Photo: Carlos Ozório

After three years removed from competition, Roberto “Gordo” Correa is another of the big name black belts to stick his neck out at the coming International Masters and Senior championship. The leader of Gordo-Evolve Jiu-Jitsu team will compete as a senior, but also hints that he may show up in the adult division in coming championships.

“Three years ago I competed at the Brazilian Team Nationals as an adult and this will be the first time I compete in this age group. What I really like is competing against the kids, but I’m going to compete as a senior,” he tells GRACIEMAG.com.

Although it is only the first time for him among the veterans, Gordo knows it won’t be without hardships.

“The match duration is really short, but I don’t feel in good enough shape to compete in the adult division. I had surgery on my knee and was on ice for a year. Last year I was out of shape, but I love competing and I’m going for it this time,” says the black belt, who comments on how training went:

“I’m training with my students daily. I picked up the pace, but I didn’t do anything special. Of course I want to win, but if I just have some good matches that will be great,” he says in finishing.

At Gordo-Evolve, among students. Photo: Carlos Ozório