The IBJJF No Gi Worlds, which took place from December 12 to 14 in Las Vegas, was a competition that will be considered one of the best moments in the career of Rodrigo Freitas, black-belt and leader of the Inspirit Jiu-Jitsu Academy, based in California. In addition to being the champion of the tournament, Rodrigo was the best competitor among the lightweight athletes, master 2, the title had an extra meaning – it legitimized his perseverance throughout his career.
“I’ve been training since I was 13 years old and I’ve dedicated myself to Jiu-Jitsu ever since. As an athlete, I’ve always wanted to win the most important titles and I’ve come very close to becoming a No Gi world champion on several occasions, winning the silver medal, but this time it worked out! I always give my all in championships. I believe I performed well in this Worlds and was able to put all my strategies into practice to secure first place. My training never stops, even during the holidays. Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle in my life.”.
Rodrigo Freitas’ opponent in the final said he studied the champion’s game; Inspirit’s leader was superior anyway
In the gold medal match, Rodrigo fought against Louis Steven, a black-belt from Alliance. According to Rodrigo, the final was actually the toughest fight of the tournament, as his opponent arrived prepared because he had done his homework, as he admitted on the podium during the medal ceremony, of studying the finalist’s game.
“It was a tough fight, I couldn’t really get my attacks in, but I managed to advance positions and won the referee’s decision. I wasn’t 100% physically in that championship either, but that’s how an athlete’s life is. I believe that years of experience helped me, I gained maturity in competitions. It was never luck, always hard work and dedication.”.
Today, Rodrigo is a respected leader and professor who guides students under the banner of Inspirit. He says that his current reputation is the result of a trajectory built with discipline and resilience as pillars.
“I truly believe in the power of discipline and that my role as a professor is an example not only for my students, but for the next generation, that anything is possible. There are not only talented athletes, but also athletes who dedicate themselves and create their own opportunities. I have never been the most talented, but I have always had discipline and resilience. That is how I have achieved all my achievements in Jiu Jitsu. Titles such as the World Championship, Pans, American Nationals, among others. That is how I continue to lead my team. Showing that there is always a path.”.
Pandemic put the brakes on the team’s expansion project, but in 2024 the plans came to life
Rodrigo’s own gym expansion in California required a lot of willpower and belief in the value of his goals. A plan that had been in place since 2019 effectively came to fruition five years later, in 2024.
“Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy is my latest achievement. We had been planning to expand since 2019, but Covid came along and put our plans on hold. In September 2024, we moved to our new, larger space with a different structure to provide a better experience for our students. The new name was studied together with a specialized team that guided us to the name ‘Inspirit’, which represents a set of important ideas for Jiu Jitsu: to inspire, to breathe, to motivate, to bring life, among other meanings. The slogan of our new academy is ‘Life and Jiu Jitsu walks together.”.
Looking back on 2024, Rodrigo Freitas says he passed with excellent grades in several real-life disciplines: family man, businessman and professor. For 2025, speaking specifically about his professional life, the world champion black-belt says his goal is to continue gaining ground on the scene.
“In 2025, the goal is to continue expanding and improving our academy together with the team we have, with plans for several camps for the main championships. Intensifying competition training. In short, nothing changes.”.
