The second half of 2025 was special for Jiu-Jitsu professor Leo Gosling, from Gracie Barra Davie. The black belt secured three consecutive titles in both the ultra-heavyweight and absolute divisions. This feat took place at IBJJF Opens in Tampa, New Jersey, and New York, in addition to two runner-up finishes in Atlanta. Leo also became a world champion under the PBJJF federation, consolidating one of the best seasons of his career.

“The absolute final at the Tampa Open was one of the highlights of this journey,” analyzes Gosling. “I faced the great athlete Tarsis de Paula, leader of Elementum Jiu-Jitsu. With deep emotional control and positive visualization, I entered the mats confident and executed exactly the plan I had practiced—a result of a period of great technical and psychological evolution.”

Leo highlights that this performance was only possible thanks to intense training sessions with his master, black belt Rafael Gordinho. “Those training sessions were fundamental for refining my game and strategies. I also want to highlight the daily partnership with Rodrigo ‘Beiço’ Rosa, whose pace and experience were essential in preparation, as well as my partnership of over 15 years with strength and conditioning coach Henrique Brum. The strength training I learned from Brum had a great impact on my recent results.”

Leo ends the year at a high level and remains confident in his pursuit of the IBJJF World title in 2026. We took advantage of the athlete’s great momentum to conduct a revealing interview about the pillars of consistency in competitive Jiu-Jitsu. Check it out below!

GRACIEMAG: How do you emotionally handle the result of a fight or competition?
I view the result very objectively. Victory or defeat doesn’t define who I am, but they show where I am at that moment. When I win, I keep my feet on the ground. When I lose, I perform a cold analysis: what worked, what didn’t work, and what needs to be adjusted. I use a lot of mental control, positive self-talk, and visualization. This helps me flip the switch quickly and stay focused on the next battle without carrying frustration or excessive euphoria.

After a streak of achievements, do you do anything special to stay motivated and avoid complacency?
Yes. I shift the focus from the result to the process. New goals, technical adjustments, small details in the game, and different challenges in training. Also, remembering where I came from and the difficulties I faced keeps me humble and hungry. Victory is not a finish line; it’s just another step.

Injuries can compromise a winning streak, right? How do you shield your body and health?
Injuries are rarely just bad luck. Of course, the risk exists, but I work hard to reduce it. I listen to my body, do strengthening exercises, specific physical preparation, proper recovery, and I know when to take it easy. Training smart is just as important as training hard. Returning home in one piece is part of the long-term strategy.

What tips would you give to someone going through a losing streak?
First: don’t confuse results with personal value. Second: go back to basics. Adjust your fundamentals, routine, diet, rest, and mindset. Often, a defeat is a request for adjustment, not for quitting. And most importantly, surround yourself with people and professors who are honest with you, not just motivational.

When you win a lot, your game becomes predictable. How do you deal with that?
By constantly evolving. I never stick to a single path. Even with a strong game, I am always developing variations, different entries, and new responses. The goal isn’t to hide your game, but to always be one step ahead. Those who only study what you do today will arrive late tomorrow.

Roberto Traven and Wellington Megaton during IBJJF’s World Masters. Photo: GRACIEMAG Files

At Jiu-Jitsu Con 2025, Masters competitors didn’t just show up — they took over.

More than 6,550 athletes battled at Master Worlds, making up 55% of all participants. The message is clear: the Masters divisions are no longer the sidelines of the sport — they’re leading the way.

But every Masters competitor also knows the other side of the story: you train for months, feel sharp in the academy, and yet under the bright lights of competition, the nerves creep in. Suddenly, the game you trust disappears. You walk away frustrated, thinking: “That wasn’t me. I can do so much better.”

This is the exact problem that Gustavo Dantas — 6th-degree black belt, Master World Champion, and founder of The BJJ Mental Coach — has been studying for over a decade. And it’s why he created something brand new: The BJJ Mental Coach Masters Community.

A Movement of Authenticity More than a program, this is a movement built around a single, powerful word: authenticity. The goal is simple yet profound — to help competitors over 30 bring their true selves to the mats, free from nerves, fear, or the pressure to be someone they’re not.

Inside the Masters Community, athletes will find:

• Full access to all courses & e-books

• Monthly live classes with Gustavo Dantas

• Exclusive interviews & content

• Group coaching opportunities

• A supportive peer community of Masters athletes who “get it”

This is where training, mindset, and life intersect. It’s where your hard work in the academy finally translates into authentic performance in competition — and growth far beyond the mats.

To mark the launch, The BJJ Mental Coach will premiere a free webinar on YouTube:

Master BJJ Competitor vs. Overtraining Saturday, Sept 20, 2025 – 8:00 AM MST The BJJ Mental Coach YouTube Channel

In the session, Dantas will share lessons from his “How High Can You Fly?” project — a nine- month challenge where he competed in all four IBJJF Grand Slams — and reveal how overtraining nearly cost him his authenticity on the mats. You’ll discover how to recognize the early signs, avoid the trap, and build a sustainable path forward.

“The BJJ Mental Coach is not me — it’s a movement,” says professor Gustavo Dantas. “It represents the belief that world-class performance starts with a world-class mindset. But more than medals, it’s about becoming the most authentic version of yourself — in Jiu-Jitsu and in life.”

Learn more at www.thebjjmentalcoach.com or follow @gustavodantasbjj.

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Kaio Cesar is a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Photo: Peronal Archive

Kaio Cesar is one of the top athletes in the master 1 division. Currently, he holds the second position in the featherweight division in the IBJJF rankings. Last weekend in Las Vegas, Kaio won a silver and a gold medal at the American Nationals, in the gi and no-gi divisions, respectively.

As a member of Gracie Barra, Kaio has been maintaining a hectic pace since the beginning of the season, but for the champion, he’s enjoying the journey towards achieving his goals which is the most important aspect.

Kaio also possesses a wealth of knowledge beyond the mat when it comes to the philosophy of the sport and the benefits it brings. Below, Kaio shares 10 pieces of advice to help you evolve in Jiu-Jitsu, both on and off the mat.

DISCIPLINE
“I consider discipline to be one of the key factors for every white belt practitioner. In fact, it applies to practitioners of all belt levels. Good discipline organizes the steps necessary for success in your journey.”

PATIENCE
“In Jiu-Jitsu, there are no shortcuts. Everyone must go through all the processes, including pain, suffering, and happiness. Techniques cannot be learned overnight; it takes a lot of practice to achieve perfection.”

CONSISTENCY
“You must remain consistent in your training, showing up regularly even on those days when your mind tells you to give up. The power of consistency enables you to reach your goals.”

NUTRITION
“Jiu-Jitsu demands a lot of energy, both physical and mental. Nutrition plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy and prepared for training sessions. Poor nutrition will hinder your performance and recovery. Strive to eat healthily to achieve excellent results and desired energy levels.”

DRILLS
“I believe that motor coordination and speed in techniques are acquired through extensive practice. Those who allocate extra time for repetitions will always stay ahead of those who only practice during training sessions.”

PHYSICAL PREPARATION
“Jiu-Jitsu has become increasingly professional, with high-performance athletes and even hobbyists being well-conditioned. The sport is becoming more competitive, and the better-prepared individuals will have an advantage. Physical preparation provides support to protect the joints and build strength. However, rest should not be overlooked, as it is also part of the preparation plan.”

STUDY POSITIONS
“Technology is very helpful nowadays. You can find numerous videos on the internet. Set aside time to study positions, whether on the mat or at home, and watch Jiu-Jitsu competitions. This will keep you connected to the sport and continually expand your knowledge.”

RESPECT
“This word holds great power. Showing respect to training partners, instructors, and people in your daily life will make you a better person both on and off the mat. No matter how skilled you are on the mat, without respect, you do not represent the true martial artist.”

FREE TRAINING
“I believe free training is crucial for practitioners of all belt levels, but I want to emphasize an important point for white belts. Be cautious when choosing training partners for free rolls. Select partners who will help you improve. Remember that you are a student and still getting to know the sport. Training should be intelligent, leaving ego outside the mat.”

GOALS
“Have a goal, whether it’s training three times a week, participating in a competition, or reaching the black belt. In life, just like in the journey of Jiu-Jitsu, it is essential to have goals. They will motivate you to work hard every day.”

Photo: Personal Archive

Esdras Jr is in the midst of a great phase on the competitive circuit of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). The black-belt from Ares has been going strong for four consecutive tournaments – he became champion at the IBJJF’s Dallas Open, Houston Open, New Orleans Atlanta Open and, most recently, at the No-Gi Pan, one of the most important competitions on the 2021 calendar.

His latest triumph, along with the points won in previous tourneys, caused Esdras to grab the top spot in the master 1 feather division with 135 points – nine more than the UFC fighter Rani Yahya.

In a recent interview, Esdras Jr spoke of what makes him a champion in 2021. “It’s hard to talk about just on aspect, but I think consistency is the key to reaching any goal. Maybe I’m not even training more in terms of volume, but without a doubt, I’m trying to train in a more intelligent way. Knowing how to understand your body and respect your limits is very important to comprehending when you have to do that training session where you’re fighting for real – most days! – or train by trying to understand and control the situations more. I’ve been going hard in my physical preparation since late last year, focusing a lot on injury prevention work. I’m feeling very well physically and mentally.”

To earn the gold medal at the No-Gi Pan, Esdras Jr had to defeat three tough opponents, including Silvio Duran (Nova União) in the semifinal round and Ermilio Lima (Fight Sports) in the final.

According to Esdras, he felt well and prepared for each match. “I was happy with my performance,” he said. “But I can say the toughest fight this time was cutting weight. The last time I weighed less than 67kg, I was in middle school! This Pan was the first time I hit feather in no-gi, which is well below feather in the gi. On the day of the competition, I woke up weighing 66kg – there I woke up feeling well and ready to fight. It was an incredible journey.”

Photo: Personal Archive

He went on to offer advice on winning any BJJ competition: “First, one should not worry about the result! Perhaps it seems like madness to say that, but when we think about results too much, the tendency is to demand a lot of ourselves, and I believe this demand brings about unnecessary tension. Step on the mat alert, but with tranquility. It’s about doing what you trained to do, match by match, trusting yourself and your jiu-jitsu. That’s all you should think about. Have patience to play – jiu-jitsu is like chess.”

And finally, on the subject of mindset, he said: “When you do what must be done, it works out! It’s a matter of training hard, dieting, physical preparation, technical and tactical training, knowing your strong points and developing a game plan. It’s impossible not to feel well and prepared. Step on the mat and believe that your plan is going to work. Work on your mind to be positive when things don’t come out as planned, because knowing how to control your mind is important. Believe until the end! I couldn’t go without mentioning also Fellipe Barros, my mental coach, who is always there when I need him.”

In the United States, Esdras trains beside Osvaldo Queixinho at Ares BJJ in Phoenix, Arizona.

Claudio Calasans Jr. has reached the highest levels of achievement in Jiu-Jitsu thanks to a lot of hard work to take advantage of his natural born talent.

The 2015 middleweight world champion and ADCC open class champion has a lot to teach to those starting out their Jiu-Jitsu life.

We have highlighted 10 tips he was kind enough to share with us.

1. In Jiu-Jitsu, you won’t be surprised by your opponent if you train more than them.

2. The more hours at the gym, the greater your chances of surprising your rival. Go train!

3. Go to Jiu-Jitsu championships to learn new moves. Whenever I watched competitions, I’d always go back home wanting to repeat some position and test it in my game.

4. Whenever you learn a new position at the gym, persist until you get it right in the rolls. Only against a colleague will you be sure of whether it fits your fighting style.

5. Training is risking. If you go to the gym and just do the very same positions both on top and on the bottom, you are reducing the speed of your evolution.

6. When the position doesn’t work very well, don’t simply discard it. Reflect on it, study, analyze, and unravel the position. See if you are able to adapt it before deciding that no, actually it doesn’t fit in your game.

7. Be complete. Standing, on top, on the bottom. But fight with a plan, drawn in accordance with the strong qualities of your opponent.

8. You don’t compete against other fighters, but against yourself.

9. At every training session, every competition, try to test your limits – physical, technical, mental. At each limit crossed, use that as an incentive to train more and more, and develop your Jiu-Jitsu constantly.

10. Every sport grows at a pace directly proportional to the emergence of good role models, good athletes, and good people. Be a martial artist useful for the rest of society. By becoming a good example, you help the sport grow.

The 2016 Pan (click to register) is coming up and after that, on August, it’s time for the 2016 Worlds Masters (registrations coming soon).

So if you are an active competitor and also over the barrier of 30 years old, black belt Gustavo Dantas has a very special message for you.

The BJJ Mental Coach prepared a series of tips for a stronger mindset when you reach the Masters division.

Click to watch the video.

Another year is over, so it’s time to set new goals for the next period. Maybe you weren’t as dedicated as you should be in the past 365 days, so we put together 10 reasons why you should put your act together and give the gentle art that special effort. The benefits will be overwhelmingly greater than the effort put.

Your opponent. ”He is my friend and biggest foe. If he didn’t exist, it wouldn’t be the same and maybe I wouldn’t train as much, always going to my limit,” said Rodolfo Vieira the other day about archrival Marcus Buchecha. If laziness knocks, remember your adversaries are out there practicing and correcting flaws in order to catch you by surprise next time. One great, unsettling reason to get your ass off that couch.

Your professor. If you chose your BJJ school wisely, your professor is not just there to take your money in exchange for classes. They do what they do for love, and few rewards can mean as much to them as your technical and personal evolution. Make your master proud; get moving.

Your body in the mirror. You remember how flaccid and feeble you were before you started training, don’t you? Wanna see that sad picture again? Didn’t think so.

The black belt. Yes, we do repeat over and over that thinking about belt color is not the best attitude for the smart Jiu-Jitsu practitioner to have. Haste and anxiety may lead to frustration, and squandering time thinking you are not headed anywhere may hack away at your mindset. So ignore what belt you wear today. But do think about the black belt. One day it will be yours, believe it. And then you will see the whole journey was worth it. Remember the lesson by Rorion Gracie, who said a BJJ black belt that’s honestly earned is worth more than any Harvard degree.

Your children. Training BJJ is not an individual, selfish activity. Soon you are going to be able to roll with your kids, have fun with them and give them health and vitality. Persist and have a perfect pastime to do together.

The unpredictable. We train Jiu-Jitsu in order to never have to use self-defense techniques, but imagine some maniac grabs your neck tomorrow and today you missed a class on that very move? Go practice and protect yourself.

The detail. Strive to drive away the torments of the drubbings and moves that have been causing you trouble. Focus on the detail, on little objectives: to not fall for that same old move, to keep your posture in the guard; to improve upon that guard pass, to not lose the mount.

Those that can’t train.While you sit there under the reins of tiredness, work and whatever else, there are people facing much tougher physical problems who wish they could move like you. Get your gi and find an hour in the day to get your Jiu-Jitsu on.

Your dreams. Persevering in BJJ can help you realize your most improbable dreams, from that elusive job to that woman you’ve got your eye on.

Nothing. Don’t give yourself a choice – just get your gi and go! Thank Jiu-Jitsu later for that indescribable post-practice feeling.

The BJJ Mental Coach (right) with Leo Santos (left) and Thales Leites (middle). Photo: Personal archive

Do you feel that you perform better than you compete?

On Saturday, June 14, Gustavo Dantas will be teaching his Mental Skills Training seminar called “Inner Discovery For Outer Success” at the Embassy Suites located at 4400 S. Rural Rd in Tempe, Arizona from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This ninety-minute presentation will inspire you and give you tools to handle some of the mental blocks that prevent you from performing to the best of your ability. The BJJ Mental Coach, Gustavo Dantas, breaks down five tips that can help you to discover what is holding you back from reaching your full potential and achieving the success that you desire.

Full information available at www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

Check out what Gustavo has to say about the mental skills training below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4heLJL5Vxk

Have you ever lost a match? Well even if you haven’t, Gustavo has some important details on how to deal with the scenario and also how to prepare for it.

What’s the importance? Let the 4th degree black belt tell you in the video below: