Baret Yoshida - 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt

Baret Yoshida is an American Jiu-Jitsu fighter who has made a name for himself in grappling history through his skill and competitive success. He is a 4th-degree black belt holder in BJJ  and is known for his dynamic and aggressive style of fighting. Baret has competed in several tournaments and has won many prestigious titles, including multiple IBJJF and ADCC World Championship medals. He is considered one of the top competitors in his weight class in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and a fighter with the most appearances in the ADCC matches.

Baret Yoshida was born at the start of the summer of 1978, on the picturesque island of Oahu, Hawaii. This island is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and blessed with the warmth of the Hawaiian sun. Baret grew up in an environment that shaped his love for physical activities, and his determination to excel.

In 1994, Baret Yoshida's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began at Relson Gracie’s Academy on the island of Oahu, Hawaii at the age of 14. He was introduced to the leading combat sport by his friend and Baret immediately fell in love with the discipline, technique, and assertiveness of Jiu-Jitsu training. He trained tirelessly under the guidance of his coaches at Relson Gracie’s academy, honing his skills and perfecting his technique. As he progressed through the ranks, Baret began to attract the attention of the wider BJJ community.

Being surrounded by the natural beauty of Hawaii, Baret was drawn to the athleticism and fluidity of the techniques in Jiu-Jitsu. He was fascinated by the way of using Jiu-Jitsu techniques and was determined to master the art. Baret's early Jiu-Jitsu training was characterized by fierce perseverance and an unwavering dedication to the sport.

Baret Yoshida was awarded his purple belt in BJJ during his training at Gracie’s academy (1994-1999) by his longtime coach Relson Gracie, an estimable figure in the martial arts.

The purple belt is a significant milestone in the journey of Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts, and it was also a  proud moment for Baret as he was recognized for his hard work and dedication to the sport. This achievement signified his progression and advancement in the technical knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu. This achievement proved a stepping stone for him to further progress in the grappling world, and it motivated him to continue to strive for excellence and honor in the grappling world.

Baret Yoshida's Jiu-Jitsu journey has taken him through different pathways and training institutions. After receiving his purple belt from Relson Gracie he decided to make a change and switched to practice under the guidance of Egan and Enson “Yamato Damashii” Inoue.

This decision to switch his training proved a significant step for Baret Yoshida, as it introduced him to new opportunities to improve his grappling skills and increased his motivation and morale. Under the guidance of Egan and Enson Inoue, Baret was exposed to advanced grappling techniques and training methods that helped him to excel in his career.

The Inoue brothers allowed Baret Yoshida to train with some of the best and most accomplished fighters of Jiu-Jitsu, and to learn from their expertise. This experience was critical in helping Baret to become an accomplished fighter and competitor.

Baret's decision to switch his training center was a strategic move that allowed him to take his skills and competitive success to the next level. It was a gallant move that paid off in the long run and helped him to achieve great success on the mat.

In 1999, Baret Yoshida made his debut at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) tournament, one of the most elite and competitive submission wrestling tournaments in the BJJ world. Despite his lack of experience at the international level, Baret fought his way through the trials and earned a spot in the finals.

He gave a very formidable challenge to one of the dominant fighters to have ever competed in the ADCC, Royler Gracie. Though he did not succeed to win the tournament, Baret's performance earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor and a rising star in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.

After his breakthrough performance in 1999, Baret Yoshida was invited back to compete in the ADCC tournament in 2001 and 2003. He continued to solidify his name as one of the best No-Gi competitors in the world, by winning silver and gold medals in the tournaments. Beret Yoshida is known for his aggressive and dynamic style of fighting, and his ability to swiftly submit.

Baret's participation in the ADCC tournaments proved his skill and competitive spirit and solidified his place among the elite Jiu-Jitsu fighters of his generation.

Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a significant accomplishment and is a testament to a practitioner's skill, dedication, and perseverance. Baret had put in decades of hard work, competing in numerous tournaments and earning multiple medals and titles along the way, including a silver medal at the world’s most challenging No-Gi competition.

After years of hard work, dedication, and a long list of accolades, Baret Yoshida was finally awarded the Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by his coach, Egan Inoue, in 2002. This achievement was a testament to a journey that began when Baret first stepped on the mat as a white belt, and it marked a new chapter in his career as a martial artist.

After his outstanding performance in the ADCC championships Barte Yoshida has also achieved great success in the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, winning the title in the masters 3 division in 2008, 2009, and 2018. His accomplishments on the mat demonstrate his passion for high-level grappling skills and dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

While Baret Yoshida is well-known for his skill and competitive success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he also proved himself an accomplished mixed martial artist, who has had the opportunity to test his skills in the cage. As an admitted admirer of the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Baret decided to explore the world of MMA.

Baret's MMA career began with a series of high-profile matchups against some of the most accomplished fighters in the sport, including Masahiro Oishi and Jeff Curran. Despite the tough competition, Baret put up a strong showing of grappling skills in each fight, showcasing his versatility as an athlete and his ability to adapt to the techniques of BJJ and MMA.

Baret's MMA career (6-6-1) may not have been as long as his Jiu-Jitsu career, but it didn't stop him from showing his skills, determination, and willingness to face top-tier fighters.

On August 6th, 2021, Baret Yoshida displayed his superior grappling skills by submitting Jeff Nolasco with a crucifix choke at Fight 2 Win 180. This was a significant win for Yoshida and further solidifies his reputation as a top competitor in the BJJ.

After that he made a triumphant return to the competitive scene on September 10, 2021, by winning the Gi featherweight title at Fight 2 Win 183 by submitting his opponent with an anaconda choke.

He then defended his title at Fight 2 Win's sister promotion, Subversive 6, on October 16, 2021, by defeating Takahito Yoshioka by decision, solidifying his dominance in the featherweight division and cementing his status as a top competitor.

Baret Yoshida, two-time silver and one-time bronze medalist, was honored to be inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.

On January 7th, 2023, Baret Yoshida continued his status as a top-tier grappler by submitting Garry Nakamura to the main event of Fight 2 Win 216.

Being the renowned and most accomplished BJJ fighter. Beret has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share, and he has done so through his highly-acclaimed video series on choke techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Baret Yoshida choke series is a comprehensive and in-depth instructional series that covers all aspects of choke techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is designed to help practitioners to improve their grappling techniques, and increase their knowledge and in-depth understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These video series will surely help BJJ practitioners to become more effective competitors.

Baret's contribution to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through his video series is priceless. His years of experience and knowledge of the sport have been distilled into this instructional series, making it an essential resource for any practitioner looking to improve their choke techniques. This series continues to be a reference for many BJJ practitioners around the world.

This was a No-Gi tournament between the legendary Baret Yoshida and Jeremy Romero, who is also a renowned grappler. Both fighters made the final of the IBJJF championship worth watching and an interesting display of their No-Gi skills.

The fight started with the prompt attack of Baret Yoshida, who tried to control the leg of his opponent. After that, Beret applied his favorite powerful Ezekiel choke that completely gripped Jeremy Romero. Jeremy used his potential defensive skills to escape from the strong grip of Baret.

Baret Yoshida left no chance for his opponent to escape. However, Baret's strong grip around Jeremy Romero's neck forced him to tap.

The interesting bout of F2WBJJ (Fight 2 Win Promotion) was held between Baret Yoshida, who is famous for his crazy crucifix choke, and Jay Nolasco. This bout was a display of excellent submissions and grappling skills. Both fighters are well-known in the sport for their exceptional technique and athleticism, making this a highly-anticipated matchup for fans of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Baret Yoshida started the fight by takedown his opponent. Jay Npolasco showed his elite grappling skills on the mat but failed to maintain his dominant position on the mat. Baret took the advantage of Jay Nolasco by controlling him through his famous crucifix choke. The right arm of Jay Nolasco was in the strong grip of Baret’s right leg and his left arm was under the powerful grip of Baret’s hands.

Jay Nolasco failed to free himself from the strong grip of Baret Yoshida. Baret succeeds in submitting his opponent by maintaining his gnarly attack of crucifix choke.

In the 2018 quarter-final of the IBJJF No-Gi Championship, Baret Yoshida and M. Robert faced each other on the mat. This was a fierce competition between two highly skilled fighters, both showcased impressive performances on the mat.

The fight started with the prompt takedown of the M.Robert that gave no chance to his opponent to stand out. However, Baret succeeded to escape from the firm grip of M. Robert by using his offensive and defensive skills on the mat.

At the end of the Fight, Baret controlled the neck of his opponent from the back with a firm grip on his arm. Baret’s powerful clutch around Robert's neck forced him to tap out. Baret Yoshida won the match with his signature Crucifix choke.

Baret Yoshida vs Roberto Zapata

Baret Yoshida vs Rafael Freitas 2013 Abu Dhabi Pro Trial San Diego Finals

Baret Yoshida vs Gustavo Dantas | ADCC | 2001

Photo Credit: @baret75