Patrick fighting in Moscow. Photo: IBJJF

From a childhood in Campo Grande, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, to teach classes in Russia and continue with intense competition training in Hawaii. Patrick Almeida tells his very unusual trajectory of those found in Jiu-Jitsu: he abandoned his career in medicine to follow his passion for the sport.

A lot has happened in the hiatus of his story full of challenges, consistency and determination, all thanks to the good old Jiu-Jitsu. Nothing was easy for black belt Patrick Almeida, 26, an athlete trained by professors Everaldo Penco and Fabinho Oliveira at Carlson Gracie Recreio. His successful trajectory can serve as an inspiration for you, a dreamer who wants to follow even more hard in pursuit of your goals.

Jiu-Jitsu appeared in Patrick’s life, as in many other cases, when he was still young, to fight the bullying he suffered at school. Patrick was the target of constant nicknames and constant assaults at school until his older cousin suggested that he enter Jiu-Jitsu classes. Patrick’s parents wrinkled their noses at first, fearing the still present image of bullies of the 90s, however, they ended up giving in to the sport.

Fabinho Oliveira and Patrick with Everaldo Penco. Photo: Personal archive

His first Jiu-Jitsu lesson was about adaptation. With a borrowed kimono and a lot of desire to learn, Patrick used his time after school to ride his bike to the gym and give his first “balls” at the Vikings academy, with professor Elienai Rodrigues. Later, the teacher moved and Patrick, already living at Recreio, had the opportunity to train at Team Nogueira, with professor Everaldo Penco, who was to be his master throughout his career as an athlete.

The training life was intense, but the biggest plan at that time was to study medicine at a federal college since Patrick had excellent grades at school. The entrance exam took him on a different path, which was to study Engineering in Minas Gerais, and there his first steps as a teacher started in a small social project. Subsequently, a general shutdown of the college in Minas Gerais took Patrick back to Rio, giving him another opportunity to study medicine, this time in icy Russia.

“I went to Kursk, a very cold and extremely remote city,” says Patrick, “at that time I didn’t have Jiu-Jitsu, but sambo, judo, and wrestling were part of their daily lives. In my college there was sambo and I decided to try it. I was lucky enough to get there on the day of solo training and I with Jiu-Jitsu lay down and rolled over the Russians. I earned their respect, but they didn’t relieve me from falling training. I didn’t know what floor or ceiling was in the felling class. In striking training, it was the same thing, only worse. I started attending the Bola de Neve church there and I was told that they had plans to open a Jiu-Jitsu training, except that a teacher was missing. I applied and the classes grew ”. Little did the black belt know that he would have been one of the pioneers of Jiu-Jitsu in Kursk, leaving a legacy in the city.

Patrick with his students, at the Moscow Open 2014. Photo: Personal archive

With the experience gained teaching classes and a referral from his friend Mahamed Aly, Patrick moved to St. Petersburg, also in Russia, to train and help at a Jiu-Jitsu academy, requesting a transfer to the St. Petersburg University of Medicine. As Patrick fought and won most national championships, his passion for Jiu-Jitsu began to speak louder than his ambition for medicine. Patrick then decided to take a risk, drop everything and pursue his career as an athlete. This was the first time, of many, that the black belt learned to reinvent himself.

Back in Rio de Janeiro, Patrick helped to found Carlson Gracie Recreio and, later, began to act as a teacher, giving some private Jiu-Jitsu classes. One of her students paid her hours in advance, and her biggest dream in Jiu-Jitsu would be realized: fighting the Worlds in California.

With tickets and hotel reserved, everything was fine to compete in the biggest Jiu-Jitsu tournament, if it weren’t for an unforeseen event: an ear infection hindered the final stretch of training and the weight didn’t go down as it should, forcing Patrick to rise from the middleweight. for heavyweight. Even with all the difficulty and against medical advice, and tears on reaching the Long Beach Pyramid, the tough guy came in to fight, being overcome.

“Once again Mahamed was at my side to help me,” revealed Patrick. “I had problems with the ticket back to Brazil that forced me to stay in the USA for a while longer. I did not fail and went back to Rio, where I would have another sensational experience. ”

Patrick with Leo Dalla and Mahamed Aly. Foto: Personal archive

Patrick spoke of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. A friend of the family indicated the sportsman to work at the event, coordinating the weighing area of several modalities such as judo, taekwondo, and boxing. This baggage made him receive a new invitation to return to the country that was indispensable in his career: Russia. This time Patrick was not going as a medical student but as a Jiu-Jitsu professor and partner of one of the largest academy chains in greater St. Petersburg.

“I got there at a time when the government supported newaza tournaments, a fight that was fought with submissions,” recalled Patrick. “Our students trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and were outstanding in these competitions. In the middle of this rush of classes and tournaments, Everaldo Penco traveled to Russia for a seminar tour, and when I got there I graduated to black belt. I was even training for the European Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with a focus on brown belt, but he said that I would have to turn around and fight as a black belt because I would graduate anyway. ”

As a teacher, Patrick won his weight class and won the no-gi absolute at the Moscow Open, in addition to refereeing in tournaments across Europe in cities like Copenhagen, Prague, Lisbon and Moscow, which he had previously referred. Unfortunately, in one of these tournaments, the beast ended up breaking two knee ligaments and had to reinvent himself a second time. Classes decreased due to the severity of the injuries, with some students being turned off by the lack of a teacher. After a while, he and his then partner, Igor Buchman, received an interesting proposal to sell the academy. And so they did.

With his knee injured and being forced out of competition for a period, Patrick took the opportunity to travel the world and visit other countries – more than 30, according to the athlete. His sabbatical season ended when he received a proposal to teach in Denver, USA, appeared, but another factor would tangle such a simple equation.

Patrick with the gold medal at Lisbon. Photo: Personal archive

“Tiago Oliveira, who is a soccer coach and trained with me and Everaldo at Recreio, came to me intending to take me to Hawaii, to give a seminar. They sent the tickets and when I got there, I met Keola Akao, an outstanding Hawaiian who introduced me to the local culture. I ended up falling in love with the place, the people and their hospitality. He commented that he was looking to expand the academy, form a competition team and such, so I talked about the proposal I had in Denver to teach, but I would still like to stay in Hawaii and continue my dream of being a top athlete. Keola made me a counteroffer, offering me all the support and we agreed that I would stay. I was also lucky to have the support of Horlando Monteiro, a black belt from Kimura, who is also here in Hawaii, as the team’s coach. We are of similar age and weights, being able to help each other in the process. I’ve been here for a few months and I’m applying to stay as an athlete, so I can live my dream again. ”

With a history that began in Rio de Janeiro, taking Jiu-Jitsu classes to defend himself at school, then going on to teach classes in Russia in parallel to his medical course and, finally, going to Hawaii, where he is currently continuing to your career as an athlete. Choice of dreams, changes in plans and, above all, a lot of determination and intense training. Patrick Almeida learned to reinvent himself with every unforeseen and opportunity that life offered him. “It is very difficult to stay away from the people we love, family, friends and give up so many other things for a purpose because this is your dream and you need to win in life. The price of giving up so many things is very expensive, but without that nothing is possible ”, says the black belt.

Patrick fighting against Tommy Langaker. Photo: Personal archive

In this way, we can conclude that even a young man in the face of such different dreams and having to reinvent himself several times throughout his career, was able to reach the world and will continue to fight until he conquered his goals in his career as an athlete. Even in times of pandemic, with quarantine in all parts of the world, Patrick’s baggage of overcoming and willpower makes the teacher deal with the moment particularly, already with plans for the end of the storm.

“‘ The winner is the winner for winning. The loser is a loser because he gives up. ’ Not even this quarantine will stop me. I operated on my knee during the severe winter in Russia, I couldn’t move around the neighborhood because of the cold and the ice accumulated on the street, which slipped a lot. I was practically in a semi-quarantine at that time, and I learned that stuck at home, you either sink or you rise to the maximum. We cannot let ourselves rest, staying at home makes us lazy. We have to fight comfort. I have used the quarantine to train more, read more and take several courses online. Take the time to invest in yourself and become a better person”, he concluded.

GMA member Gustavo Dantas has announced his seminar tour in Hawaii that gives three chances to learn his Jiu-Jitsu techniques and mental coaching methods. The president of Nova Uniao USA and head instructor of GDJJ in Tempe, AZ this leader has much to offer in this Big Island BJJ Seminar Tour.

The first stop on the tour will be at Kona Freestyle Martial Arts in Kailua-Kona on Nov. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reserve your spot by sending an email to: matburn007@yahoo.com

The second stop on the tour will be at Penn Training & Fitness Center in Hilo from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reserve your spot by sending an email to: novauniaohawaii@yahoo.com

The third and final stop will be at New Life Robson Moura Nova Uniao BJJ from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reserve your spot by sending an email to: info@newlifebjj.com

The cost for each seminar is $50. More information about Gustavo Dantas and GDJJ events go to www.gdjjevents.com

BJ Penn in action at the 2000 Worlds

The list of people who will attend this seminar is growing by the minute. Vitor Shaolin’s long-time friend and early training partner BJ Penn will be at the Vitor Shaolin BJJ Academy on September 17 for a gi seminar. It will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Announced over the weekend, the spots are slowly filling up. If you would like more details and to confirm your spot, email: mssung@4blackbelt.com

The first American black belt world champion and UFC lightweight and welterweight champion will be bringing his techniques from Hawaii to the Time Square New York BJJ academy of fellow Nova Uniao teammate Vitor Shaolin. Don’t miss out, email today for more information.

Want an excuse to go to Hawaii? Well, here it is.

Samir Chantre will be holding a seminar on Aug. 30 and 31 at Mad Tiger Academy in Mililani, Hawaii.

The two-day seminar will be held at the following address:

Mad Tiger Academy
95-119 Kamehameha Hwy., Suite D
Mililani, HI 96789

The Aug. 30 seminar will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and costs $75, while the seminar on the 31st will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $35. Pay for both days in advance and get a discounted rate of $75.

For more information, you can email info@madtigerbjj.com or call (808) 381-7838. Enjoy the beaches, folks.

View of tryouts in Miami (Photo courtesy of Pro Sports BJJ)

The 2013 iteration of the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship (WPJJC) is getting closer and closer to defining all its contestants.

This past weekend another tryout event was held to determined who will be traveling with all expenses paid to the April 10-13 main event in the United Arab Emirates.

In Miami, athletes of all belt colors took to the mats to vie for a spot on the big stage.

Check out who accomplished that mission:

Male – adult – white – open absolute – Jonathan Santiago  – American Top Team

Male – adult – blue – under 175.5 – Dante Leon – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu

Male – adult – blue – over 175.5  – Derek Brown – Gracie Barra Orlando

Male – adult – purple – under 175.5 – Hunter Ewald – Fight Sports

Male – adult – purple – over 175.5 – Jordan Hayman – Hooligans BJJ

Male – adult – brown / black – under 143 ( 143.00 ) – Brian Mahecha – American Top Team

Male – adult – brown / black – under 163 ( 163.00 ) – Lucas Lepri – Alliance

Male – adult – brown / black – under 183 ( 183.00) – Ricardo Souza de Rezende – Avengers

Male – adult – brown / black – under 202 ( 202.00 ) – Romulo Barral – Gracie Barra

Male – adult – brown / black – over 202 ( unlimited ) – Thiago Domingues – De La Riva Academy – Copacabana

Female – adult – white / blue – open weight absolute – Laurel Aiken – Alliance

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – under 139 – Nyjah Easton – Team Lloyd Irvin

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – over 139 – Amanda Tubby Santana – Alequin BJJ

The winners (Photo taken from Jonathan Uzcategui’s Facebook page)

The series of tryout events ends in March. Check out where the next ones will be by clicking here.

Find out more about the Miami trials and other events by clicking here aqui.

 Imagem geral da seletiva de Miami. Foto: Pro Sports BJJ

A edição de 2013 do World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship (WPJJC) está cada vez mais perto e pouco a pouco os participantes vão sendo definidos.

No último final de semana foi realizada mais uma seletiva para o evento mundial, marcado para acantecer de 10 a 13 de Abril, em Abu Dhabi, nos Emirados Arabes Unidos.

Em Miami, nos EUA, atletas de todas as faixas lutaram pelo direito de viajar com todas as despesas pagas para o evento mundial.

Confira abaixo, quem saiu vencedor após dois dias de duras batalhas:    

Male – adult – white – open absolute – Jonathan Santiago  – American Top Team

Male – adult – blue – under 175.5 – Dante Leon – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu

Male – adult – blue – over 175.5  – Derek Brown – Gracie Barra Orlando

Male – adult – purple – under 175.5 – Hunter Ewald – Fight Sports

Male – adult – purple – over 175.5 – Jordan Hayman – Hooligans BJJ

Male – adult – brown / black – under 143 ( 143.00 ) – Brian Mahecha American Top Team

Male – adult – brown / black – under 163 ( 163.00 ) – Lucas Lepri – Alliance

Male – adult – brown / black – under 183 ( 183.00) – Ricardo Souza de Rezende – Avengers

Male – adult – brown / black – under 202 ( 202.00 ) – Romulo Barral – Gracie Barra

Male – adult – brown / black – over 202 ( unlimited ) – Thiago Domingues – De La Riva Academy – Copacabana

Female – adult – white / blue – open weight absolute – Laurel Aiken – Alliance

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – under 139 – Nyjah Easton – Team Lloyd Irvin

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – over 139 – Amanda Tubby Santana – Alequin BJJ

Os campeões. Foto: Jonathan Uzcategui/Facebook

O calendário de seletivas segue até março. Confira onde serão as próximas clicando aqui.

Saiba mais sobre a seletiva de Miami e outros eventos clicando aqui.

Romulo Barral to compete at the WPJJC Miami Trials

The 2013 World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup is having another one of its trials this weekend.

It’s time for Miami to be the stage of the struggle for a paid trip to compete in the main event next April in the United Arab Emirates.

The matches go on this Saturday and Sunday at the Miami Christian School on 200 Northwest 109th Avenue, Miami, FL.

The fighting brackets are up and it’s all ready to go.

In the main category, the brown/black belt division, some huge names will be competing for the right to travel with all expenses paid for by the WPJJC.

Black belt world champions Romulo Barral, Lucas Lepri, Roberto Cyborg are some of the stars to take on the mats in Miami.

You can check out the brackets here.

For more info on the Miami Trials, go to prosportsbjj.com.

Last weekend, the WPJJC Hawaii Trials went on.

Here are the results and a quick photo gallery:

Open White Male

1- Dustin China

2-Jean Aona

3-Michael Nenna

3-Arron Merri

Open Male Blue

1-Kaniala Kahuanui

2-Stockstad Christopher

3-Jeremy Nita

3-Kalani Packyai

Open male purple

1-Nick Green

2-Adam benaton

3-bobby castle

3-Cony walton

Open Brown and Black under 183

1-Marcel Goncalves

2-Mike Fowler

3-Barret Yoshida

3-Rodrigo de Freitas

Open Brown / Black over 183

1-Bruno Edwals

2-Manuel Diaz

3-James Kupahu

3-Grant Wells

Female:

Open Female White/Blue

1-Raquel Paaluhi

2-Valerie Hill

3-Tracy kuki

3-Michella Almeida

[flickr set=72157632719354755]

Today, February 5, is the last day to register for the Miami WPJJC Trials.

The event is open for athletes of all levels of experience and ages, male and female.

The winners of selected categories will get a free trip to Abu Dhabi to compete in the main event, in April.

The costs is:

Category 1: USD 120 Adults – Master – Senior

Category 2: USD 89 Kids – Teens – Juvenile

All kids and teens will have at least two matches, and all competitors will get medals.

Visit the events’ pages on Facebook.

Miami – WpjjcMiami

Several top athletes have already confirmed their presence at the trials, such as Marcus “Bochecha” Almeida, Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, Roberto “Cyborg” Alencar, Clark Gracie, Ryan Beauregard, Rafael “Barata” Freitas.

Below you will find which categories will grant the champion a travel package to Abu Dhabi:

ADULT MALES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Brown and Black Belts (Combined)

1. 143lbs

2. 163lbs

3. 183lbs

4. 202lbs

5. Over 202lbs

Purple Belts

6. Light Absolute

7. Heavy Absolute

Blue Belts

8. Light Absolute

9. Heavy Absolute

White Belts

10. Open Weight Absolute

ADULT FEMALES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Purple, Brown and Black Belts (Combined)

11. Light Absolute 139lbs

12. Heavy Absolute Over 139lbs

White and Blue Belts (Combined)

13. Open Weight Absolute

The Miami WPJJC Trials are open to all athletes, but the travel packages can only be reclaimed by competitors who have a valid US work permit or by athletes from the following countries:

• United States

• Antigua

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Bermuda

• Canada

• Costa Rica

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• El Salvador

• Grenada

• Guatemala

• Haiti

• Honduras

• Jamaica

• Mexico

• Nicaragua

• Panama

• St. Kitts & Nevis

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent & the Grenadines

• Trinidad & Tobago

For further info, go to prosportsbjj.com.

Folwer with wife Tracey and son Thor

Black belt Mike Fowler is best known for two big reasons. His technical and competitive Jiu-Jitsu and the leopard pattern painted hair. It’s easy to spot him fighting even when there’s 10 or 12 mats side by side. Look for the guy with the yellow and brown spotted hair. The next place his style will be displayed will be Hawaii, at the WPJJC trials, this Saturday, February 2. Ready to roll, the husband of (also black belt) Tracey Fowler and father of Thor talked exclusively to GRACIEMAG.com and shared his views on training, diet, competition, the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu and also family life. For more info on the Trials, go to prosportsbjj.com. 

How was your training for the Abu Dhabi trials in Hawaii?

It has been Great!  This year Tracey and I just got married so my focus hasn’t’ been on Jiu-Jitsu 100% but, excited that I never have to go far for a training partner!  Tracey’s workouts are really good. Her class here in Hawaii is huge! She has really gotten good at making the training always a good time.

How do you think will be the WPJJC this year, with big names confirmed for this event?

I haven’t seen the names since I registered but I have heard plenty of talk its really great to have a Trials here in Hawaii.  I think it will be a hit, and will hopefully be returning every year.

In which competitions are you planning to compete in 2013?

I plan on doing more seminar and super fights rather than tournaments this year.  I have a family now so I want to focus on making sure that Tracey can train and compete, and we provide for our boy.  There is a super fight in the mix that I have heard talk of no guarantee but would be a dream come true.

How’s your diet? Any secrets?

My diet has improved greatly over the past year.  Learning more about what to eat and what not to…and when!  A lot of all natural foods.  The other big staple is my Vi-Shake that has been a huge part.  Diet really makes a huge difference in everything.

Who’s helping in your training?

I have been in contact with Andre Galvão for direction, but all of my training has been done with my students and my new wife Tracey Fowler. 

You are an athlete that has competed in many competitions around the world. What is your vision of BJJ today and how do you see the growth of the sport?

Its amazing…and scary!  It is spreading and growing roots in more and more people and places.  Guys out there kicking butt tell me how they watched my videos when they were young…Wow!   How time flies but it is really growing and having a very big impact on people’s lives.

Your wife is one of the biggest names in female BJJ. Does she help you in your trainings?

All of the time! She is my biggest partner.  She has really grown and is quite the martial artist and has been a good experience to grow together in the art and as people.  She really helps by the straight attitude. She never quits.,…never gives up.  Qualities that are hard to teach. Very good in helping to keep me motivated!

You are now a family guy, married with a kid (Thor) … How’s to manage your family life with your trainings for the competitions?

We are a Jiu-Jitsu family.  Its all about prioritizing. My focus is different for sure. Its not about me anymore…. its about the family first.  Right now my focus is to take care of family and make sure Tracey gets to train and help her career.  Then we worry bout me!

Roberto Tussa and Bruno Bastos at IBJJ Pro League (Photo by Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG)

Four-time No-Gi world champion Roberto “Tussa” Alencar is all set to take on the challenges 2013 has in store for him. And the first is coming up Jan. 26 and 27 in San Diego, California, where tryouts for the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup will be held. In the following exclusive GRACIEMAG.com interview, the leader of Gracie Barra New Mexico addresses his preparations, reviews 2013 and announces his plans for the fledgling year.

Before we get into it, though, take this chance to sign up for the WPJJC Trials in San Diego, Hawaii and Miami. The three events are open to athletes of all ages and levels of experience. Click here to visit prosportsbjj.com to sign up.

How are your preparations for the WPJJC Trials in San Diego coming?

My physical preparation and training are intense. I’m doing physical conditioning three to four times a week, and I train every day. I’m feeling really good for these tryouts in San Diego.

How important is getting a berth at the Abu Dhabi World Pro to you?

I fought at the 2012 one, and it was a great experience for me. I made great friendships, learned Jiu-Jitsu, toured Dubai, etc. The WPJJC is a big-name tournament where the best from the tryouts go on to fight for the title in Abu Dhabi. At the last event I took second. By earning a place there, I’ll get another shot at the gold.

What’s your breakdown on the 2012 campaign, and what do you dream of achieving in 2013?

Last year was really productive. I had plenty of opportunities to travel and compete, won some titles that I was missing, like the No-Gi Pan, Master & Senior Worlds, a fourth No-Gi Worlds title and the IBJJ Pro League. The one I dream of winning every year is the World Championship. I’ve come close, winning two silvers and five bronzes.

Who’s helping you in training?

I have a strong team here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. I’ve been working with our team for more than six years and have the help of Professors Rafael Barata, Don Ortega and Gustavo Alencar, as well as the other instructors. Together we’re a strong and tightly knit family. During competition training we’ve had 10 black belts on the mat.

After this win at the IBJJ Pro League, are you feeling more confident about winning the tryouts? Are you in competition rhythm?

I’ve been at a good competition rhythm ever since November, as I’ve been in five top-tier championships and won gold in four of them. I’m confident about winning the tryouts, as I’m really well trained and at a good competition rhythm.

With so much training going on, who’s taking care of your academy?

That’s the big challenge that I’ve been able to meet, thanks to my team and students, who help me out with these tasks. I’ve been managing my academy in my free time, so I don’t have vacations. I’m at work 24/7.

Do you have any diet secrets?

Nothing has changed in my diet. I try keeping a healthy lifestyle, and my fiancée helps me because not only does she cook well, she’s very knowledgeable about sport nutrition. As last year was a really productive year, I’m focusing my training on my bottom game.

What can your opponents expect from Roberto Tussa in 2013?

This year they can expect a more experienced, strong and determined Roberto Tussa. This year I’m really focused on competition. I’m upping the ante in 2013.

Want to leave a message for the Jiu-Jitsu community around the world?

This message goes out to all the gentle-art lovers. We’re going to spread the seed in a positive way. Jiu-Jitsu changed my life for the better. I believe it has changed yours too. And it will change the lives of the people you influence to practice Jiu-Jitsu. Wherever you are, bring a family member, friend, neighbor, or just anybody with you to get to know the art of happiness.

Roberto Tussa e Bruno Bastos na IBJJ Pro League. Foto: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

O tetracampeão mundial sem-kimono, Roberto “Tussa” Alencar está pronto para os desafios de 2013. E o primeiro acontece em 26 e 27 de janeiro, em San Diego, na seletiva para o World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup. Nesta entrevista exclusiva para o GRACIEMAG.com, o líder da Gracie Barra New Mexico fala de como anda a preparação, faz um balanço de 2012 e planeja novas conquistas para o ano que começa.

Aproveite o embalo e se inscreva agora nas seletivas do WPJJC em San Diego, Havaí e Miami. Os três eventos são abertos para atletas de todas as idades e níveis de experiência. Clique em prosportsbjj.com.

Como está a preparação para o WPJJC Trials de San Diego?

A preparação física e os treinos estão intensos. Eu estou fazendo preparação de 3 a 4 vezes na semana e treino todos os dias. Estou me sentindo muito bem para essa seletiva em San Diego.

Qual a importância para você de conseguir uma vaga para disputar o World Pro em Abu Dabhi?

Eu lutei a edição de 2012 e foi uma experiência muito boa para mim. Fiz grandes amizades, aprendi Jiu-Jitsu, fiz turismo em Dubai, etc. O WPJJC é um campeonato de nome onde os melhores das seletivas disputam o titulo em Abu Dhabi. No evento passado, eu acabei em segundo. Ganhando essa vaga eu vou ter mais uma chance de buscar o ouro.

Que avaliação você faz da sua campanha em 2012 e o que você está sonhando conquistar em 2013?

Ano passado foi bastante produtivo. Tive a oportunidade de viajar e competir bastante, conquistei alguns títulos que estavam faltando, como o Pan No-Gi, Mundial Master & Senior, o quarto titulo no Mundial Sem Kimono e a IBJJ Pro League. O que eu sonho conquistar todos os anos é o Mundial! Já cheguei bem perto, ganhando 2 pratas e 5 bronzes.

Quem esta te ajudando nos treinos ?

Eu tenho um time muito forte aqui em Albuquerque, Novo México,USA. Venho trabalhando com o nosso time a mais de 6 anos e tenho a ajuda dos professores Rafael Barata, Don Ortega e Gustavo Alencar, além dos demais instrutores. Juntos nos formamos uma família forte e unida. Nos treinos de competição chegamos a ter 10 faixas-pretas no tatame.

Depois dessa vitória na IBJJ Pro League, você está se sentindo mais confiante para vencer a seletiva? Esta no ritmo de competição?

Desde novembro eu venho de um bom ritmo de competição, pois já foram 5 campeonatos disputados sendo 4 deles com a conquista da medalha de ouro. Estou confiante para vencer a seletiva, pois estou bem treinado e com um bom ritmo de competição

Com tanto treino, como fica a administração da academia?

Isso é um grande desafio que venho vencendo, graças ao meu time e alunos que me ajudam nessas tarefas. Eu consigo tocar a academia no meu tempo livre, então não tenho férias, pois são 24 horas de trabalho, sete dias na semana…

Você tem algum segredo em relação à alimentação?

Nada mudou na minha alimentação. Eu tento sempre manter um estilo de vida saudável e minha noiva me ajuda muito pois não só cozinha bem, mas tem um grande conhecimento em nutrição esportiva. Como o ano passado foi um ano muito produtivo, estou mantendo meus treinos focados mais no meu jogo por baixo. 

O que os adversários Podem esperar em relação ao Roberto Tussa em 2013?

Esse ano eles podem esperar um Roberto Tussa mais experiente, forte e determinado. Esse ano estou focado bastante nas competições, estou investindo alto em 2013.

Quer deixar um recado para a comunidade do Jiu-Jitsu ao redor do mundo?

Meu recado vai para todos amantes da Arte Suave. Vamos espalhar essa semente de uma forma positiva. O Jiu-Jitsu mudou minha vida para melhor, acredito que mudou a sua também, e mudará  a vida de quem você influenciar a praticar o Jiu-Jitsu. Em qualquer lugar que você esteja traga um familiar, um amigo, vizinho, estranho para conhecer a arte da felicidade.

Those who want to compete at the 2013 World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, will have three chances to qualify for it and travel with all expenses paid by the event.

San Diego, Hawaii and Miami will be the next three legs of tryouts for the main event.

The San Diego leg is set for January 26-27; Hawaii, for February 2, Miami, for February 9-10.

The final deadlines to sign up for each trial are:

San Diego: January 22;

Hawaii: January 29;

Miami: February 5.

The costs is:

Category 1: USD 120 Adults – Master – Senior

Category 2: USD 89 Kids – Teens – Juvenile

The trials are open to all athletes at all levels of skill and experience.

All kids and teens will have at least two matches, and all competitors will get medals.

Visit the events’ pages on Facebook.

San Diego – WpjjcSanDiegoTrial

Hawaii – WpjjcHawaiiTrial

Miami – WpjjcMiami

Several top athletes have already confirmed their presence at the trials, such as Marcus “Bochecha” Almeida, Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, Roberto “Cyborg” Alencar, Clark Gracie, Ryan Beauregard, Rafael “Barata” Freitas.

Below you will find which categories will grant the champion a travel package to Abu Dhabi:

ADULT MALES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Brown and Black Belts (Combined)

1. 143lbs

2. 163lbs

3. 183lbs

4. 202lbs

5. Over 202lbs

Purple Belts

6. Light Absolute

7. Heavy Absolute

Blue Belts

8. Light Absolute

9. Heavy Absolute

White Belts

10. Open Weight Absolute

ADULT FEMALES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Purple, Brown and Black Belts (Combined)

11. Light Absolute 139lbs

12. Heavy Absolute Over 139lbs

White and Blue Belts (Combined)

13. Open Weight Absolute

The San Diego, Hawaii and Miami WPJJC Trials are open to all athletes, but the travel packages can only be reclaimed by competitors who have a valid US work permit or by athletes from the following countries:

• United States

• Antigua

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Bermuda

• Canada

• Costa Rica

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• El Salvador

• Grenada

• Guatemala

• Haiti

• Honduras

• Jamaica

• Mexico

• Nicaragua

• Panama

• St. Kitts & Nevis

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent & the Grenadines

• Trinidad & Tobago

For further info, go to prosportsbjj.com.