Lucas Pinheiro: “Jiu-jitsu is not made only of athletes”
A world champion who now runs Pinheiro Jiu-Jitsu in Florida, the coach tells VF Comunica the federation builds a bond with teams by looking at parents, kids and coaches, and sees room for it to grow in the US market
Lucas Pinheiro knows tournaments from both sides of the mat. An IBJJF black belt world champion in 2023, the Manaus native now runs Pinheiro Jiu-Jitsu in Winter Garden, Florida, and takes his students to compete. Speaking to VF Comunica, he talked about what he has seen at PBJJF events and about the federation’s relationship with academies.
“They are understanding that jiu-jitsu is not made only of athletes. There is the coach, the kid, the parents, the family and the whole team behind them. When an organization manages to create a positive experience for all of these people, it builds a much stronger connection with the academies,” he said.
The view of a coach who took 36 kids to compete
His view comes from a recent experience. On Saturday, October 3, Pinheiro Jiu-Jitsu finished first in the kids academy ranking at the PBJJF Orlando Open, with 36 athletes and more than twice the points of the second-place team. After the tournament, Pinheiro praised the refereeing, the organization and the structure of the event on social media.
“This closeness with coaches and teams is very important. When an organization can look not only at the athlete, but also at all the people who are part of that environment, the relationship with the academies gets much stronger,” he said.
Room to grow in the United States
Pinheiro also sees room for the PBJJF to grow in the American market, where he lives and works.
“I believe there is potential, mainly because the American jiu-jitsu market keeps growing a lot. Now it is a matter of keeping up consistent work, staying organized, listening to coaches and athletes and growing event by event,” he added.
His reading matches what the federation itself has been saying. In a recent interview with VF Comunica, president JP Ferreira said the PBJJF wants to connect events, education, academies, athletes and community. The federation is offering free affiliation for academies through the end of 2026.
What matters most to you when choosing a tournament: the organization, the refereeing or the experience for the family? Leave your opinion in the comments.
