João Gabriel represents Atos Brazilian Jiiu-Jitsu Uberlândia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @bjj_joao_gabriel
Straight from Uberlândia, young João Gabriel, just 16 years old, expects nothing but ever greater heights in his successful career in jiu-jitsu. A multiple champion of the gentle art, the representative of 'Atos Jiu-Jitsu' took his first step in the sport at an early age, but was forced to pause his career due to the pandemic.
In an open letter to SUPER FIGHTS, João talked about his journey in jiu-jitsu and highlighted his passion for the sport, which makes his ambitions the greatest possible among so many talents who seek the opportunity to grow even more.
“I started training jiu-jitsu when I was nine years old, but I had to stop for almost three years during the pandemic. Two years ago, I started training again and started competing. I won some regional titles and at the end of the year I was promoted to blue belt. In the first two championships I had the opportunity to compete in, I was crowned champion in three categories,” says João.
João Gabriel in the blue belt graduation next to Lucas Arantes. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @bjj_joao_gabriel
As he continued speaking, the young champion commented on his biggest focus at the moment: the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
“Today my focus is on competing in the CBJJ Brazilian Championship and for that I will be heading to São Paulo this month, to Melqui Galvão’s BJJ College. There I will have the opportunity to train with some of the best athletes in the world, and I will be able to acquire a lot of knowledge.”
Finally, the blue belt revealed his dream, despite recognizing the great challenge he will have to overcome for everything to come true.
“My dream is to become a professional jiu-jitsu athlete and become a world champion. I know how big this challenge is and that’s why I work hard every day between jiu-jitsu classes, physical preparation and school, of course.”
João Gabriel in victory at the Uberaba Open. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @bjj_joao_gabriel
Despite his age, João demonstrated great talent in the sport by sharing a list of titles won so far
Titles won in jiu-jitsu
13x FBMMA champion
5x CBSJJ Champion
3x PBJJF champion
4x FBMMA runner-up
5x CBSJJ runner-up
2x FJJGO runner-up
3x CBSJJ third place
2x PBJJF third place
4x third place in FJJGO
1x AJPtour third place
