Male Jiu Jitsu Competitors

Jacob Mackenzie, commonly known as Jake Mackenzie,  is a Canadian-born jiu-jitsu black belt under Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu who became well-known on the international grappling …

Moises Muradi is an important figure in the development of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the state of Sao Paulo. Having earned his black belt …

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.

Yuki Nakai is a legendary martial arts fighter and Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, who became well known by mixed martial arts (MMA) fans …

Daniel Otero is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Fabricio Martins (6th degree black belt), having won several important trophies such as the “Brasileiro” and the World Championship. Otero has also ventured successfully into the world of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) where he competed in prestigious shows such as Max Fights and Shooto.

Raphael Chaves, also known as “Catatau” is a well known Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt in the No Gi (submission wrestling) competition circuit. Originally from Brazil, Raphael Chaves focussed more on the No Gi aspect of grappling since he arrived in the USA having conquered titles in several important organizations, such as the NAGA, Arnold Classic and Copa America. Rapahel Chaves has also ventured in MMA.

Marcus Almeida “Buchecha” is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Rodrigo Cavaca who is one of the stars in the super-heavyweight division of the sport. Before completing his twentieth birthday he was already being pointed out as the “next big thing” in BJJ, a claim he has confirmed with successive podium achievements in the black belt divisions.

Jonatas Gurgel, also known as “Tagarela” is one of the top Jiu Jitsu fighters in the famous American Top Team (ATT). With an amazing …

Huanderson Pavão is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 3rd degree black belt and Luta Livre master from the Grapple Fight Team (former Gama Filho). An …

One of the biggest talents in the lightweight division (leve) today, JT Torres had been winning tournaments in the lower belts divisions long before he made it to the big scene. A strong competitor in both the Gi and the Nogi tournaments “The Spiderman” has been hinted by many BJJ experts to be the next “big thing”.

Carlos Vieira Holanda, also known as “Esquisito” is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Master Faustino Neto, and another important fighter to come out of the BJJ hive that is Manaus in Brazil, the birth place of several important fighters such as Ronaldo Souza, Ary Farias, Saulo Ribeiro and many others. In 2010 “Esquisito” (who fights for the Checkmat Academy) was crowned Pan American champion, defeating Caio Terra to reach his gold medal.

Mauro Chueng is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under the legendary Sérgio Bolão and one of the top instructors teaching in the southern …

Anthony Scales, most commonly referred to as AJ Scales is a Canadian BJJ black belt under Wagnney Fabiano, and a Nova Uniao team Canada …

The 1997 pluma BJJ black belt World Champion, Joao Roque went on to have a fruitful MMA professional career, fighting in shows such as the Shooto Japan, UFC, Deep and VTJ. Roque is also one of the first African native BJJ black belts in the world.

Master Marcelo Saporito is the head coach of one of the most iconic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies in the world, the “Academia Carlson Gracie” in Rua Figueiredo Magalhaes, Copacabana. He took the mammoth task of replacing the late Master Carlson Gracie at the helm of the gym, which he did to perfection with over 200 team titles to this date.

A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion (2010), European Champion (2009) and Brazilian National Champion (2009) in the black belt division, Pablo Silva from Gracie Barra has been one of the top contenders of the Pluma and Galo weight divisions, with one of the most dangerous guards in BJJ today.

A historical figure at the turn of the century for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Castello-Branco fought some of the best fighters of his generation. He is also one of the main figures of the Alliance BJJ team and one of the founding members of Brasa.

Mauricio “Tinguinha” Mariano is a historical figure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, having won important trophies such as the Brazilian National. He was a revolutionary of the open guard having created several techniques from that position. He was also one of the first members of Gracie Barra to travel to the United States.

Cesar Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Robson Gracie and one of the World’s most famous MMA coaches, having produced fighters such as Nick and Nate Diaz, Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez and many others.

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.