Luiz

• Black Belt – under Ricardo Vieira
• Former Semi Professional Boxer
• Team – Checkmat BJJ

Luiz started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Sao Paulo in 1999, and has been a black belt since earlier this year. Whilst in Brazil he trained with Leozinho Vieira, Messias Gomes and Cubano and is proud to still be working with Leo as part of the Checkmat BJJ team. Messias Gomes was, in the 1990s, the best boxing coach in Brazil whilst Cubano was, and arguably still is, the best conditioning coach in the country.

From 1995 to 1999, Luiz focused on boxing and was one of the sparring partners for the Brazilian national team, and also for the Cuban team when they trained there. He not only sparred with the teams but worked with the coaches to develop strategies and pinpointed the weak/strong aspects of each boxer’s game.

BJJ – Major Tournaments

• 1 x European Champion, 2009
• 1 x Copa Bitteti Champion, 2007
• 2 x Scandinavian Champion, 2006/2008
• 1 x 2nd Place, Copa London, 2005
• 1 x Total Fighting Championship, Budapest – 2004
• 1 x 2nd Place, Gracie Invitational, 2002

Boxing – Major Tournaments

• 1x 1st Place, Luvas de Ouro Champion
• 1 x State of Sao Paulo Champion
• 1 x National Brazilian Boxing Champion

More Information

Luiz: I like the idea that in BJJ everyone can win, you don’t have to be strong to restrain an opponent. We train with and without gi and, although with the latter, strength becomes more of a deciding factor most of the time we train with gi. With this it’s much more about technique and style, and just because someone might be strong it doesn’t mean they’ll win. Hence it’s a pretty good sport for everyone and anyone to learn.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has many levels to it and a huge range of techniques, positions etc. With a lot of people who do only stand up martial arts the fight is over once their opponent gets them on the floor. You still see this is some MMA fights. That’s why a lot of people who are interested in MMA start studying Jiu Jitsu.