One on One with Professor Flavio Almeida

Professor Flavio is a very busy person. Who would believe that he can be a husband, a father, the Executive Director of one of the world’s leading Jiu-Jitsu franchises and own two schools. And by the way, he does it so well that he can put any workaholic to shame.

On Saturday (11/08) Flavio was crowned Champion in the Las Vegas Open Adult Heavy category. One week after, he had a bright performance in Chicago winning the Absolute Black Belt Adult Title on one of the most exciting matches of the season. Check the match and this inspiring interview below:

graciebarra.com: How does it feel to be back in the competition scene?

Competing in Jiu-Jitsu is great and will always be an amazing experience! I felt reborn! Competing brings focus and discipline in the practice of Jiu-Jitsu. And it makes me better as a person, teacher, and obviously as a disciple of Jiu-Jitsu.

graciebarra.com:  We know you have a busy routine, how did you prepare for the championship and juggle work, family and training?

Prof. Flavio: I think all of us are always very busy. I always try to identify what is more important and focus in it; not let anything distract me. Earlier this year I realized that it was important for me to participate in some competitions to continue improving my technical knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu, and my fitness. And also get close enough to what our athletes experience. I learn a lot with them and I think it helps me make better decisions in my work for Gracie Barra.

My workout routine consists of one heavy training session a day and daily Jiu-Jitsu, 6 days a week. That’s all I can afford the time without compromising other areas of my routine.

graciebarra.com: From the voice of experience, what advice would you give to anyone who is beginning to participate in the competition circuit?

Prof. Flavio: I think people need to focus on competing at the right level. Identify the championships and categories that provide the challenge you are qualified or trained to face. For many, attending a class Jiu-Jitsu 2-3 times a week is already a huge competition, to others, it is more appropriate and competing on a bracket at absolute in the Worlds Championships. I think the value of competition in the challenge and not the result. The challenge will keep you alive as practitioner and induces grow through an apprenticeship. Choose the competition that will provide the appropriate challenge.

graciebarra.com: Benefits of competing? Can you explain more?

Prof. Flavio: The objective of Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra and development of the individual. For this to happen, the practitioner should always be learning and improving themselves in body, mind, and spirit. For learning to happen, the practitioner must always be facing ever increasing challenges. The competition is a way to challenge and, provided it is done correctly, provides a leap in the physical, technical, mental and even spiritual development of the practitioner. It is a very intense experience and valuable regardless of the results.

graciebarra.com Leave a message for the GB family

Prof. Flavio: Thanks for the support as always. I have received many messages of support from our athletes and teachers about my return to competitions. Today I see clearly that my role in our team is more related to the development of foundations for expansion of Gracie Barra than representing our team in competitions. But whenever I can I will be present on the mats so I can contribute and benefit from this amazing energy that comes from our athletes in pursuit of their dreams.

 

“There is only one way to find out what you are made of: a good challenge.
You first need to accept it. You have to stare at it, get close to it, and eventually land your grips on it.
It will shake, flip, and pressure you in ways you could have never anticipated or even remember afterwards. In the middle of chaos, you will find a place where knowledge, intuition, and creativity meet. That place will be the source of clarity that will give you the direction you need to fight your way through it.
At the end, winning or losing, you will stand stronger than ever and then you stop and say: what the hell just happened?! I wanna do this again.” – Flavio Almeida