A list of all World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champions available on BJJ Heroes with their respective biographies in the black belt divisions since the beginning of the competition in 1996.
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).
Erik Wanderley is a former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion with experience in Muay Thai, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. A BJJ black belt …
Cassio Werneck was one of the top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu middle-weights at the turn of the century. A black belt under Ricardo Reis, Cassio …
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.
Roberto Traven was one of the top jiu jitsu practitioners at turn of the millennium. A black belt under Romero “Jacaré” Cavalcanti, Traven conquered some of the most prestigious tournaments of his time such as the Brazilian Nationals, the Mundial and the ADCC. Roberto has also had a relevant career as a coach having taught alongside Muzio de Angelis in Rio de Janeiro, moving to the USA at a later stage to coach and compete in MMA.
Marcos Barreto made history as the very first world Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion in the “Galo” weight division, back in 1996. A black belt …
Bianca Andrade Barreto is a former professional athlete in Body Boarding who converted into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, having become one of the best female competitors of …
Leka Vieira is one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, being the first female black belt World Champion of the sport (1999), Leka took women’s BJJ to the next level raising awareness to that side of the sport, paving the way to the new generation. She was also the first known woman to graduate another woman with the black belt in Jiu Jitsu (Cindy Omatsu).
South Africa’s very first jiu jitsu black belt World champion, Penny Thomas was one of the most accomplished competitors of her generation, in Jiu …
Caroline de Lazzer is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and a wrestler, having participated in numerous international events as a team member of …
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.
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.
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.
A historical figure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Leticia Ribeiro has collected medals in world grappling events for years on end, being considered one of the top 10 best female fighters of all time having been distinguished with a mention in the IBJJF Hall of Fame. Leticia Ribeiro is also the leader of one of the best female BJJ teams, the Gracie Humaitá, an organization teeming with talent, such as Penny Thomas, Bia Mesquita, Mackenzie Dern amongst many others.
Léo Leite, is one of the most successful Judo players to have wondered into the world of BJJ. A Brazilian National Judo Team representative Leonardo Leite is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under “Gigi” Paiva from Alliance, having won 2 world BJJ championships and 3 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu National gold medals.
A multiple time World Champion, Omar Salum is one of the best rooster weights (Peso Galo) in the history of Jiu Jitsu. The fighter from the Amazon state of Brazil was also considered to be one of the 5 top most technical fighters in the world by BJJ legend Royler Gracie
Michelle Nicolini is one of the elite fighters in womens jiu jitsu. A 3x Jiu Jitsu World Champion, European open weight champion and World Pro Cup Champion, Nicolini is also a black belt under ADCC 2007 absolute champion Robert Drysdale. Michele’s rampant competitive career has had its shiniest moments since she started training under Rodrigo Cavaca at his Santos academy.
Fredson Paixao is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under master Osvaldo Alves. A former World BJJ Champion with numerous other important titles in the sport of Jiu Jitsu, Fredson Paixao was also famed for going from purple belt straight to black belt without stopping at brown belt. A natural athlete, Paixão picked up a career in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in the mid 2000’s. first fighting in local shows such as Jungle Fight, then moving to the WEC and later hitting the big stage – UFC.
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.