Felipe Costa is a former professional jiu-jitsu competitor, and one of his generation’s main figures in the roosterweight division, who conquered world titles in all three (3) major federations in the sport (IBJJF, UAEJJF, and CBJJO). A black belt under Rodrigo Medeiros “Comprido”, Costa was most recognized for reaching the pinnacle of the sport as a black belt without having had much success at the highest level during his past colored belt career. This success he achieved in the pro-circuit was maintained throughout his career and spanned for 15 years in which Costa consistently maintained a top 3 rank in the division.
Felipe Costa Jiu Jitsu
Full Name: Felipe P. Costa e Silva
Nickname: N/A
Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Rodrigo Medeiros > Felipe Costa
Main Achievements (Adult):
- 1st Place IBJJF World Championships (2003)
- 1st Place CBJJO World Championships (2018)
- 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2008)
- 1st Place IBJJF Rio Open (2013)
- 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2007)
- 1st Place CBJJO Brazilian Cup (2009)
- 1st Place FJJR Rio State Championships (2010)
- 2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals NOGI (2011)
- 2nd Place FJJR Rio State Championships (2004 / 2008 / 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013)
- 2nd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2009 / 2010 / 2011)
- 3rd Place IBJJF World Championships (2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2012 / 2013)
Main Achievements (Masters):
- 1st Place UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro (2018)
- 1st Place IBJJF International Masters (2016 / 2013 / 2011 / 2010)
- 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2015)
- 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2015)
- 1st Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2019)
- 2nd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2014)
- 2nd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals NOGI (2016)
- 2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2011)
- 2nd Place CBJJO Brazilian Cup (2004)
- 2nd Place IBJJF International Masters (2009)
- 2nd Place IBJJF Rio Open (2011)
- 2nd Place FJJR Rio State Championships (2014 / 2015)
- 3rd Place CBJJ Brazilian Nationals (2005 / 2009)
- 3rd Place IBJJF International Masters (2008 / 2012)
- 3rd Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2013)
Weight Division: Peso Galo (57.5 kg / 126.5lbs)
Team/Association: Brasa Clube de Jiu Jitsu-URCA
Felipe Costa Biography
Felipe Costa was born on September 17, 1978, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Interested in martial arts for self-defense as a child, Felipe joined a jiu-jitsu club in 1991, an academy he represented from white to black belt, albeit, being coached by several different instructors over the years, at this same location. During his progression in the sport, Costa had Rodrigo Comprido as one of his mentors and it was Mr. “Comprido” who promoted Felipe to black belt in 2002.
Felipe’s competitive success, after earning his black belt, came as a surprise to many grappling outlets, particularly once Costa conquered his first world title in 2003. This due to Felipe’s past performances, having never placed on a podium of a major competition prior to receiving his black belt. Felipe had competed before in the lower belt divisions but had never won a major tournament (Mundials, Pan American, Europeans, etc).
​Another important landmark in Felipe’s popularity in the sport was the athlete’s first documentary. There he told the story of his steps into becoming World Championship, his underdog story got him many followers and people who admire his unusual steps to reach number one. In 2010 Felipe launched a series of online episodes called “Felipe 30+” in which he gave fans another eye on his path to the World Championships (the Mundial) after a serious injury. The episodes showed a bit of how Felipe programmed his recovery while showing a little of his private life – all these episodes were (and are still) available on YouTube.
Felipe Costa is also an active writer and posts many of his perspectives and experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on his social media. In 2020 Felipe announced his retirement and his last gold medal was in 2019 when became Brazilian National champion for the second time
Picture/Banner taken by BJJ Pix.
Felipe Costa Documentary
The weight class has the wrong weight.
Felipe competes in the Galo (Rooster) division and it's 57.5kg – 126.5lbs
Thanks Alex, nicely spotted!
My bad…
Andre
>>World Bronze Medallist (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009)
Just a note: Felipe also took bronze at this years 2010 mundials!!!
He joked that he now 'holds the record of bronze medals in the worlds as black. Not sure yet if that is good or bad'
(Source: http://bit.ly/cIPfeW)
Well we think its a great achievement and Felipe is awesome so we can't wait to see more from him! Parabéns Felipe!
Aloha, KauaiKimonos.com
Nice article
I have watched all the episodes of 30+ and have followed Felipe throughout the year.
I first met Felipe last year when my wife and I attended the BJJ Camp. Felipe and the team at the camp have a very good way of instructing so good we are flying out tomorrow to attend this years camp.
Thanks
Bronze Medal added Kauai Kimonos. Obrigado!
Derek, good luck for the camp, Felipe is an awsome individual you are fortunate to be able to have classes with him.
All the best,
André
When did Felipe win his 2nd World title? I can only find a record of him winning his first one in 2003. Just wondering if there's a discrepancy in the information…
Hi Franz, his second world title is for CBJJO in 2006. I will change that so it is not confusing.
Thanks,
Andre
He is one of the best!!i had classes with him and he is awesome as a instructor and as a person!!funny guy and incredible in his BJJ!A REAL LEGEND!..really happy i know him..
Sounds like a great guy and BJJ instructor. I hope to train with someone of his calibre one day…
Oi André, sera q vc poderia editar meu facebook do profile pra facebook.com/FelipeCostaBJJ ? Grande abraço e parabéns pelo site, ta muito maneiro
Valeu Felipe! Ja esta alterado ai.
Abraco
winning medals over such a long period of time is a great achievement, I think one of the greatest anyone has achieved at the Mundials
I'm happy to train with Felipe champion. He is among the best in the world and deserves recognition and admiration.
I am interested in attending one of Felipe Costa's 10 day Camps in Cancun, Mexico with 3 of my young sons and wife (she's the only one not training-she boxes). I also have looked into going to Brazil and training at Pedro Sauer's Camp, however believe it may be more expensive. And then there is also the choice of going to Rio, staying in Connection RIO house and training wherever we want. Doing that route I believe I could possibly train for weeks for the same price as the 10 day Camps.
Any ideas of which would be more affordable/comfortable for family of 5, also factoring in having 3 boys ages 8, 10, 12 ??
Send me a msg and I will be happy to help you out. As Mark mentioned, I'm not a bad teacher 😀
Hi Jonathan,
I've taken classes with Felipe and although he is not a bad teacher, I personally think he is too expensive, especially the summer camp.
I've also been at the Connection RIO house for a month. The accommodation there is very basic (which is sufficient for most guests who are twenty-something year old), but I'm not sure if this is the best option for a family.
They do also have an apartment available nowadays which I have not been to, but possibly this is a better option for your family, so you could send a mail to Dennis if interested.
Felipe Costa has taken the Jiujitsu around the world, his teaching and mentoring is great!
One of the best technician in the world!!
Felipe is a amazing instructor and great competitor!
What to say about Felipe? Great Mestre and great friend! I have start jj, neither two years ago when we moved to Rio and our sons starts jj at his gym. After one month I was in too. Could not stop. His classes are amazing!
Abraço. Eliana e a famÃlia.
Parabens mestre felipe , you are an inspiration, oss!
I think you guys are linking to the wrong Felipe Costa sometimes. In Henrique Cardoso 2022 semi final nogi worlds match he beats younger current competitor Felipe Costa but links to here.
Thank you. We will check on that.
I trained at Alliance one summer — jeez, like a million years ago now it seems.
I shared a car ride with some of the top names in the sport at the time (think Atlanta, Alliance — in its peak).
Felipe Costa’s name was brought up…. several times.
They were… ummm….. very colorful in their thoughts about Master Costa – it was a very memorable car ride.