academy of the Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

In one of the most complex urban contexts in Latin America, his contribution is recognized by colleagues and authorities as a rare differential for someone his age.

Daniel’s trajectory in competitive Jiu-Jitsu is marked by significant achievements that demonstrate his excellence. In 2022, he was the Brazilian No-Gi vice-champion by the IBJJF. The following year, he won the gold medal in the black belt heavyweight division at an international CBJJO event. Also in 2023, he was champion of the “King of Rio”, a tournament promoted by FJJ-Rio, the first Jiu-Jitsu federation in the world. In 2024, he won the Rio International Open No-Gi championship in the black belt super heavyweight division, promoted by IBJJF.

These achievements are always combined with hard work inside and outside his company. But, according to him, these are just a few steps on his path. The next steps? Taking his knowledge to new frontiers — inside and outside Brazil.

GRACIEMAG: Do you still remember how you took your first steps in the kimono?

DANIEL IGNACIO: I can barely remember my first day on the mat; it’s as if I had always been there. I feel that Jiu-Jitsu has been present in my life since day one, because I was blessed to have a father who always put the ideals of Jiu-Jitsu as a model of education to guide me inside and outside the academy. My early contact with Jiu-Jitsu is due to my father, Sérgio Ignacio, and my godfather, Renzo Gracie. When I was around 3 years old, I started judo, and soon after I moved on to Jiu-Jitsu — and then also to wrestling. Wrestling is so popular in the United States, and I lived there during my childhood, so it is also a fight that is part of my trajectory.

How did that passion for Jiu-Jitsu prevail?

I always knew that Jiu-Jitsu was my greatest passion. I grew up on the mat and in a family-run security training company, where we used Jiu-Jitsu to teach self-defense. In addition to having the encouragement and inspiration of my father and godfather, I was lucky enough to have a mother who always went out of her way to take me to and be present at all training sessions, fights and competitions from a very young age. Without her dedication and love, it would have been impossible.

How did you feel when you became a black belt?

My journey to black belt was long. From white belt to black belt, it took over 16 years of walking. The evaluations for changing belts always followed a rigorous process: the first step was to be actively training Jiu-Jitsu; then, I had to know all the techniques corresponding to my belt at the time, as described in the book by Renzo and Royler Gracie – a book where the techniques are separated by belt. I also studied the contents of the book by the great master Helio Gracie on Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense. With this knowledge consolidated and having already completed the appropriate time, I went through a technical and performance evaluation in which I had to defeat more senior and bigger opponents to earn the next belt. Since my father and godfather Renzo always encouraged me to participate in the best seminars and train with some of the best in the world, my evolution never stopped.

And how was your phase as a brown belt, about to receive the black belt?

At that stage, I chose to compete in the CBJJ Brazilian Championship while still a brown belt, to end that stage in the best possible way. I ended up winning silver medal and the title of Brazilian vice-champion. After that, I traveled to the Renzo Gracie academy in New York, where I spent a month training intensely. I owe much of who I am and what I believe in to my father and Renzo. I couldn’t be more grateful for, as we say, having learned straight from the source. I was extremely privileged to have access to so many influential names in the Gracie lineage from an early age, and I made sure to take advantage of every opportunity that was given to me. After that month, I finally “graduated” as a black belt. It was a remarkable day, full of emotion, in which I realized how worthwhile each stage of the journey was. It is not an easy path, much less a quick one; it teaches the value of perseverance and patience. There is no shortcut to becoming a black belt, the only way is to never give up.

And what about your work focused on public and private security?

Our company has been in business for over 35 years. This legacy has been passed down from my grandfather to my father, and from my father to me. The company’s motto is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life and intend to pass on to my future children: “Fight and win!” It’s a short phrase but full of meaning. Giving up is not an option. In addition to the technical knowledge of self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu, we try to convey this message every day: the path is tough, but through struggle comes triumph — and it’s this belief that drives us forwards. Today, I have been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for almost 20 years, which seems like a lifetime. However, I know that this journey is just beginning.

What have you learned as a competitor?

In the championships, I learned a lot about self-control and how to deal with my emotions — whether they were good or frustrating. I learned how my mind and thoughts control my body and the decisions I need to make in milliseconds. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if there were hundreds of hours of training, weight training and good nutrition — your mind needs to be focused, calm and positive, or it’s over. Jiu-Jitsu teaches us to respect our opponents before anything else, because arrogance is the fastest way to defeat — and the truth is that we can learn from everyone. It doesn’t matter the color of the belt, the age or the weight: everyone can have something to teach us. It’s amazing how much I learn teaching young children — whether about Jiu-Jitsu or about the worldview.

What is your approach when teaching Jiu-Jitsu to children?

I love teaching children, they have a lightness, purity, and a special outlook on life. I try to bring a little of their positivity into my personal life. At this stage of life, they are like sponges and absorb everything we go through, so we need to be careful about what we say and how we can help build their self-esteem and self-confidence. The approach with little boys and girls has to be subtle. Jiu-Jitsu is introduced in a light and fun way. It can’t be a boring class with extremely technical movements. It is a balance between technique and leisure time. Therefore, children’s training must be fun, but disciplined. We want children to have fun, but we also want them to learn respect, discipline, and self-defense. Understanding that Jiu-Jitsu is a form of defense and not attack is essential.

Medal received for contribution to police education, in Rio de Janeiro.

What is the main goal of teachers who deal with such young students?

Our team always seeks to teach the importance of boys and girls being self-confident and, at the same time, humble. We teach them to keep their distance from problems and to deal with them with determination and with their heads held high. Many children are there because they want to learn or because they have suffered some kind of trauma. At this age, Jiu-Jitsu is important to create a secure, fearless, confident child with good self-esteem, in control, prepared and respectful. Jiu-Jitsu, therefore, is essential to prevent bullying, both to prevent it from happening and to prevent the child from being a target of it. We work on this a lot with the children, teaching them all the necessary techniques so that they are able to defend themselves.

Where did you learn to teach kids?

To convey all of this in a light and pleasant way, we use several different techniques and methods. I acquired much of this knowledge in a special course for BJJ instructors taught by Master Leão Teixeira, a national reference in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to children. It was in this course that I had the opportunity to teach and increase my experience with them. Today, I already meet teenage students who I taught a few years ago, when they were children, and they are very grateful for how I was able to participate in their personal development. I can’t wait to see, in a few years, that my work has led to the development of better adults, with character and confidence.

What was the greatest lesson in overcoming adversity that you learned in Jiu-Jitsu?

There was a tournament I competed in where I had been sleeping very badly for days, in the hospital, with my wife admitted. Then, I tore an ankle ligament in the first few minutes of the fight. My body was exhausted, my mind was very worried about her health, and I had not trained for weeks due to various personal issues. Furthermore, fighting with a torn ligament is excruciatingly painful. Even so, I did not give up and ended up submitting my opponent, taking the gold medal to the hospital. These moments show you that the Jiu-Jitsu we learned from the Gracie family goes far beyond fighting — it is a life lesson. Because, in life, we will almost never have the ideal conditions to achieve anything. We have to work with what we have, do our best and believe that it will be enough. This tenacity and determination are what change someone’s life — it is what defines the type of life they will have.

Have you seen Jiu-Jitsu change the lives of young people with problems?

I have students who have truly changed their lives thanks to training. They left behind drugs, excessive drinking, and harmful influences that were holding them back. They started to believe in their own potential, to make better choices, to have discipline and routine — and this took them to places they never imagined they could reach. These life changes that I witness every day, through Jiu-Jitsu, are certainly what impacts and motivates me on this path.

When did you discover your calling to teach?

Since I was 12 years old, when I would go to the training company where I work today to accompany my father to his classes. That’s how my grandfather taught him, and he taught me. My father is a natural teacher, and I was always amazed to see how easy it seemed for him to speak to so many people and to build a clear line of reasoning, so that everyone could follow and assimilate. Like my father, I believe that I have always had a calling to teach and help; I have always had the patience and clarity to guide my students’ progress. But what I have learned over time is that when we master a subject, have the humility to learn even more about it, and teach with love and attention, we can become good teachers. After a few years of being forged within the company as an assistant, I started teaching officially in 2019, when I already felt more ready and prepared. Since then, I have done everything to be the best teacher possible.

Daniel Ignacio and his special silver medal at Brasileiro da CBJJ. Photos: GRACIEMAG

What does it take to be an effective BJJ instructor?

I believe that teaching is closely linked to empathy: knowing how to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand how they will receive the message you want to convey. Each student has a different story, cultural, family and personal context. Teaching requires connecting with students and understanding their needs in order to understand the best way to deliver the message. The language, the level of difficulty, the demands, and many other aspects of teaching adapt according to the type of student on the other side. Understanding this was essential to give a good class and be understood. Classes for laypeople, for police professionals, for children, men or women: all have their own specificities and deserve specific care.

What are your self-defense classes for women like?

Unfortunately, we live in a sexist world, where women always have to fight harder to feel heard, respected and, most importantly, safe. Jiu-Jitsu, for almost a hundred years, has always proven to be an excellent tool for giving women some of the self-confidence and security that society takes away every day. It is something I recommend to all women I know, of all ages. Knowing how to defend yourself is essential for all of us, but especially for women, who are often targets of barbaric crimes, both inside and outside the home. For my specialization, I went to the reference for women’s Jiu-Jitsu, the Gracie Kore school of champion Kyra Gracie, a renowned black belt with books on the subject. Kyra has made it her main mission to bring Jiu-Jitsu knowledge to women in a way that they feel quite comfortable and safe absorbing it. I took a professional course in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to women, using the Gracie Kore methodology, where I learned a lot about how to conduct classes in a way that makes women feel valued, respected and confident. I learned there how to create a comfortable and inclusive environment for everyone on the mat.

Have you ever taught female police officers? What is that experience like?

Yes, I had the opportunity to teach Jiu-Jitsu techniques applied to women’s self-defense at the Civil Police Sports Center in Rio de Janeiro. In this class, we had female police officers and also the “Empoderadas” group, a sensational group that fights violence against women, very inspiring and necessary. It was a great experience, where I was able to teach strong women how to have more ways to defend themselves. I intend to continue learning a lot in this area, since I really want to help women in the best way possible. As a man, I understand that there are nuances in women’s lives that I don’t experience firsthand, so it’s important to listen in order to understand.

How important is Jiu-Jitsu for the security forces, in Rio or in the world?

Training agents goes far beyond simply being technically ready for a conflict. Thanks to Jiu-Jitsu, agents are shaped with self-control and self-confidence, capable of dealing with real situations calmly, clearly and ethically. My greatest responsibility is to make these professionals better trained, so that they can protect themselves and the population. This training is both technical and mental. A good security professional, trained in Jiu-Jitsu, can transform a potentially lethal situation into a non-lethal one, saving and sparing the lives of others. A police officer trained in Jiu-Jitsu, in many situations, does not need to use a firearm to defend himself, which offers security that goes beyond carrying a weapon. Thus, Jiu-Jitsu can be used to prevent the escalation of conflicts, where, through technical control, we can protect both the security agent and the citizen. All of our training is adapted to the realistic environment of the public or private security forces for which we are offering this training.

How does your knowledge of real-life situations help your results as a fighter in sports Jiu-Jitsu?

I like to fight forward, always looking to takedown and submit. My preparation routine involves always training and being active, whether it’s with heavy training, drills, weight training or teaching classes. A good fighter must always be ready and prepared. Ever since I got my brown belt, I’ve been focusing on Jiu-Jitsu without a Gi, or “No-Gi” abroad. I saw a greater similarity there with our daily lives and with self-defense, since we don’t have the Gi to hold on to and control is much more difficult. I believe that every Jiu-Jitsu practitioner should test themselves in an official competition at least once. We discover a lot about ourselves when we’re on the mat, in the middle of an arena full of opponents. We learn to deal with pressure in a different way. Our mindset should be to always want to evolve and learn, to always be prepared for combat, and to know how to deal with victory as well as defeat. The main thing is to feel trained and always learning. This gives you a sense of accomplishment before the fight begins, and this feeling is more than essential to winning. Without it, you are already defeated.

What are your goals today as a teacher?

When we breathe Jiu-Jitsu, we learn that our discipline is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle. Today, I don’t think about training athletes to win championships. I want to build strong and confident people who, through Jiu-Jitsu, achieve a better life and become better people. I want to combine my academic background in Business Administration from IBMEC, my command of the English language and my knowledge of self-defense to work globally. I want to develop educational programs, help expand Jiu-Jitsu around the world and train students with the principles and values ​​I believe in. And, with all this, I want to continue to be active in high-level competitions, because I learn and evolve a lot in each one. I hope to be able to inspire others, just as many veterans have inspired me to be who I am. Thank you very much to everyone for the opportunity.

Daniel among his father and his godfather Renzo, at Renzo Gracie Academy in New York. Photos: Personal Archives

San Diego, California – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Thiago Gaia showcased his prowess over the weekend at the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) event. Gaia emerged victorious in both the gi and no-gi divisions, solidifying his status among the elite in his weight and age category.

Gaia’s remarkable performance earned him two championship belts, as he triumphed in five matches in the absolute gi division and two matches in his respective no-gi category. The Brazilian competitor stood out as the standout athlete of the tournament, which attracts over 700,000 participants worldwide.

The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) is a prestigious mixed grappling tournament, renowned for its fierce competition and high level of skill. Gaia’s exceptional abilities were on full display as he showcased his superior takedowns and submissions.

The accomplished fighter expressed his immense joy, particularly due to the presence of his three daughters cheering him on with chants of “Go, Daddy!” Their unwavering support served as great motivation for Gaia, propelling him to overcome the challenges within the combat arena.

Gaia extends his gratitude to his team at Gracie Humaita, The Compound academy, as well as his sponsors Kingz and Chelsea Investment. With his latest triumph, Gaia has once again demonstrated his extraordinary talents, solidifying his place among the top contenders in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

What did you learn from your recent victory at the IBJJF Phoenix Open? 

ANDRE FREIRE: The Phoenix Open has a very high competitive level, my victory in the event boosts confidence for bigger competitions, especially for the No-Gi Worlds, a competition in which I’ve been on the podium in the past, but now I want the highest place.

Who is your greatest idol in your career?
Ayrton Senna is a great idol, that reference of pursuing excellence in what he does, not giving up in the face of adversity, especially because he is not in my sport, being able to motivate those who have never even seen a racing car up close.
 
What are your goals for the future in the USA?

I have some important titles that I want to achieve, like World Masters, and also be able to teach Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle and the benefits of this art to as many people as I can.
 
What is the philosophy behind your school?
Promote the different aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, such as martial art, sport and self-defense. My desire is to positively achieve people’s different goals, respecting each person’s adversities and limitations.

Check out the challenges faced by Catriel inside and outside the World Pro mats. Photo: Reproduction

In the early hours of that Friday, April 8th, during breakfast, athlete Catriel Oliveira had the first Herculean challenge of the day, a big dose of discouragement in a whisper nearby: “Sebastian Rodriguez from Unity is on a roll! He is the best athlete in the tournament. It’s impossible to beat him at 85kg ”. Enrolled in the same division, Catriel had moments of anxiety at the table while eating at that hotel in Abu Dhabi. But the hours leading up to his brown belt duels at World Pro 2021 would be to scare off this old ghost of his day, which would be epic.

“Before the European 2020, I had a lot of problems with that”, revealed Catriel, who represents Braus Fight, in a chat with GRACIEMAG. “If I heard that I would face a tough athlete or that someone was doing well in the category, I would promptly sabotage myself mentally. In the European, I fought with another mindset. I went in to have fun, without pressure and did my best tournament. Since then, these ideas have been trying to get around me, but I focus more on myself, fight as I like and the results keep coming. The goal now is happiness. ”

A week earlier, Catriel had fought the Grand Slam, also in Abu Dhabi. In addition to overcoming two fierce disputes, against Yago Neves in the semifinal and Mikael Rhaillander in the final, the six days that separated the Grand Slam from the World Pro were critical, focusing on his complete recovery for the most complicated tournament of his life, something he did not yet know.

“I was fully supported by coach Leonardo Micussi, who has been working with me and Braus for a while. I gave my all in the Grand Slam and arrived ready to do the World Pro marathon with all those fights. ”

Catriel refers to the complicated road towards the title at the World Pro, which is divided into two stages: a classification event between Brazilians and the main bracket. In total, Catriel faced eight fights to the gold, against the best of the world in his weight division.

In the qualifying round, a real undertaking, Catriel passed by Yago Neves, Jansen Gomes, Pedro Machado, and again, Mikael Rhaillander. The four duels would already be worth a title, but four more duels would be needed to guarantee the gold and the prize money. Only a honey packet, lost in the bottom of his backpack, nourished Catriel amid so many duels. In the main bracket, his first dispute would be against Mateus Meyer, classified directly by the AJP ranking.

“I was going to my fifth fight of the day, after facing tough opponents from Brazil, and Mateus would make his first fight with me. It is at that time that the mind has to be stronger. I focused on fighting forward and it worked, ”recalled Catriel.

After beating Mateus on the points and submitting Saif Alhimany, Catriel beat Hermes Lazarus in the semifinal to finally challenge Costa Rican Sebastian Rodriguez. A complicated fight, with no points or advantages in regulation time, was defined in the golden score, after a takedown applied by Catriel. And so the cycle was closed, with 12 challenges on and off the mat, which culminated in two gold prizes and a bunch of dollars in the pockets of the Brazilian athlete.

“I never had so many fights on the same day, nor in such a short time, seeing as I faced ten fights of a high level in less than a week. I’m happy with my evolution. I lost my father a few months ago and he was my biggest supporter. I really wish he was here to see that it worked, but now my fight is for my family who is in Brazil. I am going to stay in the United Arab Emirates for a while, training and teaching at JDA Center/GFTeam Dubai, of the black belt Julio dos Anjos. But I can only think about rest next month because in June there is another big tournament here ”, concluded the beast.

“

Michael Langhi vs Gabriel Rollo in the European 2015 final. Photo: Ivan Trindade

The star from Alliance, Michael Langhi returned his best after operating the knee, and appears to have a new motto: “If you pull, I’ll pass. If I pull, I’ll sweep.”

In fact, the black belt seemed comfortable in all areas by winning the lightweight division in the IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu European on Sunday, January 25. However, Langhi wants more, and already has its main targets well set for the rest of the season.

Check Langhi’s chat with our reporter, Vitor Freitas:

GRACIEMAG: How does it feel to win the European after staying away for a while because of a knee injury? And, what are your goals now?

MICHAEL Langhi: The feeling is the best possible, a title reinforces that I’m back, and that my confidence is back. I felt great, I know where I went wrong and where I nailed it, so the European Championship was key for me in this season. My goal is the Worlds in late May. This year I will in search of my 3^rd worlds tittle; I’ll be out of the IBJJF Pan because I want to focus more on the Worlds. I have won six European championships, five Pan Americans, and this year I’m going also after my fourth Brazilian title and my third gold in the Worlds, that’s the goal of the year.

Are you fighting more comfortably on top position now rather than in the past?

I am comfortable in any position, both top and bottom. In this European I played on top most of the time, but I’m feeling good in all areas: pull me, and I’ll pass. Then, if I pull, I’ll sweep.

How do you see the lightweight final match against Gabriel Rollo (Checkmat), which ended in the hands of the judges?

He is very tough. I knew him and could predict his game, but thanks to God everything went well. Although the fight was a draw, I felt I controlled the fight most of the time. However, he should be congratulated. Gabriel is very technical and a great person off the mat as well, so he has all my respect.

Did you notice any talented newcomer with your mastership knowledge?

The championship had a great level; it is difficult to point only one athlete. I was paying more attention to the brown belts, and Isaac Doederlein who is Cobrinha’s featherweight caught my eye: he has a beautiful Jiu-Jitsu and always moving forward; He was one of the highlights at brown belt.

Gabi Garcia vs. Mackenzie Dern in the European 2015 final. Photo by Ivan Trindade

Gabrielle Garcia, black belt 29, had a 2015 European Championship of her dreams in Lisbon, last January 24-25^th. The athlete who once cried for being booed in the competitions showed a complete Jiu-Jitsu, much faster and offensive, and was hailed with applause by the crowd at Casal Vistoso, before and during the fight – which led her to tears again, but now from joy.

Alliance’s biggest star chatted with GRACIEMAG about what she has learned from the absolute and super heavyweight gold at the IBJJF competition, in one of her best performances until this date: five fights, five wins and five submissions.

Check it out and learn from the champion, Gabi Garcia:

GRACIEMAG: What was more exhausting until now in your career: keeping an undefeated streak since 2009 or burning 40kg and managing to stay in shape?

GABI GARCIA: I believe that maintaining an undefeated record in Jiu-Jitsu is now a more exhausting mission, physically and mentally. You need a lot of training and dedication in training, so diet and weight loss are just one component of it all. Thus, when I’m fighting I do not think about keeping an undefeated record; in fact I do not even remember that. I just think about making no mistakes – so much so that when I loose a position I do not forgive it, and then I train it with an increasingly drive. Now, losing weight and dieting will be present for the rest of my life, I come from an obese family and it makes me live on a diet!

Have you analyzed your performance in the European yet? Do you think you missed something?

In my opinion I had a magnificent championship; I’ve waited years for the moment to step on the mat and be applauded standing up by the whole crowd in the gymnasium, and at the European 2015 this day has come true! I swear I felt like crying when I stepped in to fight, it was an inexplicable emotion. I believe I made a mistake in the absolute final against Mackenzie. I missed a position that cost me an advantage: I was focused in submitting quickly and then let my hip high. After that, I had to stay calm and quietly got out of the position to finish the fight. I really enjoyed my performance because I was fearless, pulled guard, swept, got the back, and did the things I wanted to do, but now without fear of making mistakes!

What did you learn out of this mistake?

I missed a position, but I am human and can make mistakes. It was nice to see that I’m not invincible, no one is, and must train even more. I have always respected Mackenzie and now I will get even closer to her game! Mackenzie is very tough; she has experience as a competitor and her father (Megaton) is in her corner. She is a complete fighter, and was the full merit for getting the position. I’ll try to fix this loophole soon to avoid this kind of advantages.

You have demonstrated a beginner’s joy in the social networks when doing a basic technique. What do you recommend to our readers and fans that would like to work on their weaknesses?

I suggest to all Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to devote 90% of the training to their weaknesses. Today, I hardly play on top at the gym, I just do guard because I know that if I need it will have to be up to date! People said I would not take the back, did not call for the guard, and these really were my weaknesses. Now, I train so much those aspects that I trust anything can go wrong!

What valuable tips you’ve received from Fabio Gurgel for attacking the arm and submitting all the girls?

I’ve trained the armbar thousands of times, which came out twice in the European, and almost all of them came out wrong. But I fell in love with the position and tried it in every practice, from any position. Fabio even lost his patience when teaching me repeatedly where to spin and the right position of the head and body. I did it the wrong way over and over again, but it came out correctly at the right time. That means it was worth it to train a lot!

What Fabio says?

I cannot speak here exactly what happens in training to maintain secrecy and gym etiquette, but he says some things that sticks in our minds and reappears at the time of competition. For example: “Invite your opponent to live what you suffer in the gym every day.” I went out there to kill or be killed, as he always asked. I hope to have Gurgel around until I retire. He gets angry, and we argue just like every family does, but I love him like a father.

Another day in Barueri you heard jokes from an abusive supporter, such as: “Before I did not want to, but now that you’re good-looking I want a picture with you!” Did you suffer any Harassment in the 2015 European?

(Laughter!) Gabriel Medina said the other day, as I read on Graciemag_br’s Instagram, that “the more you win championships, the more beautiful you look.” There’s nothing more certain than that. Harassment increased, and it raised very much my self-esteem, so much that I realized how diet is really worth. I’ve never received so much love, so many photo requests, and I still came back from Portugal with a suitcase full of gifts from the fans! Nothing can pay for it, I’m too happy – eager to fight everything and deliver my game, even if the result isn’t victory. As another fan told me: from “Fiona” to muse! It was funny. I loved this European, I could not walk in the gymnasium because of so many people wanting to hug me and congratulate me. For anyone who has always been booed, this is the biggest slap in the face of people who always doubted that one day I would get there.

Lucas Lepri against JT Torres at the Worlds. Foto: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

The World Jiu-Jitsu quarrel heated up Long Beach, Calif., at the beginning of June. In the lightweight division, Lucas Lepri won the championship again after a long wait of seven years. Lucas conquered his first world title at black belt in 2007.

To conquer the IBJJF gold medal, Lucas had to win five matches in his weight division and to overcome the psychological side of competing in the Worlds. In the final match, the Alliance athlete outscored JT Torres by 12-0, with guard passes and one takedown.

In a conversation with GRACIEMAG, Lucas spoke of the conquest, examined what helped him to win and earn the second World tittle of his career. He detailed his guard passes over JT and commented the moment that most caught his attention at the tournament. Check it out!

GRACIEMAG: Lucas, how did you overcome seven years of fasting after winning your first world in 2007?

Lucas Lepri: I won my first world title in 2007. It was the first year of my black belt, and I realized the dream of every athlete. In 2008 I moved to the United States, but continued to train with the same intensity and dedication. If I recap since 2007, I can say I’ve always been on the podium. In 2008 I was second place, 2010 third, 2012 second again, and third in 2013. For seven years I was hitting the “lock” for a few mistakes, but knowing that I was capable of winning the title again. I always dedicate myself to the fullest in my training and I have a very intense physical training with my trainer Kevin Paretti. I can say that what really made the difference this time was working my psychological side. I was very confident in the technical, physical and mental part. I managed to deliver my Jiu-Jitsu just like I did in 2007, and therefore, I had a good performance. The result could not be different.

What was the secret to pass JT’s guard at the end of the lightweight?

Whenever we find ourselves in a major championship, our matches are always a battle. It is always a pleasure to have JT as an opponent. About the fight, I passed guard crossing the knee, one of my favorite techniques! JT is a very explosive athlete and quite technical. He has a very strong grip, so I tried not to let him do the grips and get comfortable in the game.

What moment caught your attention the most during the Worlds, Lepri?

The women’s featherweight final match. The fight between Michelle Nicolini and Tammi Musumeci, recently graduated black belt. No doubt the desire and thirst to win that Tammi displayed against Nicolini was awesome. It was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen.

And how is your schedule?

After taking a few days off, I go back to my routine of classes and seminars. My main goal now is to open my gym in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a dream come true.

Before closing another World Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s final together with Rominho Barral at the middle-heavyweight, the black belt Braulio Estima crossed paths with Thiago Sa in the quarter-finals.

Watch how the GB professor applied a choke from the back to finish the fight in the pyramid in Long Beach.

Rafa against Cobrinha in the black belt featherweight final. Photo: Ivan Trindade / GRACIEMAG

Rafael Mendes continues his flawless career in Jiu-Jitsu. On June 1^st, the Atos featherweight competitor exited victorious from the IBJJF Worlds for the fourth time; now he equaled the feat of two BJJ myths in his weight class, Royler Gracie and Rubens Charles “Cobrinha” – by the way, his archrival in competitions since 2009.

Fourth in the black belt world ranking of Jiu-Jitsu, Rafa, 24, showed in the Pyramid that he is in the top. In the final match he defeated Cobrinha by 10-8 in a whirlwind of sweeps.

In an exclusive interview with GRACIEMAG, Rafa examined his Jiu-Jitsu Worlds campaign. He commented the final match against Rubens Charles and said that his next biggest goal in Jiu-Jitsu is conquering the 5^th Worlds tittle and becoming the best fighter of all times in his category. Check out!

GRACIEMAG: What did you feel after winning the 4^th Worlds championship of your dreams?

RAFAEL MENDES: It was a great performance, I’ve prepared myself in the best way and I was confident I would reach my goal. I finished all the fights before the final match. I’ve won the final by points and equaled the feat of Royler and Rubens Charles. The final match was my hardest fight. I’ve fought Cobrinha 13 times, and it is always a tough fight; but I’ve trained a lot and I was able to perform a movement that I’ve trained to surprise him and got to a good position – a position that gave me the advantage in the fight and the victory. Next year I’m coming back with the goal of becoming the greatest featherweight of Jiu-Jitsu history. I’m only 24 years old and I will continue fighting to increase this record for a long period.

And, what was this movement you’ve trained to surprise Cobrinha, Rafa?

It was a tough fight, I managed to do the Berimbolo and win the mount, but because I was almost outside I could not get back in the same position; I got only one advantage, however I was happy to see that my technique worked. I am always learning to know me better. Jiu-Jitsu is like that- to learn that you can always go further than you think you can. I am always learning I can do more than I think I can.

What are your plans for the end of 2014, Rafa? Will you fight in another championship?

I don’t know. I’m dedicating myself to the school, and I also have scored some seminars. I will travel to Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and different places in U.S., teaching my techniques. If I find time between these commitments, I may fight in another tournament this year.

Bia Mesquita celebrates victory in Jiu-Jitsu. Photo: GRACIEMAG

The city of Long Beach, Calif., received last weekend the IBJJ Worlds Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the popular local university pyramid. Among the female’s black belts refined Jiu-Jitsu, the biggest highlight was Bia Mesquita, Champion at lightweight and absolute divisions after winning seven fights.

The star of Gracie Humaita conquered the greatest achievement of her career, at the open weight final, by defeating Michelle Nicolini (5-0) and winning the absolute gold at black belt. To get there, Bia sweeped and passed the guard of  the Checkmate phenomenal athlete using a leg drag. In a conversation with GRACIEMAG, the student of Leticia Ribeiro analyzed her achievement. Check out and learn:

GRACIEMAG: What have you learned from this conquest in Jiu-Jitsu?

BIA MESQUITA: Did not sink in yet: that I’m the best in the world today. It’s a dream come true. On Saturday, I was flawless in my struggles, managed to finish three of my fights in the absolute and two in my weight division. In the finals, I knew the duels require more strategy. I just knew it would not come out winner if God thought it was not yet time. The defeats and the mistakes I made in the WPJJC Abu Dhabi made me improve and felt better about my game for the World in California. My Jiu-Jitsu is even more complete. I trained a lot of guard pass for this World, not because I didn’t know how to pass, but because I wanted to have more confidence passing – wanted to have the same confidence that I have sweeping. I’m enjoying becoming a guard passer [laughs].

What went on in your mind before the big final against Michelle Nicolini?

I’ve fought a few times against Michelle and we always have beautiful fights. Among us, whoever makes fewer errors wins. Because it was a match between lightweights in the female absolute, I knew it would be electrifying. The will to win was fixed in my head, no matter who my opponent was. In this year and every year.  I always fight forward in search of victory and it was no different in this final. And finally, the much desired absolute title arrived. I always knew it would arrive, so I patiently waited my turn. I’m Brazilian and therefore never give up!

And how did you get through Michelle’s guard?

Having not yet watched the fight, I cannot remember for sure. I think it was with a leg drag with the foot on the bicep. I was trying to do it during the fight, but because of the adrenaline I do not know exactly how I finished the position – if it went exactly as planned or if I improvised [laughs].

In the lightweight final, you faced Luiza Monteiro, the opponent you submitted at the absolute semifinal on Saturday. How were these two fights?

We face each other a lot, but we get along and we know how to leave the rivalry on the mat. She’s tough, and I know that all our fights will be great battles. In the absolute semifinals, the arm bar from the 50/50 came out of nowhere. Not sure how I adjusted that position – I have been training it for a little bit in Brazil, but it is not a position that I typically use. Fortunately, I did it with the necessary pressure to finish. In the lightweight final, I placed emphasis on my guard passing. I felt very confident on top once I sweept.

On 2007, Rafael Lovato Jr wrote his name in the history of the World Championship when he became the second American to win a black belt gold medal.

And it was also the first ever World Championship held in the USA.

BJ Penn was the first to do it, in 2000.

GRACIEMAG was there and talked to Lovato minutes after his win.