Photo: Milena Maldonado

As a brown-belt, in 2019, Jéssica Caroline had her best moment when she topped off a strong phase with titles in the IBJJF’s Pan and World Championship in Long Beach, California.

The two medals resulted in Jéssica, 27, being promoted black-belt atop the podium of the last Worlds, prior to the pandemic. Since then, the Alessandro Nunes-trained athlete won the South American and the Rio Open, and placed second in the Brazilian Nationals—all three events held by IBJJF/CBJJ in Brazil.

“In 2019 it was an incredible experience; I was really well prepared, I felt really good in all the fights I had, thus winning the title of champion,” she said. “This year I’m feeling great too, focused and training a lot… I’m going to give it my maximum to bring this title home again, now in the black belt.”

Asked about the state of the roosterweight division, the PAX Academy athlete added: “My category is quite interesting! There are some girls I’ve never fought, all at a high level. I’m anxious and excited! I want it to come soon, because it’s going to be a war.

“I’m prepared and confident; my training sessions have been difficult, and that makes me confident. Nothing can be harder than my training.”

A black-belt since September 2019, Jéssica also spoke of what she thinks it takes to win the World Championship, which is set to start on December 9 in Anaheim, California.

“It’s impossible for you to have success at the Worlds without having the discipline to train right and eat well,” she said. “That’s the work I’ve been doing in the course of all these years. I have a training routine, and discipline to do what’s right and say no to the distractions. When it’s fight time, I also like to see each fight as final, and, in my mind, the person who dictates the pace of the fight is me. That’s the path I’ll follow to become world champion!”

Check out below one of Jéssica’s fights from the 2019 Worlds in California.

The brazilian athlete dreams of seeing the world through Jiu-Jitsu. Photo: Personal archive

Hailing from Manaus, Amazonas, Kalel Santos is one of the stars of jiu-jitsu’s new generation. Trained by Cícero Costha in Ipiranga, São Paulo, the young black-belt is part of the pool of talent currently making the roosterweight division so competitive. He’s coming off some important victories in events from the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour’s Grand Slam, such as his gold medals attained in Rio de Janeiro, London, Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles.

A black-belt of one year, Kalel is excited about the challenges the sport’s elite offers in competition. His dream is to win the IBJJF’s World Championship and give his family a better life through the sport.

“Jiu-jitsu is a professional sport, and today we can have the certainty of improving our lives through the sport. I’m very happy for this,” he said in a recent interview. “I come from Manaus and have several examples of people who made it in jiu-jitsu. I have the dream of winning the Worlds and improving my family’s life. I want to travel the world, get to know new cultures and have my own gym. I dream of setting up a social project to give kids opportunities, also.”

With no-gi competitions experiencing a high tide, Kalel will be fighting at the IBJJF’s Pan this month in Houston, Texas. This is the second-biggest yearly no-gi tournament, after the No-Gi Worlds.

“About my division, I usually say it’s a category of fast, precise guys, where you can’t afford to make mistakes. Since no-gi makes the fight faster, I will prioritize my strategy of starting out ahead and exploiting my opponent’s errors. It’s all about having control! I usually play guard a lot, however I like passing more. It’s a complete game.”

A representative of Submit Your Friend/Cicero Costha, a gym in the United States, Kalel wrapped up by talking about how his training has been going at the biggest hub for sport jiu-jitsu:

“My training sessions here are very productive, and most of my friends are here. Because of that, sometimes we set up a camp where the training gets even better — the lighter guys plus the friends from team Cícero Costha.”

Caio Terra in the no-gi absolute. Photo: Hoong Giang

Caio Terra, a roosterweight, has made his way back into the competition circuit. The black belt world champion has been out of the tournament scene due to complications with his health. While not completely healed or healthy, he couldn’t help the itch to compete and entered the 2014 IBJJF Chicago Summer Open on Aug. 9-10.

On Sunday, he entered the no-gi absolute and was able to defeat two opponents for the gold including an ultra-heavyweight in the final. The division held two fight for him which he won both by points. The first was won by 6-2 and the final was 11-4 in his favor.

Caio admitted he was exhausted but managed to push through the matches to do what he loves.

Check out the final match here:

Outi Jarvilehto with the gold. Photo: Erin Herle

For the first time in the history of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, the females had a roosterweight category. On the second day of the 2014 World Championship in Long Beach, CA, the blue and purple belt females of the new division entered the mat.

The purple belts had 11 while the blue belts had 20 in the roosterweight category, the fifth and fourth most populated divisions respectively. This proves that there have been many females often too light to be in the light-featherweight division, the lowest division prior to now. Don’t let the baggi gis fool you because many of these women struggled until now, where the two champions of the second day at the Worlds have earned their gold in their own division.

Blue belt

Katie Yamashita with the win. Photo: Erin Herle

Katie Yamashita of Alliance at Cobrinha BJJ was able to earn the gold in the blue belt category after previous attempts to bulk up to a stronger weight as a light-featherweight. Katie had five matches with one submission. Her toughest match came when she was put in closed guard because “I train a lot of open guard but not a lot of closed guard defense”.

She began training in Jiu-Jitsu three years ago in her boyfriend’s garage where she trained for a year before moving to Cobrinha’s where her boyfriend trains. Now she trains five times a week while working full-time and works out three times a week. Last year she lost at the Pans and the Worlds because she her spider guard was “smashed” in the light-featherweight category.

Triangle set-up in the final. Photo: Erin Herle

“I feel like having the roosterweight division is more fair. It’s supposed to be about technique and when I was in light-feather I struggled because I was smaller,: she explains. The difference in opponents came in loud and clear. In the future she plans to continue her strength and conditioning to keep training hard and keep getting stronger.

Purple belt

Outi in the final. Photo: Erin Herle

The purple belt roosterweight gold was claimed by Brasa CTA athlete Outi Järvilehto from Finland. The 27-year-old veterinarian had three matches with two submissions in the form of a choke from the back and an armbar. Her toughest match against Maria Henderson was decided in literally the last two seconds as she secured an armbar submission while down by two points.

As a full-time veterinarian she works both the morning shift and the night shift but still tries to train twice a day with strength and conditioning as well. “I don’t always get to do all the training that I plan” she says, but she makes it in as often as she can.

She has been training a total of seven years in Finland but for the last three years she and her boyfriend, Tuomas Tammelehto, have traveled to the camp under Caio Terra that is held one week prior to the Worlds tournament. Her academy, Oulun Kamppailuklubi is under Brasa and Demian Maia and led by her professor, Tomi Kaaerela and Tuomas.

You can check out the partial results so far of the 2014 World Championship here. And albums of photos on the Graciemag Facebook page here.

Joao Miyao wins the gold at the 2014 Abu Dhabi World Pro. Photo: Ivan Trindade

As with every World Championship, the choice of division for each black belt is a careful strategy. You’ll find that many athletes enter divisions that are below their normal weight categories. Some will even enter a division much higher than their walking weight. But the sacrifice is always evident even before the first day of competition.

For young black belts Joao and Paulo Miyao of Cicero Costha, they have entered various divisions together and separately over the years. At some tournaments like the 2014 Pan and the 2014 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship they both entered the same division. At the WPJJC in April, Joao was able to defeat Thiago Marques in the semi-final by one advantage after Marques defeated Paulo by referee decision. He went on to win the gold in the -64kg division. When not avenging each other, they often meet in the middle to close out the finals as they did at the Pan in late March.

The Miyaos faced each other in the finals of the 2013 Abu Dhabi World Pro. Photo: Dan Rod

Entering roosterweight

This year at the Worlds, neither of them have planned to be in the featherweight category as they have frequented before. And instead of both entering the light-feather category, each wants their chance to win an individual gold and Joao has moved down to the roosterweight category, a place he hasn’t been for awhile.

I asked Joao why he made this move and his answer was simple: “I am light and I think I can make rooster.”

Originally signed up for roosterweight at the Brazilian Nationals this past weekend on May 1-4, Joao went back up to light-feather prior to the day of competition as Paulo went up to featherweight.

But what does this mean for the twin who faces new opponents in the rooster category? Caio Terra of CTA and Bruno Malfacine of Alliance, the two top stars who have rivaled in the finals for years now, have owned the roosterweight division thus far. They both have yet to submit their registration but have intentions to do so. Also in the division is Milton Bastos who placed second at the 2014 Pan. Fabbio Passos of Alliance and Ivaniel Oliveira of Checkmat have yet to register but are worthy opponents for the Miyao as well.

Twenty seconds for action in double-guard?

Joao with an armbar at the 2014 Pan. Photo: Erin Herle

And perhaps one of the most important changes for Joao and other smaller competitors is the new rule regarding double guard-pulling. If competitors in double-guard don’t advance position within 20 seconds of their bums planting on the mat, both competitors will be made to stand. This action will be determined by submission attempts or “imminent” movement towards a point-scoring move. If one comes up for the advantage to play top within the 20 seconds, the danger of being stood up is voided.

Joao supports the rule and when asked if he’d come up on top in a double guard situation, he said he would. We may see more of the Miyaos on top if their berimbolo attempts while in double guard are not seen as enough action. It isn’t an issue Joao seems to worry about and should he come up to pass, we’re likely to see a toureando pass since it’s his favorite.

The ultimate goal

Given that this is Joao’s first attempt at a black belt world title, his life goal could be reached within a matter of weeks. If you didn’t know, the Miyaos have one priority: competition. Their goal they are most motivated to achieve, the one they set their eyes upon over all other titles along the way is the black belt world champion title.

I wanted to know if Joao saw his life changing at all should he accomplish this on that first weekend of June. He didn’t understand the question. I don’t know if it was Google translate failing me or if the idea just didn’t hold any weight in his mind. I tried to ask if it was more about the journey rather than the destination–that saying we always talk about that would best cover up the issue of greed for titles.

He said, “I want to win more and more until I cannot fight anymore.”

It’s possibly the most grandiose idea I’ve ever heard from him. The Miyaos don’t think about the future like most. They don’t question their life’s purpose or what they’re going to do when they’re older. They only think of the now. Joao’s “now” is the Worlds and if he does accomplish the title, getting past multiple-time black belt world champions in the process, he’ll look forward to the next tournament on his agenda rather than settle. Or be satisfied. He’ll look to the next time he can fight for the world title.

Go for your own goal

Over the next couple of weeks while we wait for more names on the athlete list, submit your own registration to be included in the historical event in Long Beach, CA. From May 28-June 1 the Walter Pyramid will be provide this year’s most thrilling matches.

Register by May 19 at www.ibjjf.org

Joao Miyao vs. Thiago Bravo Santos in the 2014 WPJJC -64kg final:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4FcHEp9oCQ

Caio at the 2013 Pans. Photo: Ivan Trindade

When the registration period for the 2014 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship winded down, we saw many black belts commit their names to the brackets. One in particular was Caio Terra, a multiple-time world champion at roosterweight who signed up for the ultra-heavyweight division. While he’s not a stranger to open weight divisions, the larger tournaments have never seen his name there.

The brackets were set and while we anticipated hearing the reason Caio entered a division of men who weigh well over 220 pounds with only 130 pounds to his name, he dropped out of the competition. Due to health reasons that are still unknown, Caio must rest rather than compete or train — a tough thing to do for a Jiu-Jitsu world champion.

Here’s what Caio had to say about his initial intentions and goals and how illness changed his plans:

GRACIEMAG: Why did you sign up for ultra-heavyweight division when you’re normally a roosterweight?

CAIO TERRA: I entered the ultra-heavy because I wanted to show the world that my Jiu-Jitsu works for everyone. I would have done the open but I am not sure my body could handle the 5+ matches and then the next day fight another 3-4 in my weight class. I believe in pushing myself and my limits, one step at a time.

Why are you dropping out of the championship?

I was having an amazing camp and was feeling the best I’ve felt in years. Last Thursday I had a very bad headache. A few people at camp got a little sick so I rested a day thinking I had the same thing. The next day my headache was so bad I couldn’t walk. I typically never go to the doctor but was very worried. The doctor gave me a shot because they thought it was sinus related. I slept almost 20 hours and when I woke up felt rested but still had a very bad headache.

I went back to the doctor and they suggested I do some tests and rest. I asked that if I felt I was up to it if I could try and train. They said absolutely not. I then joked, “So competition is out of the question?” and was told very seriously that I shouldn’t joke about this.

As of now I don’t know what’s wrong. I do feel a little better but my vision still goes in and out. One of my students in Oregon had similar things and it turned out to be a tumor. This really put life in perspective. One minute I’m thinking about brackets and next I am praying I am healthy.

How will you dedicate your time instead?

Getting healthy. I might go down to coach, even though I need to rest a lot I want to be there for my team. They have always supported me and I’m very thankful.

Stay tuned for more information about Caio as well as the Pans this weekend.

Normally a roosterweight at the world championships of which he has received gold four times at black belt, Malfacine took on the absolute this time weighing in as a light-featherweight. But the difference in these pounds is insignificant compared to the blatant difference in size between Malfacine and his opponent on Saturday, ultra-heavyweight Guybson Sa of SAS Team.

See the semi-final match below:

Caio Terra works a sweep. Photo: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

Current roosterweight Jiu-Jitsu world champion black belt Caio Terra confirmed his presence at the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo this year, November 9-10 in Long Beach, California. The Jiu-Jitsu professor living in San Jose, CA will participate in one of the great superfight matches organized by Renzo Gracie, but it is still unknown whether it will be with or without the gi – it depends on the choice of the opponent.

To do well at the Expo, Caio chose not to fight the ADCC in Beijing in mid-October. He explained his choice to GRACIEMAG:

“It was an honor to be invited by both ADCC (for category up to 66kg) and the Expo. This would be my first time in ADCC but I had to decline because of the match at the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo. It would not be possible to fulfill all my calendar events, conduct various seminars that have already been scheduled and still train for two tournaments,” said Caio, who has a full schedule of seminars until the end of December.

“About the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, I believe it has all the elements to become a major annual event on the Jiu-Jitsu calendar; I’m excited to fight there again. If the reader has not yet attended, I recommend it as it’s insane! Free seminars with elite black belts, thrilling fights and an ability for fans to connect with their favorite fighters,” praised the knowledgeable Caio, another teacher who is already talking about investing in online training for students around the world.

“The internet is a good way for the teacher to connect with an audience and spread his Jiu-Jitsu knowledge without spending the entire year traveling. I am excited to launch it. I am often asked by students about having received my black belt very quickly, and I feel that I can teach others more about how to constantly evolve, things that have always worked for me,” said the roosterweight.

And what do you think? Who should face world champion Caio Terra at the 2013 World Jiu-Jitsu Expo?

Caio Terra vs. Laercio Fernandes. Photo: Ivan Trindade

The thirteenth reasons for supporting the 2013 World Championships is mostly for the spectators. Of course we can always learn from watching, the matches can also be pure entertainment. In this case, athletes shifting weight classes has something to do with that.

Reason #13: See new or rare match-ups from top athletes as they move weight classes.

Most of the time, competitors stay at the same weight class. Occasionally you will see athletes moving one or two or even a few as if to say they want a new challenge. But the top champions in one weight class tend to stay within their conquered divisions year after year.

This year one of the bigger moves by a champion is that of Caio Terra. We’ve seen the rooster weight compete as light feather many times before and we’ve seen him win in that category as well. He even competes in open classes and wins as the lightest guy to enter. But at the prestigious world championships he stays in his rooster division where his main opponent has always been Bruno Malfacine. Caio Terra has so far signed up as a light feather and although he mentioned that he could potentially still go back down to his home at rooster, he is competing in the higher division.

In this article he coaxes Bruno Malfacine to follow his footsteps and join the light feather division as well. There hasn’t been any confirmations, but we very well could see Malfacine in the mix as well leaving rooster weight so that others like Fabbio Passos, Felipe Costa, Rafael Freitas, Brandon Mullins and other natives can take their place in the finals. Malfacine is also one to move up to light feather at times, such as Pan Ams 2012 when he won the division.

Light feather has competitors like Guilherme Mendes who has been champion there three times as a black belt in 2009, 2011 and 2012. But he’s not the only threat in the division. Laercio Fernandes, Samuel Braga, Carlos Holanda Vieira, Samir Chantre just to name a few reside in the light feather category who can give both Caio and Bruno a good fight. Although these match-ups have happened before such as Laercio and Caio, Bruno and Guilherme and in both cases the rooster weights have won.

It will be interesting to see the light featherweight division and and what type of wrench this throws in the plans of some of the most dedicated and professional athletes. What do you think about the changes? Let us know!

[highlight]And if you haven’t signed up for yourself, you can click HERE to register and get more information!

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Caio Terra sunk a lightning-quick rear-naked choke in the roosterweight final. Photo by Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG.

Team Gracie Elite bantamweight Caio Terra had to get past two opponents to win gold yet again at the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, in Long Beach, California. And he completed his mission in style.

First he tapped out Levy Oliveira from back control. In the final, against Alliance’s Fabbio Passos, he sunk another quick and efficient choke.

Watch how Caio did it, and get inspired to train in Jiu-Jitsu today.

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

Caio Terra in action at 2011 Jiu-Jitsu Pan / Photo by Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG.com

The roosterweight winner of the 2011 Pan and runner-up at the 2012 Worlds, Caio Terra always makes a splash at Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. In the following video, the athlete and Jiu-Jitsu professor now residing in San Jose, California, demonstrates how he gets in shape for tournaments despite his busy seminar schedule.

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b2DBvYOYS8

Caio Terra in action in Jiu-Jitsu / Photo: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG.com

Top roosterweight Caio Terra (Cesar Gracie) wasn’t content to just win his division at the 2012 Pan this weekend in Irvine, California. The Rio de Janeiro-San Jose, California transplant beat his friend Rafael “Barata” Freitas (Gracie Barra) in the weight group final and then went straight to matside to study the Jiu-Jitsu going on in the match areas, forming opinions as hard-hitting as his style of fighting.

“To me Rafael Mendes would also win the absolute at the Pan, if he’d competed in it. I’d put money on him,” he told friends shortly after Rafa Mendes grabbed Rubens Cobrinha’s arm and coaxed a tapout in the featherweight final.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he’s the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world right now. I don’t think anyone doubts that anymore, especially with the superiority he showed at this Pan,” said Caio in conclusion.

The very Rafael Mendes (Atos) caught wind of Caio voicing his opinion, promptly disagreeing: “No way, no way…”

What do you think, gentle reader, who is right, Caio or Rafael?