5 Legendary Jiu-Jitsu Competitors You Should Know
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has grown from a family art in Brazil to one of the most practiced martial arts worldwide. Along the way, a handful of athletes and teachers have defined eras, influenced styles, and inspired generations. Whether through their dominance in competition or their contributions to the art, these legends have left a permanent mark on the sport.
Here are five icons of BJJ you need to know.
1. Rickson Gracie
Rickson Gracie is often regarded as the embodiment of BJJ itself. A son of Hélio Gracie, Rickson carried the Gracie name into countless challenges and became famous for his undefeated record in both sport and vale tudo. More than his victories, Rickson represents the philosophical side of jiu-jitsu, teaching breathing, mindset, and flow as essential components of the art. His influence reaches far beyond competition, shaping how practitioners approach BJJ as a lifestyle.
2. Marcelo Garcia
Marcelo Garcia, nicknamed “Marcelinho,” changed the way the world views BJJ. Despite not being the biggest athlete, he developed a dynamic, submission-heavy style that proved technique beats size. Known for his mastery of the x-guard and relentless back attacks, Marcelo won multiple ADCC titles and became a fan favorite for his humble personality. His academy in New York and online instructionals continue to shape modern grappling, making him one of the most influential teachers of his time.
3. Roger Gracie
Considered by many as the greatest BJJ competitor in history, Roger Gracie built his legacy on mastering the basics. With ten black belt world titles and three ADCC championships, he dominated opponents using fundamentals like the mount, cross choke, and guard passing. His ability to make “simple” techniques unstoppable against the best in the world proved that true mastery lies in perfect execution. Today, Roger remains a key figure in BJJ, running his academy in London and promoting the art worldwide.
4. Fernando “Tererê” Augusto
Fernando “Tererê” brought a new level of excitement to BJJ in the early 2000s. Known for his explosive style and charisma, he quickly became one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Beyond his own achievements, Tererê’s influence lives on through the champions he helped develop, including Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles and André Galvão. His life story was so powerful that it became the subject of a feature film biography, The Black Belt. The movie highlights both his meteoric rise in competition and the personal battles he overcame along the way. Tererê’s legacy is not only about medals, but also about his ability to inspire others through his resilience and artistry on the mats.
5. Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida
Marcus Almeida, better known as “Buchecha,” is the most decorated black belt competitor in IBJJF history. With an unprecedented 13 World Championship titles, he dominated the modern era with a combination of athleticism, technique, and relentless determination. Buchecha’s game evolved to handle every type of opponent, making him one of the most complete grapplers ever. Recently, he transitioned to MMA, further showcasing the adaptability of BJJ. His competitive career set a standard for future generations.