A list of all male competitors on the BJJ heroes website, Jiu Jitsu legends and other recognizable figures in the sport’s history.
Everton Santana, also known as “Dentinho” is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Roger Coelho with experience in the MMA professional circuit, having also been part of the famed no rules tournament named “Rio Heroes”, an event that caused much controversy in Brazil in 2007.
One of the most successful wrestlers to have transitioned into Jiu Jitsu, this BJJ black belt under Renzo Gracie is a former 197 lbs Cornell University Wrestler with two D1 NCAA “All American” Wrestling championships and a Silver Medal at the ADCC.
Ricardo Cavalcanti is one of the most successful BJJ instructors to have moved to the United States from his native Brazil. A true old school black belt, having earned his stripes under Carlson Gracie, Ricardo today coaches at his academies – Team Cavalcanti – spread out through the Nevada territory.
Raised amongst the Gracie family, Gregor Gracie is the half brother of Rolles and Igor Gracie (both sons of the late Rolls Gracie). Gregor is also one of the top Jiu Jitsu fighters of his generation to fight in MMA. With medals in some of the hardest grappling tournaments in the world (BJJ Mundial, Brazilian Nationals, Nogi Worlds and ADCC) this Renzo Gracie black belt has taken time off his busy schedule to successfully dipped his toes into the fashion industry.
A Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Shinya Aoki is one of the most entertaining MMA fighters in the world. The Japanese superstar who has won numerous mixed martial arts bouts by submission, was forged in the Paraestra gym and is a decorated BJJ black belt with many important titles to his name
Peter Letsos is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Carlon Gracie Junior. A Chicago native, Pete the Greek spent several years living, training and competing in Brazil having competed and medalled in important tournaments such as the Pan American, Gracie Invitational and many others. Pete is also the founder of Rio Jiu Jitsu, an academy he runs in the US.
Sergio Babu is a Judo, BJJ and Luta Livre black belt and one of the most sought out jiu jitsu coaches in the world of MMA. He has dedicated most of his life to grappling (though he is also a successful lawyer) having worked on improving the submission abilities of fighters such as Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva, Gesias Cavalcante, Rogerio Nogueira “Minotauro” and many others.
Master Lloyd Irvin is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Leo Dalla and one of the most important and successful American born BJJ instructor in the world, having developed high end talent such as Mike Fowler, JT Torres, James Harbison and many others.
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 …
Shane Rice was the first Canadian native to hold a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Rickson Gracie. With a vast …
Roger Coelho is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Jorge Patino and Roberto Godoi with many important medals in the BJJ circuit to …
Paulo Tarcisio Jardim is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Leonardo Vieira, having fought for important teams such as Nine Nine and Checkmat …
Vinicius Corrales is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Fernando Paradeda from Porto Alegre, Brazil. One of the best fighters in the southern region of the country, Corrales made a dent into BJJ’s landscape after reaching the final of the World Pro Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2011, ha had also won that year the Nogi (without kimono) aspect of that same competition (WPC).
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).
Felipe Cavalcante is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the illustrious Fredson Alves (Gracie Humaita team), having also worked extensively with Marcus Aurelio …
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 …
Having taught Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since he was a blue belt, Marcelo Ribeiro became a JJ black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, after which …
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).
Ryan Murphy is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student under Crosley Gracie, being a multiple time Pan American Championships medallist, having also had previous experience …
Erik Wanderley is a former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion with experience in Muay Thai, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. A BJJ black belt …