Emmanuela Oliveira 
Fernando Paiva, a 16-year-old athlete, reached the peak of his career as a juvenile competitor by becoming the champion of the IBJJF Grand Slam this season. Before moving to Costa Mesa, California, to train with the Mendes brothers at AOJ, Fernando’s achievements were defending the Melqui Galvão’s flag, a team that shaped Fernando’s solid Jiu-Jitsu, which has never gone unnoticed in major competitions.
Excited about the news that awaits him from now on, Fernando Paiva told the VF Comunica team that the 2024 season was enriching and capable of showing the real importance of Jiu-Jitsu in the life and future of the athlete, now a blue-belt in the sport.
“This was a year of a lot of learning and achievements. For the first time, I participated in the international Jiu-Jitsu major competitions and I consolidated the idea that I really want this for my life. I am just at the beginning of my journey, I have a lot to learn and improve in my Jiu-Jitsu and that is what I am looking for at the moment.”.
Fernando dominated all major IBJJF competitions in 2024. At the Euros and Brasileiros, he won double gold
With all the experience Fernando has had in Jiu-Jitsu competitions, the year 2024 seems even more significant due to the magnitude of the gold medals won in the first half of the year. The competitor took first place in the Euros, Pans, Brazilian Nationals and Worlds, the main tournaments on the IBJJF competitive calendar.
“I almost won double gold in all the competitions, but I still managed to finish first in the rankings. These results are valuable because they give me direction and show that I am in the game.”.
Upon arriving in California, Fernando said that the support of Master Guilherme Mendes during the transition was fundamental, receiving him in a very warm manner. After all, every change requires its sacrifices and it is important to have a safe place during this process.
“Master Guilherme Mendes has been a great companion since the beginning and has made this process away from home easier. I was well received in person by some of the team members who are helping me and answering my questions. My other teammates have also contacted me online to send their congratulations. When I wanted to become a professional Jiu-Jitsu athlete, my first choice was AOJ. Today, this is a reality and I am part of this great team.”.
In addition to more world titles, Paiva aims for a comfortable life in his sports career
Progressing in the sport as an athlete is a goal that Fernando Paiva wants to carry with him throughout the years, once he reaches the adult division in competition and beyond. Among his main goals are the world titles in the IBJJF and ADCC; that is, the top in Gi and No Gi. Financial stability is another of his goals.
“I want to have a good quality of life through sports, giving back to my parents for everything they have done for me throughout my career. I also aim to help other young athletes who dreamed like me but didn’t have the opportunity to make their dreams come true.”.
