BJJ Idols

What makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so great is the community of professors, coaches, athletes, practitioners, school owners, and entrepreneurs that dedicate their lives to this martial art. To honor each one of them, Gallerr presents the section BJJ Idols.

Featured BJJ Idols

1
IBJJF Hall of Famer Leticia Ribeiro is a remarkable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, with achievements both as a competitor (i.e. six-times BJJ World Champion) and coach – she leads the female competition team of Gracie Humaita. She lives in San Diego County and teaches at Gracie South Bay Academy. In this photo, Leticia passes her opponent's guard during the 2005 BJJ Worlds. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/leticia-ribeiro">here</a>.

IBJJF Hall of Famer Leticia Ribeiro is a remarkable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, with achievements both as a competitor (i.e. six-times BJJ World Champion) and coach – she leads the female competition team of Gracie Humaita. She lives in San Diego County and teaches at Gracie South Bay Academy. In this photo, Leticia passes her opponent's guard during the 2005 BJJ Worlds. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/leticia-ribeiro">here</a>.

over 7 years

IBJJF Hall of Famer Leticia Ribeiro is a remarkable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, with achievements both as a competitor (i.e. six-times BJJ Worl...

IBJJF Hall of Famer Leticia Ribeiro is a remarkable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, with achievements both as a competitor (i.e. six-times BJJ World Champion) and coach – she leads the female competition team of Gracie Humaita. She lives in San Diego County and teaches at Gracie South Bay Academy. In this photo, Leticia passes her opponent's guard during the 2005 BJJ Worlds. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/leticia-ribeiro">here</a>.

IBJJF Hall of Famer Leticia Ribeiro is a remarkable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, with achievements both as a competitor (i.e. six-times BJJ World Champion) and coach – she leads the female competition team of Gracie Humaita. She lives in San Diego County and teaches at Gracie South Bay Academy. In this photo, Leticia passes her opponent's guard during the 2005 BJJ Worlds. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/leticia-ribeiro">here</a>.

1
Five times Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Luanna Alzuguir applies a choke from the back at the 2011 World Championship; she's one of the most exciting BJJ competitors, known always to put everything on the line in pursuing a victory, be it in her weight class (light) or the absolute. Learn more about Luanna <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/luanna-alzeguir-facts-and-bio">here</a>.

Five times Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Luanna Alzuguir applies a choke from the back at the 2011 World Championship; she's one of the most exciting BJJ competitors, known always to put everything on the line in pursuing a victory, be it in her weight class (light) or the absolute. Learn more about Luanna <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/luanna-alzeguir-facts-and-bio">here</a>.

over 7 years

Five times Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Luanna Alzuguir applies a choke from the back at the 2011 World Championship; she's one of the most e...

Five times Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Luanna Alzuguir applies a choke from the back at the 2011 World Championship; she's one of the most exciting BJJ competitors, known always to put everything on the line in pursuing a victory, be it in her weight class (light) or the absolute. Learn more about Luanna <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/luanna-alzeguir-facts-and-bio">here</a>.

Five times Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion Luanna Alzuguir applies a choke from the back at the 2011 World Championship; she's one of the most exciting BJJ competitors, known always to put everything on the line in pursuing a victory, be it in her weight class (light) or the absolute. Learn more about Luanna <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/luanna-alzeguir-facts-and-bio">here</a>.

1
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Marcelo Garcia is a five-time world champion as a black belt, and well known for his remarkable performances without gi at the ADCC, contest he won four times. He teaches BJJ in Manhattan, New York. Photo: 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Marcelo Garcia is a five-time world champion as a black belt, and well known for his remarkable performances without gi at the ADCC, contest he won four times. He teaches BJJ in Manhattan, New York. Photo: 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship.

over 7 years

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Marcelo Garcia is a five-time world champion as a black belt, and well known for his remarkable performances without gi at...

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Marcelo Garcia is a five-time world champion as a black belt, and well known for his remarkable performances without gi at the ADCC, contest he won four times. He teaches BJJ in Manhattan, New York. Photo: 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Marcelo Garcia is a five-time world champion as a black belt, and well known for his remarkable performances without gi at the ADCC, contest he won four times. He teaches BJJ in Manhattan, New York. Photo: 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship.

1
Gracie Barra leader and BJJ black belt Marcio Feitosa shared the 2001 ADCC Championship under 76kg podium with UFC former champion Matt Serra (2nd place) and UFC fighter Leonardo Santos (3rd). Click <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/marcio-feitosa">here</a> to know more about him.

Gracie Barra leader and BJJ black belt Marcio Feitosa shared the 2001 ADCC Championship under 76kg podium with UFC former champion Matt Serra (2nd place) and UFC fighter Leonardo Santos (3rd). Click <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/marcio-feitosa">here</a> to know more about him.

over 7 years

Gracie Barra leader and BJJ black belt Marcio Feitosa shared the 2001 ADCC Championship under 76kg podium with UFC former champion Matt Serra (2nd ...

Gracie Barra leader and BJJ black belt Marcio Feitosa shared the 2001 ADCC Championship under 76kg podium with UFC former champion Matt Serra (2nd place) and UFC fighter Leonardo Santos (3rd). Click <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/marcio-feitosa">here</a> to know more about him.

Gracie Barra leader and BJJ black belt Marcio Feitosa shared the 2001 ADCC Championship under 76kg podium with UFC former champion Matt Serra (2nd place) and UFC fighter Leonardo Santos (3rd). Click <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/marcio-feitosa">here</a> to know more about him.

1
Marcio Cruz, aka Pé de Pano, was one of the most dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors ever, a two-time absolute BJJ world champion as a black belt (2002-2003) and an ADCC champion. He had a high ratio of submissions and a very sharp tongue, always creating controversy on his statements. This photo freezes the moment he passed Roger Gracie's guard to become the open class champion in 2003.

Marcio Cruz, aka Pé de Pano, was one of the most dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors ever, a two-time absolute BJJ world champion as a black belt (2002-2003) and an ADCC champion. He had a high ratio of submissions and a very sharp tongue, always creating controversy on his statements. This photo freezes the moment he passed Roger Gracie's guard to become the open class champion in 2003.

over 7 years

Marcio Cruz, aka Pé de Pano, was one of the most dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors ever, a two-time absolute BJJ world champion as a black b...

Marcio Cruz, aka Pé de Pano, was one of the most dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors ever, a two-time absolute BJJ world champion as a black belt (2002-2003) and an ADCC champion. He had a high ratio of submissions and a very sharp tongue, always creating controversy on his statements. This photo freezes the moment he passed Roger Gracie's guard to become the open class champion in 2003.

Marcio Cruz, aka Pé de Pano, was one of the most dominant Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors ever, a two-time absolute BJJ world champion as a black belt (2002-2003) and an ADCC champion. He had a high ratio of submissions and a very sharp tongue, always creating controversy on his statements. This photo freezes the moment he passed Roger Gracie's guard to become the open class champion in 2003.

1
Marcus Almeida, aka Buchecha, is the recordist of the absolute division Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championships as a black belt, having conquered the most prestigious men's title four times (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016). In this scene, he's about to win the gold in 2016.

Marcus Almeida, aka Buchecha, is the recordist of the absolute division Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championships as a black belt, having conquered the most prestigious men's title four times (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016). In this scene, he's about to win the gold in 2016.

over 7 years

Marcus Almeida, aka Buchecha, is the recordist of the absolute division Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championships as a black belt, having conquered t...

Marcus Almeida, aka Buchecha, is the recordist of the absolute division Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championships as a black belt, having conquered the most prestigious men's title four times (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016). In this scene, he's about to win the gold in 2016.

Marcus Almeida, aka Buchecha, is the recordist of the absolute division Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championships as a black belt, having conquered the most prestigious men's title four times (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016). In this scene, he's about to win the gold in 2016.

1
Former UFC champion and Renzo Gracie BJJ black belt Matt Serra had a remarkable run at the 2001 ADCC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, closing out the bracket with a teammate at the time, Marcio Feitosa. Here he's putting together an omoplata movement against Japanese Takanori Gomi. Serra would also beat Jean Jacques Machado and Leonardo Santos in route to the final. Learn more about Matt Serra <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/matt-serra">here</a>.

Former UFC champion and Renzo Gracie BJJ black belt Matt Serra had a remarkable run at the 2001 ADCC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, closing out the bracket with a teammate at the time, Marcio Feitosa. Here he's putting together an omoplata movement against Japanese Takanori Gomi. Serra would also beat Jean Jacques Machado and Leonardo Santos in route to the final. Learn more about Matt Serra <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/matt-serra">here</a>.

over 7 years

Former UFC champion and Renzo Gracie BJJ black belt Matt Serra had a remarkable run at the 2001 ADCC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, closing out the bracket wit...

Former UFC champion and Renzo Gracie BJJ black belt Matt Serra had a remarkable run at the 2001 ADCC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, closing out the bracket with a teammate at the time, Marcio Feitosa. Here he's putting together an omoplata movement against Japanese Takanori Gomi. Serra would also beat Jean Jacques Machado and Leonardo Santos in route to the final. Learn more about Matt Serra <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/matt-serra">here</a>.

Former UFC champion and Renzo Gracie BJJ black belt Matt Serra had a remarkable run at the 2001 ADCC in Abu Dhabi, UAE, closing out the bracket with a teammate at the time, Marcio Feitosa. Here he's putting together an omoplata movement against Japanese Takanori Gomi. Serra would also beat Jean Jacques Machado and Leonardo Santos in route to the final. Learn more about Matt Serra <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/matt-serra">here</a>.

1
Currently a BJJ coral belt, Mauricio Gomes was one of the fiercest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the early 1980s. He is one of the handfuls black belts graduated by the late Rolls Gracie and is the main responsible for the introduction of the art in England, to where he moved in 1998. Most in the BJJ community know him as the father of the great Roger Gracie.

Currently a BJJ coral belt, Mauricio Gomes was one of the fiercest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the early 1980s. He is one of the handfuls black belts graduated by the late Rolls Gracie and is the main responsible for the introduction of the art in England, to where he moved in 1998. Most in the BJJ community know him as the father of the great Roger Gracie.

over 7 years

Currently a BJJ coral belt, Mauricio Gomes was one of the fiercest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the early 1980s. He is one of the handfuls bl...

Currently a BJJ coral belt, Mauricio Gomes was one of the fiercest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the early 1980s. He is one of the handfuls black belts graduated by the late Rolls Gracie and is the main responsible for the introduction of the art in England, to where he moved in 1998. Most in the BJJ community know him as the father of the great Roger Gracie.

Currently a BJJ coral belt, Mauricio Gomes was one of the fiercest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in the early 1980s. He is one of the handfuls black belts graduated by the late Rolls Gracie and is the main responsible for the introduction of the art in England, to where he moved in 1998. Most in the BJJ community know him as the father of the great Roger Gracie.

1
Michelle Nicolini is the winner of the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu absolute world championship among women, in 2007. She accomplished it as a super-feather, which makes the conquer even more impressive. She publicly retired in 2016 with a record of eight IBJJF world championships plus two no-gi world gold medals. Michelle currently lives in Singapore. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/michelle-nicolini">here</a>.

Michelle Nicolini is the winner of the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu absolute world championship among women, in 2007. She accomplished it as a super-feather, which makes the conquer even more impressive. She publicly retired in 2016 with a record of eight IBJJF world championships plus two no-gi world gold medals. Michelle currently lives in Singapore. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/michelle-nicolini">here</a>.

over 7 years

Michelle Nicolini is the winner of the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu absolute world championship among women, in 2007. She accomplished it as a sup...

Michelle Nicolini is the winner of the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu absolute world championship among women, in 2007. She accomplished it as a super-feather, which makes the conquer even more impressive. She publicly retired in 2016 with a record of eight IBJJF world championships plus two no-gi world gold medals. Michelle currently lives in Singapore. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/michelle-nicolini">here</a>.

Michelle Nicolini is the winner of the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu absolute world championship among women, in 2007. She accomplished it as a super-feather, which makes the conquer even more impressive. She publicly retired in 2016 with a record of eight IBJJF world championships plus two no-gi world gold medals. Michelle currently lives in Singapore. Get to know more about her <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/michelle-nicolini">here</a>.

1
Japanese Mitsuyo Maeda, aka "Conde Koma," was one of the greatest fighters in all history. He taught Jiu-Jitsu to young Carlos Gracie in Belém do Pará, Brazil, and therefore was fundamental for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Japanese Mitsuyo Maeda, aka "Conde Koma," was one of the greatest fighters in all history. He taught Jiu-Jitsu to young Carlos Gracie in Belém do Pará, Brazil, and therefore was fundamental for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

over 7 years

Japanese Mitsuyo Maeda, aka "Conde Koma," was one of the greatest fighters in all history. He taught Jiu-Jitsu to young Carlos Gracie in Belém do P...

Japanese Mitsuyo Maeda, aka "Conde Koma," was one of the greatest fighters in all history. He taught Jiu-Jitsu to young Carlos Gracie in Belém do Pará, Brazil, and therefore was fundamental for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Japanese Mitsuyo Maeda, aka "Conde Koma," was one of the greatest fighters in all history. He taught Jiu-Jitsu to young Carlos Gracie in Belém do Pará, Brazil, and therefore was fundamental for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

1
Murillo Neto has found success at all levels of competition, both as a competitor and coach. Neto, who is a two-time BJJ World champion, is also one of the main Leading Professors of the Gracie Barra Team—the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, accumulating titles such as Pan-American champion and many others. Murillo is a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie, Jr. and one of the founding members of the Gracie Camp and Gracie Barra Praia based in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the years he has developed many champions and currently trains a new and upcoming generation of jiu-jítsu practitioners.

Murillo Neto has found success at all levels of competition, both as a competitor and coach. Neto, who is a two-time BJJ World champion, is also one of the main Leading Professors of the Gracie Barra Team—the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, accumulating titles such as Pan-American champion and many others. Murillo is a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie, Jr. and one of the founding members of the Gracie Camp and Gracie Barra Praia based in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the years he has developed many champions and currently trains a new and upcoming generation of jiu-jítsu practitioners.

about 8 years

Murillo Neto has found success at all levels of competition, both as a competitor and coach. Neto, who is a two-time BJJ World champion, is also on...

Murillo Neto has found success at all levels of competition, both as a competitor and coach. Neto, who is a two-time BJJ World champion, is also one of the main Leading Professors of the Gracie Barra Team—the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, accumulating titles such as Pan-American champion and many others. Murillo is a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie, Jr. and one of the founding members of the Gracie Camp and Gracie Barra Praia based in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the years he has developed many champions and currently trains a new and upcoming generation of jiu-jítsu practitioners.

Murillo Neto has found success at all levels of competition, both as a competitor and coach. Neto, who is a two-time BJJ World champion, is also one of the main Leading Professors of the Gracie Barra Team—the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, accumulating titles such as Pan-American champion and many others. Murillo is a 3rd-degree black belt under Master Carlos Gracie, Jr. and one of the founding members of the Gracie Camp and Gracie Barra Praia based in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout the years he has developed many champions and currently trains a new and upcoming generation of jiu-jítsu practitioners.

1
Murilo Bustamante is the founder and leader of famous Brazilian Top Team, a 1999 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion (when this photo was taken on his semifinal against Fabio Gurgel), and a former UFC Middleweight champion. Bustamante is also known for his victory against luta livre representative Marcelo Mendes in a "vale-tudo" match in 1991. Learn more about him <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/murilo-bustamante">here</a>.

Murilo Bustamante is the founder and leader of famous Brazilian Top Team, a 1999 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion (when this photo was taken on his semifinal against Fabio Gurgel), and a former UFC Middleweight champion. Bustamante is also known for his victory against luta livre representative Marcelo Mendes in a "vale-tudo" match in 1991. Learn more about him <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/murilo-bustamante">here</a>.

over 7 years

Murilo Bustamante is the founder and leader of famous Brazilian Top Team, a 1999 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion (when this photo was taken on h...

Murilo Bustamante is the founder and leader of famous Brazilian Top Team, a 1999 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion (when this photo was taken on his semifinal against Fabio Gurgel), and a former UFC Middleweight champion. Bustamante is also known for his victory against luta livre representative Marcelo Mendes in a "vale-tudo" match in 1991. Learn more about him <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/murilo-bustamante">here</a>.

Murilo Bustamante is the founder and leader of famous Brazilian Top Team, a 1999 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion (when this photo was taken on his semifinal against Fabio Gurgel), and a former UFC Middleweight champion. Bustamante is also known for his victory against luta livre representative Marcelo Mendes in a "vale-tudo" match in 1991. Learn more about him <a href="http://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/murilo-bustamante">here</a>.

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