With 24 years dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu and nine years as a black belt, Romualdo Lucas has built a career that combines competitive performance, technical instruction, and social impact. Born in Arcoverde, in the interior of Pernambuco, Brazil, he began training in the gentle art at the age of 12 and eventually turned the practice into his profession.
Today, he is an active competitor on the IBJJF international circuit and a coach who works with athletes both in Brazil and abroad.
A black belt under Gessé Filho of Nova União Pernambuco, Romualdo developed a foundation rooted in discipline and tradition. Now representing Gracie Barra, one of the largest Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world, he works both as a competitor and instructor, extending his influence beyond competitions and contributing to the technical development of new practitioners.
The Turning Point: When Jiu-Jitsu Became a Purpose
Although his progression in the sport happened naturally, there was a moment when Romualdo realized that Jiu-Jitsu could become his life’s path.
He recalls that this shift began when he was 19 years old, still a blue belt, during his first trip to compete outside his home state.
“It was transformative. Traveling to compete in Rio de Janeiro opened my eyes. Soon after that, I enrolled in college to study physical education, and the idea of dedicating my life fully to Jiu-Jitsu began to take shape.”
According to him, that experience made him understand that the sport could be more than just competition. It could become a career, a lifestyle, and a tool for transformation.
Early Responsibility and Strong Foundations
Growing up in a small town where there were few experienced black belts, Romualdo developed a strong sense of responsibility early in his journey.
He says his role models were the more experienced athletes on the mats, but especially his instructor.
“Since I was a purple belt, I was already leading training sessions and teaching classes in a social project at Fundação Terra. My mindset was already focused on setting an example through actions, not just words.”
Speaking about his instructor Gessé Filho, Romualdo highlights that the influence went beyond technical instruction.
“He isn’t famous for winning many titles, but I learned a lot from him. He’s a BOPE officer and lives an intense life. As he says himself, he doesn’t live off Jiu-Jitsu. He lives for Jiu-Jitsu.”
This mentality helped shape Romualdo’s professional discipline and competitive mindset.
International Achievements on the IBJJF Circuit
Throughout his black belt career, Romualdo has collected several important titles in IBJJF continental and international competitions, especially in the United States.
Among his main accomplishments are:
- Two-time South American No-Gi Champion, middleweight
- 2022 South American No-Gi Champion, Adult Middleweight
- 2023 South American No-Gi Champion, Adult Light Heavyweight
- 2025 Houston International Open IBJJF Champion, Gi and No-Gi, Open Class and Light Heavyweight
- 2025 Austin Winter International Open IBJJF Champion, No-Gi, Open Class and Light Heavyweight
- 2026 Los Angeles Winter International Open IBJJF Champion, Gi and No-Gi, Light Heavyweight
- 2023 Rio International Open IBJJF Champion, Master 1 Open Class
- 2021 Austin International Open IBJJF No-Gi Champion, Open Class and Light Heavyweight
Beyond these titles, Romualdo maintains a consistent presence on Brazilian and South American black belt podiums.
At a recent Austin Open, he competed in multiple divisions on the same day.
“It went well, but it was exhausting. I fought all my matches in a single day, but I won two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.”
His competition schedule and consistent results reinforce his active role on the international Jiu-Jitsu scene.
Technical Style and Competitive Identity
Romualdo’s game is built around an objective and strategically structured style, focused on controlling the match from the standing phase to the finish.
His approach combines strong takedowns, pressure passing, and calculated submission attacks.
“I have a well-structured takedown game, which makes it easier to pass and go for the finish. Basically it’s simple. Take down, pass, and finish.”
He explains that this strategy has been refined over years of competition, where efficiency and control often determine the outcome of matches at the highest level.
The Challenge of Being Both Athlete and Instructor
One of the defining aspects of Romualdo’s career has been balancing high-level competition with his role as an instructor.
According to him, performing both roles at the same time can be one of the biggest challenges.
“I’ve always been the teacher and the athlete. Competing at a high level without always having someone pushing you in training or correcting you is a constant challenge.”
He often needs to raise the level of his students first in order to create the training intensity he needs for himself.
“It’s about doing the best with the tools you have.”
Despite the difficulty, this dynamic has also strengthened his leadership and coaching abilities.
Observations on the New Generation of Athletes
When discussing the current generation of competitors, Romualdo offers a direct observation about modern sports culture.
“The most common mistake is wanting the glamour of victory and the Instagram life, but not wanting to pay the price. The real work happens behind the scenes.”
His advice to younger athletes is simple. Focus on technical depth before trying to learn everything at once.
“I tell them to focus on one specific position or submission. When you dedicate energy to something, you begin to evolve and discover new layers within that same technique.”
International Impact and Legacy
For Romualdo, the true meaning of his career goes beyond medals and podium finishes. His goal is to create impact through teaching and mentorship.
“I want to have helped as many people as possible through Jiu-Jitsu. The benefits of this art are tremendous.”
He believes the global growth of the sport allows his work to reach far beyond the competition mats.
“Jiu-Jitsu is my tool for transforming lives.”
