The Beginning
His first experience of martial arts was judo, in 1989, at only 9 years old. After less than a year, Braulio took time out following the tragic death of his instructor in June 1990. Braulio was soon inspired to return after watching the ’92 and ’96 Olympics, where he saw the judo Brazilian team win gold.
Braulio’s motive was to focus on his judo, however, his passion for Jiu-Jitsu soon became apparent and in 1998, his judo came second to jiu jitsu.
Transition into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
In October 1996, Bráulio started his training at the Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Gracie Barra / PE, with his teacher Jose Olimpío, better known in the world of grappling as "Ze Radiola."
At 16 and with only a month of training, Bráulio won his first competition as a white belt – the Encouragement Cup of 1996 - the first of what would turn out to be a successful career. In less than one year in Jiu-Jitsu, he had won 5 major titles, following which he was promoted to blue belt.
The Championship Reign
Prior to 1999, Braulio entered four of the biggest competitions including the Brazilian Nationals & the Worlds, all ending in defeat in the very first round of every competition. It was not until in 1999 when he won his first Panams. This was quickly followed by the bronze position in 2000 (as a purple belt); gold in 2001, 2002, 2003 (as brown belt) and in 2006 (black belt).
Braulio made history in the 2003 Panams by submitting seven people in a total of 5 minutes and 24 seconds, an average of 46 seconds for each submission.
Braulio was recommended Ze Radiola for his purple belt, following his outstanding achievements, who was duly handed to him by Master Carlos Gracie Jr., chairman of the CBJJ.
Arrival to Gracie Barra Birmingham
In the 2002 Mundials, Braulio came second in the 79 kg weight division. The absolute category saw Braulio share gold in the final with his friend and training partner, Lúcio Rodrigo, the "Lagarto”
Bráulio’s achievements led Mauriçao Gomes to invite him to teach at the Gracie Barra Academy, Birmingham, England at the end of 2002, with a mission to pursue in the footsteps of what Mauriçao had started. The rest as they say is history.
Making the mark of a Legend
At the 2003 Brazil versus USA competition, Braulio was the first of the Northeast team to fight in a match that saw him win in under 45 seconds with the famous helicopter arm bar.
During the Pan American 2003 championships, Braulio took a total of less than 4 minutes and 40 seconds to win all six of his fights. A record that still stands in any official competition.
On January 4, 2003, Bráulio was awarded his black belt by master Carlos Gracie Jr., chairman of the CBJJ, and son of the founder of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
In the World Championship, 2004, Bráulio won the black belt 85kg weight division having been a black belt for only five months prior.
His record achievement gained worldwide respect, recognising Braulio as one of the great fighters of the Jiu-Jitsu world.
Bráulio continues to teach and train at his own Gracie Barra Academy in the city of Birmingham, England. Today, Braulio is responsible for Gracie Barra Academies throughout the UK as well as in Europe, where he is head instructor.
Recorded Accolades
The World Stage
• European absolute champion 2007
• European champion 2007
• ADCC Silver Medalist [2007]
• Absolute world cup champion [2006]
• World Champion [2004,2006]
• Champion of the international team [2003, 2007]
• Champion's Challenge BRAZIL X USA [2003]
• 3rd placed on the World Championship [2003]
• Absolute World Champion [2002]
• 3rd placed on the World Championship [2001]
CBJJ World Championships
• 2 times Champion of Submission League
• Champion of KSBO Championship CBJJ Pan American Championships
• 2nd placed on the Pan American [2004]
• 4 times Champion Pan American [1999/2001/2002/2003]
• Champion Pan American Absolute [2003]
• 3rd placed on the Pan American Championship [2000]
CBJJ Brazilian Championships
• Champion North / Northeast [1997]
• 2nd placed in the North / Northeast [1998]
• 3rd placed in the North / Northeast (absolute) [1997]
• 3rd placed on the Brazilian Teams 2002 [2002]
• 3rd placed on the Brazilian [2003] CBJJ European ChampionshipsBrazilian
Regional Championships
• 5 times Champion Cup of Flying Jiu-Jitsu [1997-2001]
• Champion Cup ESTAF NE [1999]
