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Caio Almeida talks about his history, recalls difficult moments and aims at the World Master

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Caio Almeida é um dos professores mais condecorados do esporte. Foto: Arquivo Pessoal

In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, there is one name that echoes with respect in every corner of the Jiu-Jitsu community: Caio Almeida. A professor and professional athlete, he has walked a path full of challenges and victories, always with the determination to train champions and leave a legacy for his students in Itaquera, São Paulo.

From the first contacts with Jiu-Jitsu, Caio Almeida realized he was facing something special: “Jiu-Jitsu taught me much more than fighting techniques. It showed me essential values for life, such as respect, discipline and perseverance”, says Caio.

Caio today leads Almeida Jiu-Jitsu, one of the main teams in São Paulo, alongside his brothers. In an exclusive interview with VF Comunica, Caio shares his story and the principles that guide him on his journey in the sport.

VF COMUNICA: How do you arrive for the World Masters mentally?

CAIO ALMEIDA: My head is very good for the World Masters. It’s been many years working for it. The camp in the United States has been wonderful. Professor Toni Passos has been pulling my 110% every day and it has been uncomfortable, because I am used to teaching and training with my athletes. Having someone pulling me has been even “strange”, but it is something wonderful and makes a difference.

You have been divided between professor and athlete. What is the biggest difficulty you encounter?

I believe it always revolves around our maturity to understand our purpose in life, so that people do not try to stop God’s plans in our lives with their frustrations or fears. I’ve always heard people tell me that I’m not going to be a champion because I put so much time and energy into my students. They told me I was old and the fact is that I feel good, I feel like a boy, better and better. I’m in my best phase. The biggest difficulty always comes from the outside. With time I created a shell to armor myself and continue forward! Leading makes me a better athlete. When I’m exhausted and want to stop, I look to the side and see dozens of students waiting to see what my action will be. I’ve competed Saturday, done Sunday morning training and competed Sunday afternoon. Always ready to work!

How do you analyze the medium division at the World Masters?

Fighting as a middleweight is always complicated in any color of belt or age. Last year I fought the World Master featherweight. I was World Pro champion up to 69kg. But I went over the limit and my body accused. Now I’m going to mediumweight, which is my natural weight. There are a lot of tough fights. Sandro Gabriel and Pitter Frank made the final of the Brazilian, they are strong candidates. But I’m well trained for this battle. There are more than 50 in the bracket!

You have trained many champion pupils who make their living from sport today. What was the secret of your success?

Yes, I have trained many champions. Thanks to God. We got world champions in all belts, from blue belt to black belt. I always wanted to be a world champion. I believe I put my dream in them. God gave me students who wanted that too. I dedicated myself every day for that. An extra mat work that demands time. Taking to church, teaching values, conversations and full-time living. But really, the secret of success is to let God act. He put a wonderful plan in my heart to give a better future to my students through BJJ. I grabbed hold of it. Generate transformation! Yes, I have always enjoyed the movement of taking students to church with me as values when they are not the same start to give friction. People within the group should speak the same language. I respect those who work differently and I believe it is right. Because they are speaking the same language. It is always the values!

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Written by Vitor Freitas

Jornalista, Vitor Freitas atua diretamente na produção de conteúdo para o Jiu-Jitsu de todas as formas há 13 anos.

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