Claudio Calasans - 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt

Claudio Calasans is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu hero and champion who has made a name for himself in the world of martial arts. He has won numerous titles and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Gold Medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. Calasans is known for his elite technical skills, strategic approach to the competition, and relentless dedication to the art of BJJ. He is widely respected among his fans and peers as a true master of grappling, and his contributions to the world of BJJ have solidified his place as a hero in the eyes of the grappling world.

Claudio Calasans was born on 11 October 1983 in the house of emerging Judo personality, Calasans Camargo. Claudio Calasans was destined to grow up in a family who had already raised two renowned names in martial arts. (Claudio’s father and uncle were Judo Black Belt) 

Claudio's family was rooted in a martial art that urged him to follow the same path. He started Judo practice when he was 3 years old. He got inspiration from his father who was a Judo Master and later received a 7th-Degree Black Belt in Judo. 

As Claudio approached his teens, he recognized the importance of a strong ground game in Judo and decided to supplement his training with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Claudio's father was part of the coaching staff at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, where he witnessed the growing popularity of BJJ. People were walking around with BJJ shirts and there was a lot of interest in the sport. Claudio’s father was also aware of the potential benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and encouraged Claudio to pursue BJJ training to give him a competitive edge.

As a result of his father's encouragement, Claudio became deeply involved in BJJ and went on to become a highly respected champion in the sport.

Claudio Calasans started Jiu-Jitsu training in his hometown, where a Sao Paulo instructor came to teach him in the gym. Erivaldo Junior was his first instructor who was a blue belt at that time. Claudio learned the Jiu-Jitsu techniques from him and received Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black Belt from coach Erivaldo. 

In 2005, Claudio Calasans received Black Belt from Erivaldo Junior who also awarded him the BJJ Black Belt.

After one year of receiving a black belt, he won two world championships. Claudio also trained in Judo along with Jiu-Jitsu. He was unable to give his 100% due to being involved in both martial arts.

However, in 2009, he decided to give his full dedication to Jiu-Jitsu. He dreamed of becoming the best grappler and coach. To excel in his Jiu-Jitsu career and level up his professional career, he went to Sao Paulo.

Claudio's dedication paid off in 2010 at the World Pro Cup in Abu Dhabi, where he won both the Middleweight and Absolute divisions. This achievement was all the more impressive because, in order to compete in the Absolute division, Claudio had undergone a rigorous training and weightlifting program and moved up to the middleweight class.

Claudio Calasans started to teach Jiu-Jitsu techniques in his gym. He said in his interview that he lost and had no fear before going on the mat and started every fight calmly. Although it’s good to remain calm before the competition, too much calmness can become a reason for careless behavior.

However, when Claudio started coaching the Jiu-Jitsu techniques, he also worked on his limiting side. His coaching not only shaped the career of many grapplers but also polished his grappling skills.

Claudio's dream of becoming a professional Jiu-Jitsu fighter was fulfilled when he met with his old friend, André Galvão, founder of the Atos Jiu-Jitsu team. Claudio joined his team and spent most of his time training in the Southern Brazilian town of Rio Claro. He participated in the world championships of 2010, 2012, and 2014 and ended up receiving Silver Medal.

Claudio has faced tough competition from the legendary Roger Gracie, considered the greatest BJJ fighter of all time. But Claudio remains undaunted, continuing to train and compete at the highest level in pursuit of his ultimate goal, to be recognized as the best in the world.

Along with his grappling career, he also took up wrestling and became a successful competitor, even earning a spot on the Brazilian National Wrestling Team.

Claudio Calasans is considered the master of wrist lock in the BJJ and now presents a full course on enhancing the techniques of grapplers.

In 2011, the final match of the IBJJF world championship was held between Claudio Calasans and half-guard expert Lucas Leite.

At the start of the fight, Lucas Leite tried to attack his favorite half-guard. However, Claudio Calasans prompt attempt of the close guard put down the efforts of Lucas Leite. Claudio maintained his dominant position by strongly controlling his opponent.

After a few seconds, Claudio Calasans applied an armlock from the guard position. His powerful armlock put immense pressure on Lucas Leite’s arm and forced him to tap. As a result, Claudio Calasans won the title by submission.

The eliminator match for the 2011 Pan American Champion was held between Carlos Sievert who is the representative of Gracie Barra and Claudio Calasans.

Claudio Calasans started the fight with an excellent hand position and controlled his opponent on the first attempt. Claudio showcased his elite grappling skills and controlled Carlos Sievert through an armbar.

Although Carlos Sievert used his defensive skills to escape from the strong grip of Claudio. However, Claudio Calasanas succeeded in submitting his opponent with his lethal armbar attempt.

This was a worth-watching semi-final match of the IBJJF Pan American Championship. Claudio Calasans faced the grandson of Carlos Gracie, Clark Gracie on the mat.

Claudio started the match by controlling his opponent in close guard. Clark Gracie tried to escape from the powerful grip of Claudio but failed. Then Claudio turned his guard into an armbar and maintained his dominant position throughout the fight. In the end, Claudio won the match by points.

Claudio Calasans VS Rodrigo Cavaca / World Championship 2009

Claudio Calasans x Rafael Nicholas - Brazil National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship São Paulo 2015

Abu Dhabi World Pro 2011 - CLAUDIO CALASANS vs VENICIUS PULGA CORALES - final black -83kg

Claudio Calasans VS Vitor Oliveira / Pan Championship 2011

Claudio Calasans VS Victor Estima / World Championship 2012

Claudio Calasans v Hassine Azarkan / European 2017

Claudio Calasans v Manuel Ribamar / European 2017

Photo Credit: @claudiocalasansjr