Samir will be replacing Caio at the 2013 BJJ Pro League. Photo: Ivan Trindade

Samir started his Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of nine in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He received his black belt in June of 2009 from Alan Moraes of Carlson Gracie Team but now trains at the Institute of Martial Arts in San Jose, CA. When he competes, which is often, he represents the Caio Terra Association.

In 2010 Samir won the World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship winning his first black belt world title. Later, he won the 2012 and 2013 Pan Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship as well. An eight-time American Nationals champion, Samir can be found on the mats whether competing or working as a referee.

Samir competes in the light-featherweight and featherweight categories but has won the open division at the Las Vegas Open in 2012 proving that technique can overcome strength.

Last year Samir competed in the BJJ Pro League and received the bronze medal. This year he will be in the four-man category of rooster/light-feather/feather and hopes to take home the gold.

Check out this quick submission by Samir at the 2012 World Championship:

Learn more about the 2013 BJJ Pro League on Dec. 8 at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid at www.bjjproleague.com

A few days ago I submitted my registration for the 2012 IBJJF Long Beach Fall Open. Along with the IBJJ Pro League happening the same day, I’m excited to know that my day and night will be filled with the ability not only to step on the mats myself but to watch what will most likely be the best matches of the year at the famous Long Beach Walter Pyramid.

For some academies, the end of the year is a time for celebrating, appreciating one another and relaxing before the tournament season starts up again the following year. For me, I never really stop. I may stray from my training because of school and other priorities but ultimately, I always want to compete. And that’s the feeling for a lot of people. This is my last chance to get an IBJJF gold medal before the 2012 tournament season officially ends and best of all, I’m competing against the best girls in the world. I’m competing because I want to be a part of an aspect of Jiu-Jitsu that will always be a driving force, an appreciation for and inspiration to make my Jiu-Jitsu better.

The end of the year also serves as the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu tournament season with the No-Gi World Championship, Pan American No-Gi Championship and the European No-Gi Championship to name a few, but the IBJJF has now turned it up and decided to give us one last show in the gi before we retire our tournament gear for the holiday season– or before we gain too many pounds to make it down to our weight division!

2012 Pan American Championship Final Match Photo by: Mike Calimbas

I’m competing because I know that watching the IBJJ Pro League that night will cause me to feel like I missed out on something great. The top male athletes in our sport were ranked and personally invited to attend the event and I can be sure that I will witness history. With potential match-ups we’ve never seen before, the top guys will be on their toes, especially with $5,000 on the line.

The Pro League allows people like Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles and Leandro Lo to be in the same weight division. Possible matches could be Romulo Barral versus Andre Galvao, Bruno Bastos versus Roberto “Tussa” Alencar. What may have never happened before or has happened years ago could unfold on December 8 and I’m ready to find out.

If you haven’t signed up yet, Friday November 3 is the last day to do so. This is the last chance of the year to compete in the grand Long Beach Walter Pyramid and further your own legacy with me alongside the best guys in our sport. Don’t miss out on a chance to stay motivated, continue your competition legacy, refrain from putting on too many holiday pounds and share the mats with legends.

You can register here: http://www.ibjjf.org/longbeachfall2012home.htm

For more information on the IBJJ Pro League: http://www.ibjjf.org/ibjjproleague2012home.htm