Otavio Sousa

Otavio Sousa is a jiu-jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, who worked extensively with professor Zé Radiola in his hometown of Recife, Brazil, prior to his move to the United States. While representing the Gracie Barra team, Otavio became widely regarded as one of the best middleweight competitors in the sport, a reputation earned after his dominant wins at important tournaments such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s (IBJJF) World and Pan American Championships.

Otavio Sousa Jiu Jitsu

Full Name: Otávio Ferreira de Sousa

Nickname: Although seldom used, ‘The Steamroller’ has been mentioned as a nickname by some of the media, this would be due to his strength and the fast pace he usually imposes in his fights.

Lineage:  Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Junior > Otavio Sousa

Main Achievements:

• IBJJF World Champion (2016/2013/2012)
• IBJJF Pan American Champion (2020/2017/2010/2009)
• IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Champion (2015)
• CBJJ Brazilan Nationals Champion (2019)
• IBJJF New York Open Champion (2012)
• IBJJF Las Vegas Open Champion (2011)
• IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (2014)
• IBJJF World No-Gi Championship Runner-up (2009)
• IBJJF Pan American Championship Runner-up (2019/2009*/2008)
• CBJJ Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2017)
• IBJJF World Championship 3rd Place (2017/2009/2008)
• IBJJF World No-Gi Championship 3rd Place (2015/2011)
• IBJJF Pan American Championship 3rd Place (2016/2011)

Main Achievements (Colored Belts):

• IBJJF World Champion (2007* brown)
• IBJJF World Championship Runner-up (2007 brown)
• IBJJF Pan American Championship Runner-up (2007 brown)
• CBJJ Brazilian National Championship Runner-up (2004 purple)
• IBJJF European Open Championship Runner-up (2008/2007 brown)

* Absolute
** Weight and absolute

Favorite Position/Technique: Omoplata

Weight Division: Peso Médio (82kg/181lbs)

Team/Association: Gracie Barra

Otavio Sousa Biography

Otavio Sousa was born in July 1986 in Recife, State of Pernambuco – Brazil. He started training jiu-jitsu when he was 13 years old, after an invitation from a friend who already trained at Recife’s Gracie Barra headquarters. The Gracie Barra – Recife was an academy led by José Olímpio (also known as “Zé Radiola”), a charismatic instructor who developed several high-level athletes, including Braulio Estima, Victor Estima, Bruno Alves to mention a few.

At the Gracie Barra academy, Otavio Sousa became one of the main names in the lower ranks of BJJ earning himself several titles, including a world championship in 2007 as a brown belt. After his win at the Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu, Otavio Sousa earned his black belt from the hands of Carlos Gracie Junior, the head of the Gracie Barra franchise. E.N.: Though Otavio Sousa was mainly coached by José Olímpio, it was common practice within Gracie Barra to have the founder of the academy hand the black belts.

After receiving his black belt, Otavio Sousa was invited to lead the Gracie Barra Academy in Irvine, California which was owned by Chris Pizzo. Sousa worked there a few years, but that relationship ended unexpectedly in unfortunate circumstances. According to the many internet forums who debated the issue at the time, Otavio was fired by E-mail while on vacation, by the gym’s owner. The reason for the dismissal (according to Pizzo) was that Otavio ​​spent too much time competing and touring for seminars, while not dedicating enough effort to the gym. This went against many of Sousa’s student’s beliefs who left the academy in a show of support for their instructor. Among the people who followed Otavio out were A-listers such as ‘Budo’ Jake, sports commentator, and CEO of the company BudoVideos.

Banner photograph taken from Gracie Mag.

Otavio Sousa vs Junior Santos

Otavio Sousa vs N/A