Today’s “Pioneers of the Sport” features the very first 2x Absolute Division BB champion, Amaury Bitetti. Bittetti, a BB under the late great Carlson Gracie exemplifies Carlson’s theory on Jiu Jitsu. According to Carlson, for a person to excel in the art, a fighter should possess three attributes: 1) technique, 2) strength and 3) speed. Without these three attributes working in harmony, the athlete will … Continue reading →

With the rise of Jose Aldo, lately, there has been a lot of talk about the Nova Uniao team. Nova Uniao is a fairly old BJJ mega-team with roots that lea ds back to the late great Carlson Gracie. For a few years, the team did not have active Mundial champions in its stable, but there is a compelling reason for this… and it all … Continue reading →

  Today’s “Pioneers of the Sport” features one of the first BJJ black belts that planted his roots in the United States, Carlos “Soneca” Machado. Carlos, the oldest of the Machado brothers, started his BJJ training under Helio and then Rolls Gracie. After Rolls’ untimely death, Carlos along with his brothers Roger, Rigan, Jean Jacques and John, all trained under Carlinhos at Gracie Barra. In … Continue reading →

Today’s “Pioneers of the Sport” features the first BJJ black belt in the Land of the Rising Sun, Yuki Nakai. As many of you may know, Nakai fought Rickson Gracie in the Vale Tudo Japan tournament in 1995 with only one healthy eye. It is a misconception that after his fight with Rickson, Nakai decided to learn BJJ. The truth is that Royler Gracie was … Continue reading →

    Today’s “Pioneers of the Sport” focuses on Mauricio Gomes. To many he is simply known as Roger Gracie’s dad, but in addition to being the father of the most dominating figure in BJJ, Mauricio is also a member of Roll Gracie’s “Famous Five”. This seventh degree coral belt paved the way for BJJ in Europe. In 1998, Gomes opened the first Gracie Barra … Continue reading →

    Today we feature one of the most impactful figures in BJJ during the mid-to-late 90’s and the innovator of the half guard, Roberto “Gordo” Correa! Gordo, started BJJ at 19 years old at the famed Gracie Barra in Tijuca. As a purple belt, this legend of the sport suffered a potential career ending knee injury. Fortunately for us, Gordo’s drive and determination did … Continue reading →

    Today’s “Pioneers of the Sport” segment features the founder of American Top Team (ATT), Ricardo Libório. He is known by the general MMA audience as the mastermind of one of the most successful modern teams. His roots in the martial arts leads back to Judo, Tae Kwon Do and the Gracie family. Libório was the first super heavyweight CBJJO/IBJJF Mundial Champion, yet he … Continue reading →

Today’s Pioneers of the Sport features five time black belt world champion Robson Moura. Moura started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 10 in 1988 and achieved his black belt at age 18. He holds the record for the largest gap between years of winning gold at black belt, achieving gold in 1997 and most recently in 2007. He also is tied with Marcelo Garcia, Royler Gracie, … Continue reading →

  Today’s Pioneers of the Sport features fourth degree black belt and five time world champion Saulo Ribeiro. Considered one of the best BJJ competitors of all time, Ribeiro received his BB from Royler Gracie on November 27th, 1995. He went on to win his first of five world titles in 1997… and he rest is history. In the below match, Saulo takes on Fabio … Continue reading →

I’m ultra excited about this one! For today’s Pioneers of the Sport, we feature one of the most notable names in BJJ during the late 90’s early 2000’s… Antonio “Nino” Schembri! Nino is probably one of my favorite BJJ’ers during this time period; his relentless aggressive style shaped generations of super flexible competitors and champions alike. Additionally, one can argue that Nino is the true … Continue reading →