04/11/2026
2002 — my first U.S. visa.
Valid for just 3 months, single entry. I came to Orlando to compete at the Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Back then, I was just trying to make things happen with what I had. No structure, no guarantees — just effort, discipline, and direction.
From my hometown, there was zero support from family or friends. At that time, many didn’t understand Jiu-Jitsu and would judge it, thinking it was just a waste of time and that I was wasting my life training all day.
I never tried to play the victim, and I never depended on asking or taking from others. I’ve always preferred to work, train, and build things the right way.
When I arrived in America, it was already about training hard and working hard — earning everything step by step.
Support came in unexpected ways: friends I made through Jiu-Jitsu, the city of Búzios through its Sports and Tourism Department, and the IBJJF, which helped make opportunities like this possible.
Years of work, consistency, and experience later…
I became a U.S. citizen.
It was never just about Jiu-Jitsu — it was about everything built around it, step by step. 🇺🇸
