Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team History, Fighter Stats, Biographies and News

Quotes by some of our sport’s heroes, to be recorded in our history. Some of these are inspiring and poetic, others… Not so much. After all, this martial art was built on the backs of fighting men, not philosophers.

Emyr Bussade, commonly known as “Shark” or “Tubarão”, is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Ricardo Libório, and a representative of American Top Team (ATT), having built one of the academy’s biggest affiliate gyms from where he developed talented athletes such as Tammi and Michael Musumeci, as well as Kevin and Brian Mahecha, to name a few. With a stellar career in the lower ranks of jiu jitsu, Emyr went on to compete in mixed martial arts (MMA) during the 2000’s decade, representing grappling in the cage to the highest standard, ending his career with an 82% submission ratio.

Analysis ahead of the Polaris 3 match-up Garry Tonon vs Rousimar Palhares (AKA Toquinho/Paul Harris). This battle of footlock specialists is a true delight for grappling fans across the globe. In this article we try to decipher a few of the differences between the two grapplers.

Faisal Al Kitbe is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Alex Paz and Maiky Reiter, being known as the first high level grappler to come from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al Kitbe made a name for himself in the lower ranks of the sport, conquering a staggering 6 Abu Dhabi World Pro titles before breaking into the black belt division (2015).

The creation and development of one of Brazilian jiu jitsu’s most controversial guards, the 50/50 Guard. Find here the history of this position as well as who the main developers of the 50/50 Guard were, and the battles the position faced in the jiu jitsu community.

With their 3rd event already set for April 2, the card of the event is slowly being revealed as athletes step forward and sign their contracts, and so far, it is really shaping up to be one for the ages. Check here what Polaris has installed for us on their 3rd event.

7x World Jiu Jitsu Champion Gabrielle Garcia is set to return to mixed martial arts (MMA) on the 17th of April, 2016. This will …

Alex Paz, commonly known as Alex “Negão” is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Murilo Bustamante and Ricardo Libório, as well as a multiple-time …

Pirillo Roriz is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Ricardo Pinho, being one of the main representatives of the Gracie Barra academy in the state of Ceará – Brazil. Although an accomplished grappler of his own merrit, Pirillo Roriz is mostly known for his work as an instructor, having produced several talented jiu jitsu competitors such as world champion Yan “Pica-Pau” Lucas and Helio Mourão.

The Caio Terra Foot-Lock, also known as the De La Riva Ankle Lock, is a submission hold that works by utilizing the famous De La Riva hook as a way to isolate the foot joint, then using this to then apply the pressure using similar grips to the straight ankle-lock. The position was named after the man who developed this submission: Caio Terra, a Brazilian jiu jitsu world champion who applied this position numerous times in grappling matches throughout his competitive career.

Paulo Sergio is a 6th degree black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) under Master Romero Cavalcanti, as well as an accomplished judo black …

Competing were some of Europe’s rising jiu jitsu stars, who battled against an army of world wide grapplers. The Pro Neuchatel Challenger had both veterans and new comers which led to some very exciting style clashes in both superfights and three talent dense Grand Prix’s. Check the full results here.

For a grappler, his hands and fingers are his tools. They are also among the body parts most subject to abuse. Whether from grip …

The Reverse De La Riva Guard/Hook, also known as Spiral Guard, is a grappling position whose development started in the early 2000’s, being highly popularized in the 2010’s decade through the reverse berimbolo back take (also named kiss of the dragon).

Rodnei Barbosa, commonly known as “Roy”, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the prestigious Paulo Rezende, a coach known for having developed grapplers …

Diego Borges is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under José Augusto Gato, being widely regarded as one of the top grappling competitors his generation, having conquered important medals in the sport, such as in the Brazilian National Championship, Copa Podio, World Championships, etc., having defeated big names of the sport such as Claudio Calasans, Clark Gracie, Dillon Danis, to name a few.

In this piece we go through the struggles faced by the modern day jiu jitsu competitor using Breno Bittencourt as an example. Pointed by BJJ Heroes late last year as one of the top brown belts in the world, Breno Bittencourt is the face of the rising talent in our sport.

Ailson Brites, AKA “Jucão” is a jiu jitsu (BJJ) black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a highly accomplished figure with wins at important tournaments including the Pan American, European Open, Masters World, International Masters & Seniors and many other championships. Ailson Brites is also known for his incredible family tree, and its close relationship to jiu jitsu, where you will find big names of this martial art such as grandmaster Geny Rebello, Armando Wriedt, Admilson “Juquinha” Brites.

Full results for the European Open Championship by the IBJJF, Jiu Jitsu’s most prestigious organization. The 2016 European Open was the biggest tournament ever produced by the federation with over 3500 competitors.

Sophia McDermott Drysdale is a 4 time Pan American Jiu Jitsu Champion, being also the first female Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt of Australian Nationality. Regarded as one of the top grappling competitors of her generation, Sophia is also known for her work in the fitness industry, having developed several programs for women, particularly on the subject of post pregnancy fitness.