A list of all male competitors on the BJJ heroes website, Jiu Jitsu legends and other recognizable figures in the sport’s history.
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.
Shawn Williams is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, being one of the most talented competitors of his generation in the US. Williams was also the fifth American to be graded as a black belt in BJJ. Training alongside of grapplers such as John Danaher, Ricardo Almeida, Matt Serra and many others, Shawn Williams created a series of positions from a guard variation which is today called ‘the Williams Guard’.
Mario Reis is a top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor in the featherweight division. This fighter from the South of Brazil has won numerous competitions such as the World Championship, the World Cup and many other important tourneys. Reis is also famed for his aggressive style either playing guard or passing and is seen as one of the most entertaining fighters of the division.
Kron Gracie is the son of Brazilian jiu jitsu legend, Rickson Gracie and a top competitor in BJJ’s black belt division. A fierce competitor and world championships medalist, Kron Gracie made a name for himself in the grappling scene in the lower belts competition through an incredible run in some of the most important tournaments in the world where managed to establish a 51 straight submission win streak.
Rufino Gomes, also known as “Morcego”, was one of the most promising stars in the Jiu Jitsu panorama in 2010. A Brazilian National Nogi …
Denys Darzi is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt 5º Degree under BJJ legend Francisco Mansor from Rio de Janeiro. Competitor since the “Golden Era of BJJ” (the 1980’s), Denys had the chance to enter some of BJJ’s most celebrated tournaments like the Copa Company, Lightning Bolt Cup and Vansport Cup.
José Aldo, or simply Junior as he is called by his Nova Uniao peers, is a famous mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Manáus …
Carlos Machado was one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the United States of America. A black belt under Gracie Barra founder …
Royce Gracie is a legendary Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter. Being the son Helio Gracie – one of the fathers of BJJ – Royce held the Gracie family torch high while helping to built the sport of MMA and bringing awareness to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through his famous victories in the early UFC’s. In 2003 Royce Gracie was also inducted in UFC hall of fame.
A fantastic fighter and person who was/is regarded as one of the best Jiu Jitsu fighters to have ever fought. His fights with Cassio Cardoso will forever be remembered as will his tragic death.
A TUF season finalist Vinicius Magalhaes (aka Pezao) is one of the most exciting grapplers in MMA today, with a very aggressive submission based game which he used to win some of the most prestigious grappling competitions in the World.
One of BJJ’s top instructors, the Brazilian has had a tremendous impact in some of BJJ’s elite fighters, World Champions like Leticia Ribeiro, Alexandre Ribeiro, Vinny Magalhaes amongst many others.
An amazing grappler “Soca” has conquered numerous BJJ and submission wrestling competitions including the prestigious ADCC tournament (considered to be the elite grappling trophy), the Pan American BJJ Championship and the “Brasileiro”.
A BJJ Black belt under Felipe Costa, the American Ryan Hall is one of the most exciting fighters in the “Pena” division and the holder of an amazing guard.
One of the most controversial fighters in Jiu Jitsu due to his bitter rivalries with former team mate Roberto Godoi and BJJ’s enfant terrible Ryan Gracie, “Macaco” was also one of the first BJJ fighters from Sao Paulo to transition successfully from Grappling to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
A true gentleman of the sport, “Toco”, a Carlson Gracie black belt is also the founder of the prestigious “Nova Geracao” team. From his gym in Rio de Janeiro he has produced some of the best grappling talent in the world.
Daniel Azevedo is one of the top jiu jitsu fighters in the Super Pesado weight division. This Cia Paulista fighter is a black belt under Carlos Portugues Vieira and has been challenging the podium for major competitions since 2007.
John Will is one of Australia’s most prestigious Jiu Jitsu blacks. Being part of the famous “Dirty Dozen” – the first 12 non Brazilians to receive a black belt in BJJ.
A respected Jiu Jitsu black belt and arguably the best referee in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (CBJJ/IBJJ). Muzio is also one of the leaders of the Brasa team and a very successful instructor with over 30 black belts under his guidance
A successful competitor in both Judo and Jiu Jitsu, today Beto is also an instructor at the “Morada do Sol” Jiu Jitsu Academy in Botafogo – Rio de Janeiro