Otávio Sousa
Jiu-Jitsu fighter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Otavio Sousa (born in Recife, Brazil) is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor.[1] He is a black belt and competes for Gracie Barra, where he has won numerous championships. Souza is a three time black belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and ADCC silver medalist.[2]
| Otavio Sousa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Team | Gracie Barra |
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Representing  Brazil | ||
| Grappling | ||
| ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship | ||
 | 2013 Beijing, China | -77 kg |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | ||
| World Jiu-Jitsu Championship | ||
 | 2012 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2013 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2014 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2016 California, USA | -82 kg |
| Pan-American Championship | ||
| 2020 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2017 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2010 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2009 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2019 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2009 California, USA | Absolute |
| 2008 California, USA | -82 kg |
 | 2016 California, USA | -82 kg |
| 2011 California, USA | -82 kg |
| European Open Championship | ||
| 2008 Europe | Middleweight (brown belt) |
| 2007 Europe | Middleweight (brown belt) |
| Brazilian Nationals (CBJJ) | ||
| 2004 Brazil | Middleweight (purple belt) |
Early life
Sousa was born in Recife, Brazil. He began training in martial arts during childhood and transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his teenage years. Demonstrating early talent, he competed actively in local tournaments before moving to Rio de Janeiro to pursue a professional career in the sport.[2]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career
Sousa was awarded his black belt by Carlos Gracie Jr. in 2009 and quickly became one of the most successful competitors of his generation. He is known for his aggressive guard passing style and technical precision.[2]
Over the course of his career, Sousa won the IBJJF World Championship three times in the middleweight division (2012, 2013, 2015). He also medaled multiple times at the Pan-American Championship, European Championship, and Brazilian Nationals, earning recognition as one of the top competitors to represent Gracie Barra internationally.[2][3][4][5]
ADCC career
Sousa competed at the 2015 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, where he advanced to the finals of the 77 kg division, ultimately winning a silver medal after facing Davi Ramos.[6]
Teaching
Outside of competition, Sousa has been involved in teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through the Gracie Barra network. He has taught in academies in Brazil, the United States, and Europe, contributing to the spread of the team’s methodology.[5]
Achievements
Legacy
Otávio Sousa is recognized as one of the most successful middleweight competitors of his era. Beyond his competitive career, he is also respected as an instructor within the Gracie Barra association, helping to train young atheletes
