In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we often discuss the importance of consistency, discipline, and repetition. But ask anyone who’s climbed to the top, and they’ll tell you: the people in your corner make all the difference.
Just ask Carlos Alberto Pinheiro Alves Junior. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1982, he’s now a two-time American Open Champion, Finals IV Florida titleholder, and ranked 4th nationally in the Master 3, Black Belt, Super Heavy division.
But behind every medal, behind every match, is something more profound: a philosophy that’s guided him for decades, to train with the best, and you’ll become the best. It’s not just a motto. For him, it’s how you build a legacy.
From Jacarepaguá to Jiu-Jitsu: The First Mat
Carlos grew up in Jacarepaguá, a neighborhood in Rio where community centers and local clubs often serve as the starting lines for athletes. He first stepped into martial arts through judo at the APCEF club, but something clicked differently when he entered the Gracie Barra Jacarepaguá Academy in 1996.
There, he met the mentors who would set the tone for everything that followed.
Eduardo Galvão, a black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr., was already a decorated competitor part of Gracie Barra’s golden generation. His sharp technical command and fierce mindset rubbed off early.
Then came Mauricio “Tinguinha” Mariano, known for his fluid and evolving style, as well as his international teaching presence. Tinguinha didn’t just teach Jiu-Jitsu; he showed Carlos that this art could stretch across countries, cultures, and decades.
“Those early years didn’t just sharpen his technique; they shaped how he saw the entire path ahead.”
They also planted a belief that would become his compass: train with those who have been where you want to go.
Early Competitor, Quiet Climber
Like many Jiu-Jitsu journeys, Carlos started with more grit than glamour. He entered his first tournament, Copa Axe, less than a year into training.
By 1997, he had already reached the podium as a yellow belt. His momentum built through blue and purple belt ranks:
- Copa Cyclone Champion (2001)
- Copa Jet Power Champion
- 3rd Jacarepaguá Cup Champion
- Runner-up twice at Copa Novo Leblon
- 3rd place, Rio State Jiu-Jitsu Championship
But the breakthrough year? 2006. That’s when he climbed to #1 in the Rio de Janeiro State Ranking and won the Atlântico Sul Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
You don’t get there without years of showing up and someone in your corner demanding your best, even when no one’s watching.
The Black Belt: A Decade in the Making
In December 2008, after more than ten years of training, Carlos was awarded his black belt by Eduardo Ribeiro of Soul Fighters/Kioto Academy.
It wasn’t a straight line. Law school meant less time on the mat. Competitions had to wait. Still, he kept showing up. Training when he could. Holding on to the lessons his mentors had drilled into him from day one.
For anyone trying to balance school, work, or life with Jiu-Jitsu, his story is a reminder: progress may slow, but it doesn’t have to stop.
The belt didn’t just mark his level. It marked his resilience.
Return to the Mat: Black Belt and Reborn
After a pause during his brown belt years, Carlos stepped back onto the mats as a black belt with something to prove not to anyone else, but to himself.
- Copa Alfa Barra Champion (2016)
- Double medalist at Copa Alfa Barra 2018 (silver in division, bronze in absolute)
- Copa Upper Jiu-Jitsu Champion (2019)
He wasn’t the loudest name on the bracket. But if you saw him compete, you knew this wasn’t a comeback. It was a continuation.
A New Country, A Familiar Philosophy
In 2023, Carlos relocated to Florida, trading Rio’s chaos for the Central Florida heat and diving headfirst into a new chapter under another legendary coach: Rolles Gracie.
For those unfamiliar: Rolles is the son of Rolls Gracie, a foundational figure in modern BJJ. Rolles himself has an elite competitive resume, including time in the UFC, and leads a high-level training center in Lake Mary, FL.
Training under Rolles wasn’t just about technique; it was about stepping deeper into a lineage. One that values toughness, evolution, and responsibility.
“In Florida, he stepped into unfamiliar territory, a new coast, a new mat, the same hunger.”
New Ground, Same Grind: U.S. Results
Since arriving in the U.S., Carlos hasn’t just adjusted. He’s thrived especially in events organized by the Jiu-Jitsu World League, one of the sport’s fastest-growing competitive circuits:
- American Open Champion – 2024 & 2025
- Finals IV Florida Champion (2024)
- World League Florida VI – 3rd Place
- World League Florida VII – Runner-Up
- World League Florida IX Champion (2025)
- IBJJF Orlando Summer Open Champion (2025)
Today, he’s one of Florida’s top-ranked athletes and holds 4th nationally in the JIU Jitsu World League Master 3 Super Heavy division.
It’s proof that excellent training and great coaching transcend geography. If the values stay, the wins follow.
“When You Choose the Best…”
If there’s one message Carlos repeats, it’s this:
“When you choose the best to be with you and dedicate yourself to training, inevitably you become better.”
That goes beyond mat strategy. It’s about who you allow to shape your habits, your mindset, your standards.
Whether you’re brand new to Jiu-Jitsu or ten years deep, ask yourself:
- Who’s guiding your journey?
- Do they demand your best even when you think you’ve hit your limit?
- Are they part of a lineage you respect?
If not, maybe it’s time to shift your corner.
Legacy Isn’t Given. It’s Built.
Carlos Alberto Pinheiro Alves Junior isn’t just collecting titles; he’s carrying forward the lessons of his mentors and now passing them on to others.
From Jacarepaguá mats to Orlando podiums, his journey is a roadmap for anyone chasing something bigger than medals:
- Consistency over hype
- Mentorship over ego
- Legacy over shortcuts
You don’t become great alone. You surround yourself with greatness, and it shapes you.
If you’re serious about your own Jiu-Jitsu, his story isn’t just one to admire; it’s one to study. And maybe, to follow.
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