the Peso Pesado division (heavyweights): This is a comprehensive list of the top players in this division (past and present).
A BJJ and Judo black belt, Louzado has medalled in most important BJJ tournaments around the world with or without the kimono (Nogi). A black belt from the Checkmat team, Marcel has established himself in the US from where he runs one of the main Checkmat branches in the country.
an ADCC open weight champion (2003), Dean Lister is amongst the elite of Submission Wrestling. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and experience in Wrestling, the Russian martial art of Sambo and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Lister became one of the most sought out grappling coaches in MMA.
Fabio Prado, also known as ‘Pateta‘ (Goofy) is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Marcelo Clemente from the famous Gracie Ilha academy in Rio …
Paulo Tarcisio Jardim is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Leonardo Vieira, having fought for important teams such as Nine Nine and Checkmat …
Leonardo Nogueira is one of the many aces from Alliance’s Jiu Jitsu camp. A BJJ black belt under Fabio Gurgel, Mr Leo Nogueira has an extensive competitive record with many important trophies on his cabinet, his first big mark in the black belt division came as he won a gold medal at the Brazilian Nationals in the open weight division (2011).
Often regarded as the Lance Armstrong of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Lucio Rodrigues also known as “Lagarto”, is a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos …
Antonio Carlos Junior, also known as “Cara de Sapato” (shoe face) is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Helder “Bob Esponja” Medeiros from the Checkmat Team in Paraíba. Cara de Sapato has since moved to a career in Mixed Martial Arts, where he earned his spot at the The Ultimate Fighter House in the TUF Brazil heavyweights season (Wanderlei Silva x Chael Sonnen).
Erik Wanderley is a former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion with experience in Muay Thai, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. A BJJ black belt …
Jefferson Moura is one of the most prestigious representatives of the Gracie Barra family. An extremely accomplished Jiu Jitsu athlete with wins at the Mundial and the Brazilian Nationals, Jefferson took over the mammoth task of replacing Carlos Gracie Junior at the helm of the Gracie Barra Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, after the famous coach moved to the United States.
Maurício Gomes was a famous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, active during the 1970’s and 1980’s, who belongs to the elite group of black belts given the rank by the late Rolls Gracie. On top of his long list of trophies in the sport, Maurício was the founder of the Gracie Barra franchise in the United Kingdom.
Augusto Ferrari is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Marco Barbosa, who represented important São Paulo teams such as Lotus and Barbosa (B9), as …
Flávio Almeida, commonly known as “Cachorrinho” is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, founder of the Gracie Barra Academy a team which Almeida …
Diogo Sampaio Araujo, also known as Diogo “Moreno” is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt from the Soul Fighters academy in Rio de Janeiro. One of the hottest prospects to have come from the Soul Fighters Team, Diogo Araujo has conquered numerous important medals in BJJ, including a silver medal at the world championships and a Rio Open title.
Anthony Scales, most commonly referred to as AJ Scales is a Canadian BJJ black belt under Wagnney Fabiano, and a Nova Uniao team Canada …
A very talented black belt under Carlinhos Gracie, this Gracie Barra powerhouse has been a menace in the heavier jiu jitsu weight divisions for a few years with wins against some of the best fighters in the world. He has been living in Albuquerque for the last few years, though this hasn’t stopped his rampant success.
Dickie Martin is a Jiu Jitsu and Judo black belt from London, England. One of the very first British fighters to have achieved the rank of black belt, “Dickie” is also one of the head instructors at Carlson Gracie’s gym in the English Capital.
Igor Silva is one of the top players in the heavyweight black belt division. Feared for his dangerous closed guard Igor has won several important titles such as the Mundials (World Championship), the Brazilian Nationals and more recently the Rio Open.
A De La Riva black belt, made famous at the age of 45 for giving Xande Ribeiro one of his toughest fights of the Mundials in 2006.
With a fantastic list of achievements, this natural born competitor was one of Sao Paulo’s start jiu jitsu practitioners. Today living in the United States where first came to compete in MMA’s IFL, he teaches in California at the Gracie Morumbi headquarters.
Joao Assis is a top grappler from Checkmat. He also competes in MMA and coaches at Carlson Gracie’s gym in Temecula, California.