In 2007, I achieved a milestone in my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career that no one had achieved before - I completed the IBJJF Grand Slam.

At the time, it wasn’t something people were aiming for or even talked about.
There wasn’t a name for it, nor did I do it to make a name for myself - it was simply a personal journey of testing myself and striving to compete at the highest level.

A week ago, I received official recognition from the IBJJF for this achievement.
The recognition felt incredibly rewarding, not just because it marked a significant moment in my career, but because it reminded me of all the hard work, sacrifices, and passion that went into that journey.

 

 

 

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You see, recognition was never the goal. I never set out to break records or gain words of approval.
What drove me, and still drives me, was the love for Jiu-Jitsu. The essence of the art - its challenges, its lessons - made me fall in love with it from the beginning.

I wasn’t focused on being the first or making history.
My ultimate aim was to improve with every step - and to demonstrate that perseverance, no matter where you start, could lead to something extraordinary.

This spirit of learning and self-improvement is what continues to inspire me today. Because Jiu-Jitsu is not a sport where you ever truly "arrive".
There’s always a new technique to figure out, a different training partner or opponent to face on the mats, and unexpected lessons to be discovered.

The mats have a way of keeping you humble and grounded, always pushing you to evolve.
They are there to remind you to focus less on the medals or achievements - and more on the journey itself, the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the person you become along the way.

As I continue to walk this path, I’m filled with gratitude.
Gratitude for the experiences, the obstacles, and the continuous growth that Jiu-Jitsu offers to every single one of us.

There are always new worlds to discover.
And I look forward to embracing whatever lies ahead.