Raphael Barbosa is a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Photo: Personal archive

Raphael Barbosa is a renowned Jiu-Jitsu professor in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Today, the responsible for the development of Jiu-Jitsu in the UFC Gym chain of academies, the black belt followed the evolution of the sport closely , since he started training at 15 years old.

Raphael made an analysis on how the sport, which used to be treated with disbelief, is now treated as an important part of the personal development of children, young people and adults around the world. The appreciation creates opportunities at all sectors of Jiu-Jitsu.

” Jiu-Jitsu has evolved a lot in the last decade, from new techniques and styles to the materials used”, points out Raphael.

“The practice of Jiu-Jitsu has become more and more popular and its popularity leads to greater competitiveness, which means that Jiu-Jitsu practitioners need to put more effort into improving their skills. Technology has been useful in the development of Jiu-Jitsu, as it helps improve practitioners’ training and disseminate information. The sport is capable of offering opportunities for people to live well in Brazil or anywhere around the world. Whoever is a professional will collect the opportunities and I am living proof of that, I am collecting the rewards. Many things have changed in the transition from Jiu-Jitsu to the current market. Before, the sport was more aimed at people who were interested in training and results (competition). Nowadays, howwever, the Jiu-Jitsu industry has grown quickly and there is a great demand for its services, a sport for everyone, where we can improve the quality of life among other things”, comments Raphael, who has more than 15 years in the black belt.

For Raphael, the current grappling scene has been the main door for the spread of the sport, in general, but he doesn’t believe in a comparison between gi disputes. “I believe that grappling competitions have grown more and more and can be quite successful, especially for those practitioners who already understand Jiu-Jitsu”, says the black belt. However, it’s important to remember that both fighting styles have their own strengths and advantages, and can be used effectively for competitive purposes. I don’t think that grappling is going to erase gi disputes. I believe that we are going to have a greater evolution of a style that for a while was not as explored as it is today”, reflects the professor

Studious as he is, professor Raphael has followed grappling competitions and followed the phenomenon Gordon Ryan, the greatest athlete of our time. In close, he analyzes the main differences of the American.

“In my view, what sets Gordon Ryan apart from the rest is his incomparable dedication and discipline when it comes to grappling”, says Barbosa. “He has a lot of knowledge about the game and a sense of leadership that is reflected on his performances. Furthermore, he is an inspiration to many practitioners when it comes to marketing. We can take the good part in all things, I won’t say that I agree with everything he does, but at the promotion are he is different. I believe that today he earns much more than many athletes who are in the UFC”, analyzes the professor

Raphael Barbosa é um estudioso do Jiu-Jitsu. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

Raphael Barbosa é um renomado professor de Jiu-Jitsu em Dubai, nos Emirados Árabes. Hoje o responsável pelo desenvolvimento de Jiu-Jitsu na rede de academias da UFC Gym, o faixa-preta acompanhou de perto a evolução do esporte, já que começou a treinar aos 15 anos.

Raphael faz uma análise de como esporte que era tratado com descrença e hoje é tratado como peça importante no desenvolvimento pessoal de crianças, jovens e adultos ao redor do mundo. A valorização rende oportunidades para todos os setores do Jiu-Jitsu.

“O Jiu-Jitsu tem evoluído muito na última década, desde novas técnicas e estilos até os materiais usados”, aponta Raphael. “A prática do Jiu-Jitsu tem se tornado cada vez mais popular e a sua popularidade leva a uma maior competitividade, o que significa que os praticantes de Jiu-Jitsu precisam se esforçar mais para melhorar as suas habilidades. A tecnologia tem sido útil no desenvolvimento do Jiu-Jitsu, pois ajuda a melhorar o treinamento dos praticantes e a disseminar informações. O esporte é capaz de oferecer oportunidades para as pessoas viverem bem no Brasil ou em qualquer lugar do mundo. Quem for profissional vai colher as oportunidades e eu sou prova disso, estou colhendo os frutos. Muitas coisas mudaram na transição do Jiu-Jitsu para o mercado atual. Antes, o esporte era mais voltado para as pessoas que estavam interessadas no treinamento e nos resultados (competição). Hoje, contudo, a indústria do Jiu-Jitsu tem crescido aceleradamente e há uma grande demanda por seus serviços, um esporte para todos, onde podemos melhorar a qualidade de vida entre outras coisas”, comenta Raphael, que soma mais de 15 anos na faixa-preta.

Para Raphael, o cenário do grappling atual tem sido a principal porta para a propagação do esporte, de modo geral, mas não acredita em uma comparação entre as disputa de kimono.

“Acredito que as competições de grappling têm crescido cada vez mais e podem ser bastante bem-sucedidas, principalmente para aqueles praticantes que já entendem o Jiu-Jitsu”, afirma o faixa-preta. No entanto, em última análise, é importante lembrar que ambos os estilos de luta têm suas próprias qualidades e vantagens, e podem ser usados eficazmente para fins competitivos. Não creio que o grappling vá apagar as disputas de kimono. Eu acredito que vamos ter uma evolução maior de um estilo que por um tempo não foi tão explorado quanto os tempos atuais”, reflete o professor.

Estudioso, o professor Raphael tem acompanhado as competições de grappling e acompanhado o fenômeno Gordon Ryan, o maior atleta da atualidade. A seguir, ele analisa as principais diferenças do americano.

“Na minha visão, o que diferencia o Gordon Ryan dos demais é a sua dedicação e disciplina incomparáveis quando se trata do grappling”, destaca Barbosa. “Ele tem muito conhecimento sobre o jogo e um senso de liderança que se reflete em suas performances. Além disso, ele é uma inspiração para muitos praticantes quando se trata de marketing. Podemos tirar a parte boa em todas as coisas, não vou falar que concordo com tudo o que ele faz, mas na parte de promoção ele é diferenciado. Acredito que hoje ele fature muito mais que muitos atletas que estão no UFC”, analisa o professor.

Raphael Barbosa e seus alunos. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

Raphael Barbosa, brasileiro radicado em Dubai, é um dos principais faixas-pretas propagadores do Jiu-Jitsu nos Emirados Árabes. Praticante de Jiu-Jitsu desde novo e faixa-preta desde 2007, Raphael é o responsável pela metodologia da UFC Gym, no Oriente Médio, há mais de cinco anos. Ele só tem motivos para comemorar o crescimento do seu trabalho – não somente por conta dos resultados – mas pela evolução dos seus alunos.

Recentemente, o time liderado por Raphael e seu professores ficou na quarta colocação no AJP Festival, com um total de 151 academias em disputa. No master, a colocação do time foi no décimo sétimo lugar, mesmo com poucos competidores. Para Raphael, os resultados são apenas o início de algo grandioso para 2023.

“Fazendo uma análise dessa temporada, posso dizer que foi maravilhosa. A gente vem fazendo esse trabalho há seis anos. Nós fizemos algumas mudanças e podemos ver o crescimento da galera que desde a faixa-branca e laranja estão com a gente. Tive alunos em todas as competições conquistando o ouro esse ano. Os brancas também competiram nos festivais e conquistaram suas medalhas de ouro. Nós conseguimos no total 47 medalhas. Se compararmos com o Word Pro do ano passado, nós colocamos no geral 50 alunos e nesta edição que passou colamos 130 alunos. Praticamente, o número que colocamos no ano passado foi quase o número de medalhas que fizemos neste ano. Ficamos em quarto lugar no geral do Festival, sendo que haviam 151 academias. Alguns alunos, apesar da ausência da categoria master, lutaram de adulto no Festival e venceram. No master ficamos em décimo sétimo lugar, mas não tínhamos tantos alunos comparado aos primeiros dias no Festival e mesmo assim conseguimos um excelente resultado”, analisa o professor Raphael. Vale ressaltar que o time terá uma nova safra de atletas na faixa-roxa, isso abre a possibilidade de vencer em outros níveis de faixa nas competições.

Raphael é um dos principais propagadores do Jiu-Jitsu, em Dubai. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

Com trabalho a longo prazo, o que já vem gerando números expressivos, Raphael quer aumentar ainda mais o nível das escolas de Jiu-Jitsu da UFC Gym.

“Para a próxima temporada, planejo vir mais forte ainda e com um crescimento para o UFC não só nestas quatro academias que temos, mas para mais duas que estamos abrindo. Vamos vir maiores e mais fortes na próxima temporada. Meu plano é o meu time de professores, quero poder estar mais perto deles para trocarmos experiências e juntos traçarmos estratégias para o desenvolvimento da equipe. Planejo fazer intercâmbio entre as academias, tanto no adulto quanto no infantil. Logo seremos seis academias, então teremos treino duro para todos. Também quero fazer algumas competições dentro da próxima UFC. Já estou ansioso para a próxima temporada”, projeta Raphael, que também é formado em Educação Física pela Universidade da Cidade.
Raphael também planeja voltar a competir, mas vai focar primeiro na evolução dos seus alunos. Ele acredita que ser apenas professor ajudou a polir o progresso de aprendizado deles, aliado ao excelente trabalho de todos os outros professores da rede UFC Gym, que também são direcionados pelo faixa-preta.

“Eu estou com um time de professores de, no máximo, um ano de casa. Então muita coisa tem que ser trabalhada, alinhada e ter todo mundo pensando em um objetivo só. O que percebi foi que eu consegui captar detalhes que quando a gente está treinando, mesmo que com os alunos, a gente não consegue ver. Eu fiquei um pouco de fora dos treinos para ficar observando e dando suporte aos alunos. Eu observava as suas limitações e erros e depois passava um treino específico para cada um. Acho que foi uma lição que ficou para mim. Eu planejo voltar ao cenário de competição, foi uma experiência válida e interessante. Vamos ver”, diz Raphael.

O brasileiro, recentemente, formou mais dois alunos como faixas-pretas. O destaque vai para o romeno Marius Varlan, que é treinado por Raphael desde a faixa-roxa. Seus resultados expressivos foram duas medalhas de prata, conquistadas no World Pro e Ju Jitsu Championship, em Abu Dhabi.

Raphael and his students celebrate their victory. Photo: Personal Archive

Raphael Barbosa, a Brazilian living in Dubai, is among the main black-belts propagating jiujitsu in the UAE. A jiujitsu practitioner since his youth and black-belt since 2007, Raphael has been responsible for the methodology of UFC Gym, in the Middle East, for more than five years. He has nothing but reasons to celebrate the growth of his work—not just because of the results—but due to the evolution of his students.

Recently, the team lead by Raphael and his teachers placed fourth out of 151 gyms at the AJP Festival. In the masters, the team finished in 17th, despite having just a few representatives. In Raphael’s opinion, these results are but the beginning of something big for 2023.

“Analyzing this season, I can say it was wonderful. We’ve been doing this work for six years. We made some changes and can see the growth of the guys who have been with us from the white and orange belts. I’ve had students in all competitions winning gold this year. The white-belts also competed in the festivals and won their gold medals. We collected 47 medals in total. If we compare this to last year’s World Pro, we generally put 50 students, and in this recent edition we put 130 students. Practically, the number we put last year was almost the number of medals we won this year. We placed fourth overall at the Festival, and there were 151 gyms. Some students, despite their absence in the masters, fought as adults in the Festival and won. In the masters we placed 17th, but we didn’t have as many students compared to the Festival’s first days, and even so we achieved an excellent result,” analyzes Prof. Raphael. It’s worth stressing that the team is about to have a new crop of athletes in the purple belt. This opens up the possibility of winning at other levels in future competitions.

Raphael is one of the top black belts in Dubai

With long-term work, which has already been yielding expressive numbers, Raphael wants to raise the level of UFC Gym’s jiujitsu schools even more.

“For the next season, I plan to arrive even stronger and with growth for UFC Gym not just in these four schools we have, but for two more that we’re opening. We’re going to show up bigger and stronger in the next season. My plan is my team of teachers; I want to be able to be closer to them for us to exchange experiences and together lay out strategies for the team’s development. I plan to promote exchange amongst the schools, both in the adults’ and kids’ age groups. Soon we’ll be six gyms, so we’ll have tough training available for everyone. I also want to host some competitions in the next UFC Gym. I’m already anxious for the coming season,” says Raphael, who also has a degree in physical education. Raphael also plans to go back to competing, but first he’ll focus on the evolution of his students. He believes that being only a teacher has helped him polish their learning progress, coupled with the excellent work by all the other teachers from the UFC Gym schools, who are also led by him.

“I have a team of teachers who have, at most, one year working with us. So there’s a lot to work, line up and have everybody thinking in just one goal. What I noticed is that I managed to capture details that when we’re training, even if with the students, we can’t see. I’ve sat out the training sessions a bit to keep observing and providing support to the students. I’d observe their limitations and mistakes and then I’d give each one a specific training program. I believe that was a lesson that lingered for me. I plan to go back to the competitive scene—that was a valid and interesting experience. We’ll see,” says Raphael.

Recently, the Brazilian promoted two more black-belts. One of them is Romania’s Marius Varlan, who has been training with Raphael since he was a purple-belt. His noteworthy results are two silver medals, won at the World Pro and Ju Jitsu Championship, in Abu Dhabi.

Raphael Barbosa is a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Photo: Personal archive

Raphael Barbosa is among the most renowned teachers in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This 39-year-old has over 25 years of experience across classes, seminars and competition. A black-belt since 2007, when he was promoted by his teacher Luís Cláudio, Raphael teaches Jiu-Jitsu at the gym from Ultimate Fight Champion, known as UFC Gym, which has over 400 students just in the gi classes.

The owner of a unique methodology, full of steps for preparing a good student on their journey to the black belt, Raphael in a recent interview explained that his teaching belongs to a Gracie lineage, due to his teacher’s education under the legendary Rickson. Additionally, his students have been achieving better and better results on and even off the mat, given that he also uses the sport as a tool for personal growth.

“Jiu-Jitsu is a unique sport; it provides many things beyond maneuvers and moves,” Raphael said. “On the mat, you learn to be a better person, a more patient person. You become more confident, believe in yourself more, and that is reflected in your life. It’s perceptible to notice that in the white-belts, because they come in with no confidence and with fear, but as time passes, they become confident, they believe more in their own effort. I really like Jiu-Jitsu because of that. No matter how much knowledge you have, the sport is always going to teach you something more. It’s one of the strongest tools for personal growth in the world.”

Below we organized a list of five concepts shared by Raphael. He views these as important for a student’s evolution, regardless of their belt color.

1 Not skipping the process: “The practitioner needs to respect the process! We know that Jiu-Jitsu is a very complex sport and demands lots of motor coordination, and explores all of the student’s physical functions. Because of this complexity of movements, especially when it’s time to put it into practice, many students get frustrated, and there’s always that question: ‘Professor, when will I be able to do all these moves automatically?’ I see that this is a constant occurrence in beginners’ classes. Within this concept, here at UFC Gym, I place beginners’ classes separate from the others, where I teach them the entirety of the ABCs. They perform drills thousands of times, and, until they reach the second degree, I don’t even let them spar on their own. First they will learn how the whole process of a well-done technique works.”

2 Studying Jiu-Jitsu: “It’s necessary to study how Jiu-Jitsu was created, to know the story of the Gracie family. Understand how the promotion system works, the scoring — how everything surrounding the sport works. In order to know what you are doing, to know the basics to get a better understanding. A white-belt needs to know these things so as not to get lost.”

3 Practicing self-defense: “Jiu-Jitsu was created for this, for the smaller person to be able to defend themselves against the bigger one. So never ditch self-defense — we never know when we’ll need to use it. The white-belt usually ends up trying to learn advanced Jiu-Jitsu online, instead of learning what they really need, and ends up hindering the evolution process.”

4 Practicing takedowns: “Jiu-Jitsu starts standing, and lots of gyms neglect this! I see lots of sparring done only on the ground, and sometimes on the knees. The takedown side of things is essential for the student to learn. Practice Jiu-Jitsu as a progression!”

5 Listening to the body: “Respecting your body’s limit is essential! Sometimes, a white-belt, in that endeavor to evolve or prove something to themselves, to the teacher and to training partners, ends up not tapping to and armbar, not tapping to a choke… Then they end up blacking out or getting arms popped, causing an injury. This can’t happen — it’s foolish! If the student really loves Jiu-Jitsu, they will want to practice it for the rest of their life, but by acting that way they will only be shortening the journey. Think about it!”