Vitor Ribeiro is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) specialist and mixed martial artist (MMA). Widely regarded as one of the most gifted grapplers of all time, the Nova Uniao product earned his black belt while still a teenager and went to on to win multiple Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. “Shaolin” is considered one of the best lightweights in MMA. He has fought in several organizations all over the world, including Shooto Japan, Shooto Hawaii, Rumble on the Rock (Hawaii), Cage Rage (England), and K-1 HERO’S (Japan). He has held the Shooto welterweight (154 lb) title, as well as the Cage Rage World lightweight championship.
Yes. Martial arts is tailored to each students capabilities and goals, so anybody - at any fitness level - can benefit from studying martial arts.
Yes. Studying martial arts helps to build strength and mental resilience, and makes many people feel confident about their ability to defend themselves.
Yes, it happens all of the time. Everyone in the class has an interest in martial arts and fitness, and that gives people a good starting place to build new friendships.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a fork of Japanese Ju-Jitsu that was developed mostly by the Gracie family of brothers in 1920s Brazil. It also borrows from Western sport wrestling traditions and sambo. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places a heavy focus on groundwork and allows certain techniques forbidden in other styles like heelhooks and knee reaping. Where Japanese Ju-Jitsu is still taught in law enforcement to this day for control and submission techniques, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tends toward competition.
Yes. Talk to your instructor about current opportunities in BJJ or MMA competitions.