Professor Ivan Rocha among Gregor and his wife Camila Almeida. Photo: Personal Files

Is it the winning team that makes a gold medalist athlete, or are the young champions the ones who forge a winning team?

Black belt and leader of GB in Tampa, Florida, champion Ivan Rocha has reaped the rewards of persistent work and an intelligent training philosophy that seeks to motivate young athletes without harmful pressure.

In recent months, the professor known as Cabecinha has seen his son and his purple belt wife win Pan-American gold.

His son, young Gregor Rocha, won the Pan Kids. Instructor Camila Almeida became Pan-American champion while still a blue belt.

In a conversation with the GRACIEMAG.com team, the experienced Ivan reflected on the paths and pitfalls that young competitors face, and gave essential lessons on motivation, parental support, and training philosophy. To learn more, follow @GBtampa.citruspark on Instagram.

GRACIEMAG: What mistakes do parents and teachers often make at the beginning of a young champion’s journey?

IVAN “CABECINHA” ROCHA: When the dream of creating a champion becomes greater than the child’s development, the consequence can be the loss of the joy of training. This happens for various reasons, but the biggest enemy of young athletes is excessive pressure. It’s that forcing of the issue that only brings emotional pressure and harms the child and everyone around them.

Are there other mistakes?

Yes, several. Another very common mistake in Jiu-Jitsu and other sports is constantly comparing their child to other athletes. They forget that each child has their own pace of development. Parents have a fundamental role in support, encouragement, and example – it’s necessary to be aware that champions are built with patience, discipline, and love for what they do, not just with the pursuit of medals and titles. I’ve seen many talents give up not for lack of skill, but for excessive pressure. The role of parents is not to be a coach, referee, or enforcer. It’s to be the child’s safe haven.

In your experience, how can family become a truly safe haven?

When a child knows they will be supported regardless of the outcome, they develop confidence and have a much greater chance of reaching their true potential. I made many mistakes in this process with my son, Gregor. As a father and teacher at the same time, it was often difficult to separate these two roles. At times, the coach’s demands ended up overshadowing the father’s perspective.

How did you correct this in yourself?

It’s all about time and wisdom, that ability to see that things aren’t working and correct course. I gradually learned that my son needed my support and understanding more than my demands. It was a learning process for me too. Little by little, I’ve been seeking this balance, understanding that the formation of an athlete is important, but the formation of a happy and confident human being is even more valuable. Finding this balance has been a constant learning process.

What was your attitude when you called him up for tournaments?

Well, I never forced him to compete. The decision to participate in championships was always his, and I always respected his choices. What I told him, since he was little, was that I would really like to see him become a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu one day. And not because of medals or titles, but because I know the transformative impact that Jiu-Jitsu has on people’s lives. After more than 25 years living this sport, I know that the true value of Jiu-Jitsu goes far beyond competitions. It teaches discipline, respect, perseverance, humility, and confidence. My greatest desire has never been just to create a champion on the mat, but to help shape a man prepared for life’s challenges.

How did you manage to keep the fun side of the competition?

Balancing fun and results is one of the biggest challenges for any family involved in competitive sports. Gregor is 15 years old now, he trains and competes at a high level, so naturally there are responsibilities, goals, and sacrifices. But I always tried to remember that, before being an athlete, he’s a teenager. There are times when he needs to give up outings, parties, or being with friends to train or compete. It’s part of the choice for those seeking great results. At the same time, I believe he needs to live the normal experiences of his age, create memories, have fun, and enjoy his youth.

So it’s all a matter of communication. Dialogue and eye contact, always. Like anything else in life, actually.

Exactly, the balance happens through dialogue – between father and children, between students and teachers. Not everything can be training and competition, just as not everything can be fun. We try to organize the routine so that he can pursue his goals on the mats without losing his adolescence, you know?

And what do you say to Gregor and other young students so that they understand all this?

I often repeat that results cannot define the happiness of a young athlete. If he wins, great. If he loses, life goes on. Sport needs to be a tool for growth and not a source of harmful pressure. When this balance exists, the athlete can evolve, compete at a high level and, at the same time, enjoy the journey.

Ivan, how do you motivate your son after a potentially bad result?

My first reaction is to remind my son that his worth isn’t tied to a medal or the outcome of a competition. In sports, winning and losing are part of the growth process. Whenever a championship ends, regardless of the result, our first message to him is: “It’s okay. Keep your head up. We love you very much. We’re a team, and winning or losing, we’ll always be together.” The child needs to feel that the love and support of the family don’t depend on the result they had that day. I also try to show him how proud I am, but not because of the medals.

What are you most proud of about Gregor today?

My greatest pride is seeing the human being he is becoming. Seeing his character, his discipline, his humility, his courage, and the way he treats people. That’s worth much more than any title. As a father, that’s the greatest reward I can receive. Afterwards, we talk about what we learned from that experience. We analyze together what went well and what can be improved. And the message is always the same: let’s train together, let’s evolve together, and let’s prepare for the next opportunity. I always say that the true champion isn’t the one who never loses. The true champion is the one who never gives up and is always striving to improve, whether in competitions, training, or personal life. That’s what I try to teach him every day.

And you have your own medals and mementos to help him with that, right?

Exactly. Because, in the end, the medals are kept in a box, but the values that sport teaches last a lifetime. We strive for him to have a champion’s mindset. If that’s what he truly wants for his life, then he needs to stay strong, with discipline, focus, and an ever-growing desire to improve.

How do you measure the progress of your students?

It’s something much broader than just the color of the medal. Winning championships is great, it’s important, it’s the goal of any athlete who competes at a high level, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to win. But we emphasize that the most important thing is not to forget the incredible human being they are becoming, and will continue to become. Because true progress isn’t just in the result, but in how they grow as a person. Having a champion’s mindset means continuing to improve every day, even after victories or defeats. It’s about learning, adjusting, persisting, and never giving up. That’s what we try to build in them: a strong mentality on the mat and an even better person outside the gym.

What were your assessments of his performance at the Pan Kids, in the two fights he had?

The Pan Kids is always a special experience because it brings together the best young athletes in the world and demands not only technique but also emotional maturity. In this edition, he had two very solid fights. In the first match, he was winning 8-0 and managed to finish with great control and precision. In the final, he won 5-0, also with a consistent performance from start to finish, maintaining total control of the fight. A detail is that in both fights, he didn’t concede any points or advantages, which shows the level of dominance and confidence he displayed during the competition. It was incredible; after all, he fought intelligently and strategically, forcing his opponents into his game. He managed to dictate the pace and impose his style, something that has been extensively trained and built over time. More than the victories, what caught my attention was this technical and mental mastery. Overall, it was a productive competition. The result came, but the most important thing was how he competed: with intelligence, control, and maturity. This shows that all the work has been well done and confirms that he is on the right track.

“Sempre fui muito competitivo e um dos fatores que atraiu a minha atenção para o Jiu-Jitsu foi o fato de que qualquer pessoa, independente de idade ou forma física, podia competir”, relembra o professor Ivan Rocha, o Cabecinha, nosso GMI à frente da escola Gracie Barra Citrus Park, em Tampa, na Flórida.

“Lutei meu primeiro campeonato ainda na adolescência, com dois meses de treino e pesando 64Kg. Foi uma sensação única, um misto de empolgação e alegria que alimentaram ainda mais a minha crescente paixão pelo Jiu-Jitsu. Competi bastante até a faixa-roxa, mas decidi me dedicar mais às aulas e acabei desacelerando na marrom e na preta. Queria que meus alunos sentissem a mesma alegria que eu sentia no Jiu-Jitsu, então preferi dedicar meu tempo a alimentar esse sentimento de conquista em cada um deles”, diz Cabecinha.

“É muito gratificante ver meus alunos superarem desafios e lutarem com paixão para conquistar o pódio. Essa emoção é algo que pude sentir com frequência, por conta da equipe forte e competitiva em que me formei na Itália. Para um professor, essa é uma experiência que não tem preço, é o sonho de todo profissional que se dedica ao ensino. Ver a vitória dos meus alunos é algo que me completa e me faz feliz.”

GRACIEMAG: Em que ano você pegou a faixa-preta e das mãos de quem? Qual a melhor memória deste dia?
Conquistei a faixa-preta em 2010, pelas mãos do meu amigo Alexandre Batatinha, na Itália. Após longos dez anos de Jiu-Jitsu, receber a preta com o tatame cheio, cercado de alunos e amigos, foi uma experiência única e inexplicável. A energia naquele dia era só amizade, alegria e parceria, conseguia sentir que todos estavam felizes pela minha conquista. Diante de tudo isso, não aguentei e chorei igual uma criança (risos). Sempre digo que a emoção desse dia só perde para o nascimento do meu filho, que foi o dia mais emocionante da minha vida.

Qual o melhor ensinamento da sua época de atleta que você sempre passa aos seus alunos?
Gosto de ressaltar a importância de dar o nosso melhor em tudo que fazemos. Com amor, foco e disciplina, nenhuma meta é impossível e nenhum objetivo é inalcançável. Aprendi isso na minha fase de competidor, quando lutava com raça e sem dar importância às dificuldades, sempre focado na alegria de simplesmente estar na arena e me testar. Ensino aos meus alunos que a técnica e a vontade caminham lado a lado, sempre dependendo uma da outra para que você seja triunfante. Esses dois fatores dependem apenas da dedicação, que por sua vez depende do quanto você quer ser vitorioso.

Entre os talentos da academia, o filho Gregor Rocha (foto acima).  

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.

Tampa, Flórida – Em um feito impressionante, o professor Lucas Vebber, da cidade de Tampa, sagrou-se campeão estadual de Taekwondo em 2025 logo em seu primeiro ano de competição no circuito americano.

A conquista foi fruto de uma campanha consistente e vitoriosa em diversos torneios realizados pelo país. O destaque inicial veio já na estreia, durante o Campeonato Mundial (aberto) em Phoenix, onde Lucas garantiu o primeiro lugar e acumulou uma pontuação expressiva. Em seguida, manteve o excelente desempenho nas etapas realizadas em Pittsburgh, Orlando e Fort Worth, subindo ao pódio em todas as competições.

Com a maior pontuação em sua categoria, Lucas Vebber foi oficialmente declarado campeão estadual na modalidade de Armas, consolidando seu nome entre os grandes atletas do Taekwondo nos Estados Unidos.

Agora, o professor se prepara para um novo desafio: disputar o Campeonato Mundial de Taekwondo, que acontece em julho de 2025, novamente na cidade de Phoenix. Com a experiência e o currículo conquistado neste primeiro ano de circuito, Lucas entra na competição com grandes chances de alcançar o título mundial.

O duelo estava programado para cinco rounds, mas o brasileiro de mãos pesadas resolveu a disputa em menos de cinco minutos. Com uma sequência forte e uma direita precisa, Glover desligou Rashad, que caiu apagado no pprimeiro assalto.

Confira o lance que deu a rápida vitória à Glover Teixeira no vídeo abaixo!

Lyoto e Dan fariam sua revanche neste sábado. Foto: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Co-evento principal do UFC em Tampa, agendado para o próximo sábado, Lyoto Machida x Dan Henderson foi retirado do card. A Agência Antidoping dos EUA, a USADA, notificou o brasileiro por uso de substâncias proibidas em exame feito antes do combate, e o ex-campeão assumiu o uso de tal componente.

O esteroide em questão é conhecido como 7-Keto, um suplemento que contém Desidroepiandrosterona(DHEA). Lyoto assumiu o uso do produto, mas negou o conhecimento que o mesmo estaria na lista de substâncias banidas pela agência, inclusive alegando que a mesma só havia sido inclusa na lista em 2016.

Confira a declaração do UFC sobre o caso:

“A organização do UFC foi notificada nesta quarta-feira (13) pela Agência Antidoping dos Estados Unidos (USADA), a administradora independente da Política Antidoping do UFC, que Lyoto Machida declarou o uso de uma substância proibida durante a coleta de uma amostra para teste fora de período de competição na semana passada.

Machida afirmou não saber que a substância era proibida para uso tanto dentro quanto fora do período de competição e, de acordo com a Política Antidoping do UFC, a admissão do uso será levada em consideração pela USADA durante qualquer potencial processo de gestão de resultados e adjudicação.

Perante esta informação, o UFC decidiu remover Machida de sua luta contra Dan Henderson, que estava marcada para este sábado (16) em Tampa, na Flórida (EUA). Henderson terá uma nova luta marcada em um futuro próximo.”

Machida, por sua vez, gravou um vídeo para explicar a situação e se desculpar com os fãs do UFC:

O Ultimate deve se posicionar, nos próximos dias, sobre os próximos passos da carreira de Lyoto. O evento em Tampa, nos EUA, segue com sua luta principal, entre Glover Teixeira e Rashad Evans.

It was the last chance for competitors to secure a travel package for the 2015 WPJJC, next April, in Abu Dhabi.

With all the spots filled, the organizers confirm that the champions of each division are already being contacted for travel arrangements.

Here is highlights video of the action in Tampa.

AJ Agazarm went for it against Telles to secure gold

The second leg of the US Pro Nationals takes place this Saturday, Feb. 28, in Tampa, Florida.

It’s the final chance for competitors to win a free package to travel to the 2015 WPJJC, next April, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Among many names, black belts Roberto Traven, Magid Hage IV, AJ Agazarm, Timothy Springs, Cleber Luciano, Tammy Griego are some of the most well known athletes.

Click here for more info on the competition.

Marcos Souza celebrates the title at the 2013 WPJJC, in Abu Dhabi

The final deadline for you to register for the US Pro Nationals in Tampa, Florida is Feb. 23.

It’s your last chance to compete for a chance to travel to the 2015 World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, in Abu Dhabi, on April 22-25.

The event in Florida is scheduled Feb. 28.

Watch the teaser bellow and register here now.

Prepared for the US National Pro Florida in Tampa, Florida in Feb. 28? Once your travel is booked, you gotta sign up!

The event will be held at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

The registration period for the discounted rate is ending today, Feb. 11. The price per person is currently $75 and by tomorrow, Feb. 12 until Feb. 23 the price will rise to $95.

Sign up to compete for the travel package that will send you to the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in April.

In order to win the travel package you must win the designated division, whether it be the weight class or the absolute based on your belt rank. You can find more information about prizes at www.uaejjf.org

You can still register at www.usprobjj.com

The US National Pro hit Santa Barbara on Jan. 11 and handed out fully-paid travel packages to compete at the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship to those who won their respective divisions.

The event gathered names like Magid Hage, Clark Gracie, Mackenzie Dern, Wellington Megaton Dias, Eliott Kelly and more.

You can still register for the event in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 28 to win a chance at earning the travel package. Find out more information and register at www.usprojj.com

Watch the highlights of the Santa Barbara tournament below:

Two different states will hold three different chances to enhance technique and mental skills for both men and women from any team.

The Fusion Jiu-Jitsu Seminar with Robson Moura & Gustavo Dantas is going back to Tampa, Florida on April 5. This will mark its fifth edition at Robson Moura’s JJ Academy located at 11220 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33615. The seminar will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Learn knowledge that covers specific techniques, tips, and drills focused on strengthening and fine tuning in your competitive game. The seminar will also feature three special guests: Bruno Bastos, Marcelo Pereira and Jean Rotondaro.

Also, in addition to the Fusion seminar, Gustavo Dantas will be teaching a Mental Skills training class called “Inner discovery for outer success” on Friday, April, 4 at the Robson Moura’s Academy from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Do you feel that you perform in competition the same way you do in practice?

This one hour and a half 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 during competition. Gustavo breaks down five tips that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving the success that you desire. For more info about Gustavo’s program, please visit www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

Another event going on that same weekend is on Sunday, April 6, is the women’s camp. Women’s coach, judo black belt & #1 IBJJF rankings purple belt adult lightweight competitor Sarah Black of GDJJ will be conducting a female-only camp from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

All school are welcome at each event. For full into, go to www.gdjjevents.com

See what Gustavo Dantas has planned for his mental skills seminar in this video: