Emmanuela Oliveira 
IBJJF European champion and two-time champion of the AJP Tour World Pro, held in Abu Dhabi, Cássio Silva, representing the Master 1 athletes, only has reasons to celebrate. A Brazilian based in Paris, Cássio runs the School of Champs, in France, and his work with students is having the rewards that a good teacher expects.
Cássio’s next challenge is already marked on the calendar. On December 21st he will perform in a professional grappling event organized by the CFJJB (Confédération Française de Jiu-Jitsu Brésilien). In an interview given to VF Comunica, in fact, the black belt was motivated to participate in this French federation event, convinced that the best is yet to come.
“I am very excited about this first professional event organized by CFJJB. The French confederation promises something never seen in Europe, they compare this event with IBJJF The Crown, I’m very excited to show my work in grappling and be the first winner of the Pro League. After all, I think this is an event that will grow a lot and will be very well talked about.”, predicts the fighter.
Black belt analyzes CFBJJ Grand Prix
In the bracket, Cássio Silva will have his first fight against Gregory Wamytan, Jiu-Jitsu black belt and professional MMA fighter. The opponent is not a complete stranger to Cássio, who already trained with him when he was still a purple-belt. At that time, Wamytan already had his black-belt.
“He’s a great grappling and MMA athlete, I don’t underestimate him, but I really believe in my Jiu-Jitsu. So, I think I’ll finish it.”, he states.
Going in the opposite direction of those who believe that the visibility of grappling is expanding more when compared to gi Jiu-Jitsu, Cássio Silva believes in a growth of equal proportions, saying that “perhaps it will be possible one day for grappling to be more popular” , but, personally, he finds it unlikely.
Cassio gives his opinion on the current grappling scene
As a competitor who knows both areas, both gi fighting and No Gi, Cássio is categorical when commenting that the scale of attractiveness of a fight does not depend on the modality, grappling or gi Jiu-Jitsu.
According to him, competitors such as Nicholas Meregali, Diego “Pato” and Gabriel Sousa are capable of putting on shows that are independent of the type of event they intend to compete in. Accurate observation coming from an athlete with plenty of experience.
