Caio Terra - No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Champion

Caio Terra was born on 8th February 1986, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started his BJJ training in 2003 and earned his black belt in 2006 from a great mentor Aulo Mauricio. He was the only fighter who got his black belt in just three years of training. He has also competed in No-Gi black belt competitions.

Caio Terra is also famous for his motto,

Caio Terra's favorite and famous technique is “ Foot Lock”.

FootLock can be applied in a number of ways.

First of all, you must grip the feet under your armpit and calf saucer turning backward to ensure the leg grip more firmly.  Squeeze the thighs of your opponent with both thighs and bend your chest to the ground.

It can be applied through the half guard position, one leg between thighs, toe on the side of the opponent, lie down to the mat on the back, the foot resting under the armpit, and just turn yourself to the right side.

“I liked this position “double guard pull to berimbolo” and even tried to apply it in the final of the World Championship in 2009 against Malfacine. Can’t remember exactly but it was between the end of 2007 and 2009 that I created this position here in the US. It started with me brainstorming to push my opponents to the mat and avoid them standing back up. Eventually, I started tapping people with this and stopped using the berimbolo from there, even because the grip holds me down too much for me to use the berimbolo.”

Caio Terra Foot Lock in American Nationals

Caio Terra Foot Lock in  European Open No-Gi 2013

As a teenager, Caio Terra had a thin body that weighed 38 kg. Many of his classmates used to beat him because he had a thin and weak body. His mother suggested that he join a BJJ academy and learn self-defense. Terra initially did not want to continue but his mother encouraged him to keep practicing.

Caio Terra's mother decided to train his son at the famous Fight Zone Academy in Copacabana. Rodrigo and Ricardo Medeiros were two famous BJJ instructors that were leading the Flight Zone Academy at the time. Initially, Caio Terra did not pay much attention to his BJJ training, instead spending most of his time playing football with friends. However, Terra's mother kept on pushing him to practice.

Although Caio Terra was not fully devoted to his BJJ training, he eventually reached the rank of a blue belt. After receiving his blue belt, many of Terra’s training partners and coaches motivated him to compete professionally. Terra was not confident in his abilities and feared defeat. He also requested his coach to let him quit after he had won the first match.

In the second match, Terra was reluctant to face his opponent but his coach motivated him. Luckily, Terra emerged victorious in the second match. Terra continued to track up wins one by one until he reached the finals. He competed with Multiple times World champion Bruno Malfacine, who defeated him later in life when Terra.

Around this time, Terra devoted his abilities to BJJ  grappling and started training regularly. And finally, he was successful in earning his black belt in 2008 after he won the IBJJF World Championship by defeating Bruno Malfacine.

Terra eventually decided to host training sessions at home. He Transformed his house into a gym and welcomed everyone who wanted to practice and learn BJJ.

In 2006, Terra received his black belt from Paulo M. Strauch after passing his test at the Strauch Academy.

Terra moved to the United States in 2008 after being invited by Cesar Gracie. Before that, he had performed well as a black belt at the IBJJF World Championship. Terra practiced BJJ for four years before he finally left in November 2012. Although he continued to participate in the No-Gi competitions. 

While living in the U.S, Caio Terra Became successful and very famous when he won several IBJJF gold medals. He was recognized as a successful rooster weight fighter in BJJ history.

Caio Terra’s Father, Renato Terra is a singer by profession.

Both fighters were equal in height and physical strength.The fight lasted for only 5 minutes. Initially, Caio Terra tried the foot lock in different positions but struggled. However, Caio won the fight by armlock in the end.

Caio Terra applied the full mount attack but Marcelo Cohen managed to survive. Secondly, Caio Terra applied the foot lock and specialized it, leaving no choice for Marcelo cohen but only submission.

Caio Terra Fight in World Championship

Bruno Malfacine Fight in world championship 2019

Bruno Malfacine Vs Caio Terra World Championship 2010

Caio Terra Vs Fabbio Passos de Alencar

Photo credit: @caioterra , @wikidata