Jackson Sousa - Owner of Cantagalo Jiu-Jitsu

Jackson Sousa dos Santos, is a 3rd-degree black belt world No-Gi champion, 2-time European champion (No-Gi and Gi), and 3-time Pan No-Gi champion. He trained under the legendary Ricardo Vieira and Leandro Martins. Furthermore, Sousa also has dominated multiple international and national grappling events like Absolute Championship Berkut, Polaris Pro Grappling, and Metamoris. He earned a reputation as one of CheckMat's most incredible competitors in 2017. Get ready to be inspired by the unprecedented achievements of this great BJJ champion.

Jackson Sousa dos Santos was born on January 24, 1990, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While growing up he was a boy of sports, always been interested, and actively participated in outdoor sports.

Growing up in the gritty streets of the Cantagalo Slums, Jackson Sousa's sporting journey began with football. But fate had other plans for this young prodigy of Brazil. At the tender age of 10, a friend extended an invitation to try a different sport apart from soccer and football. Jackson’s friend urged him to participate in the social project in which a Jiu-Jitsu class was organized by the legendary Ricardo Vieira and Fernando “Terere” Augusto. This first grappling class hooked Jackson's interest.

With just one class, Jackson was smitten with the moves and techniques of Jiu-Jitsu. The versatile nature of this combat sport fascinated him.  From that moment on, he knew that Jiu-Jitsu would be a big part of his life journey which could open the way to triumph and glory.

He started his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Leandro Martins, who was a member of a team established by Fernando "Terere" Augusto.

Growing up in the favela, Jackson was inspired by several Jiu-Jitsu champions from the Cantagalo slums who found success and improved their lives through martial arts. Alan ‘Finfou’ Nascimento, Bruno Matias, Sandro Vieira, and ‘Trator’ (Douglas Rufino), remain shining examples and role models for Jackson Sousa.

Jackson was impressed by their extraordinary records and followed them for a brighter future. The positive impact and high expectations of these BJJ champions and loved ones helped him to convert it through consistent hard work and presenting outstanding performances throughout his grappling career.

Jackson Sousa’s first instructor, Leandro Martins promoted him to Blue Belt in reward for his outstanding performances in his early career.

In 2006, Sousa joined the CheckMat team, founded by the Vieira brothers. Jackson carpe diem to train under the assistance of Leo Vieira, Leandro Vieira, and Ricardo Vieira. 

Despite his impressive track record on the Brazilian national circuit, Jackson remained largely unknown to the international media for many years. This is not uncommon for talented athletes in Brazil who face obstacles such as a lack of sponsorship or difficulty obtaining visas to compete on the international level.

However, all the hurdles never ever put down his skill or potential and he decided to spark in the international matches.

Sousa made his international debut at the European Championships in 2011 and went on to win the Brazilian National No-Gi Championship. He continued to dominate all the tournaments, winning several gold medals. All these victories stapled his name among the top grapplers.

After receiving too much national fame, Jackson received the invitation to participate in the 2012 super fight in the United States. In December 2012, a highly anticipated super fight between Sousa and Keenan Cornelius was canceled due to Sousa being denied his US visa.

After four unsuccessful attempts in 2010, 2011, and 2012, Sousa's US visa application was finally approved in 2013. However, his consistency showed the immense love and never-say-die attitude of Jackson Sousa for Jiu-Jitsu.

In 2013, Sousa made his American competition debut at the IBJJF World Championship. He won Gold in the heavyweight division and Bronze in the absolute division, losing only to Keenan Cornelius in the semi-final. This fight was considered one of the most awaited battles between two-star brown belt athletes that year.

Sousa's distinctive achievements helped him to increase his rank in October 2013 when he was awarded his Black Belt by his master Ricardo Vieira. The same year, he went on to win the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, commemorating the start of his notable career in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.

At the start of 2014, Sousa continued to add more titles to his name, by winning the IBJJF European Championship, and the IBJJF Pan No-Gi Championship in New York.

All these victories escalated his motivation level and he earned a silver medal at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship. He continued his winning streak by taking first place at international tournaments such as the Dallas International Open, Las Vegas Spring International Open, and Rome International Open.

2015 was remarkable for Sousa as he won a Bronze medal at the IBJJF World Championship, a Silver medal at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship, and the UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championships.

He also dominated several European tournaments, including the IBJJF European No-Gi Championship, Berlin International Open, Berlin International Open No-Gi, and Rome International Open, and marked his name among the most competitive grapplers of 2015.

In 2016, Sousa won the IBJJF European Championship for the second time, making him a four-time European champion. Although he lost in a close match against André Luis Leite Galvão at the IBJJF World Championship, he still succeeded to take home a silver medal.

After maintaining a good record on both national and international levels, Sousa decided to take a brief break from international competitions to focus on obtaining residency status in the United Kingdom.

In May 2017, Sousa made his return to the international grounds with new zest and zeal and won Bronze at the 2017 IBJJF World No-Gi Championship and a double gold medal at the IBJJF Pan American No-Gi Championship.

After giving an unforgettable performance in the world championship, Jackson went on to win seven more gold medals and two silver medals at international tournaments in Moscow, Paris, and London. In September of that same year, Sousa was added as a last-minute replacement to the invitation-only ADCC world championships and won a bronze medal, firming his status as a prominent fighter in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.

Sousa trained alongside some of the biggest names in the combat sport, including Marcus Almeida, João Assis, Lucas Leite, Michelle Nicolini, and Leandro Vieira. With such a strong support system, it's no wonder that Sousa continues to conquer the world of Jiu-Jitsu.

Jackson Sousa dos Santos is a rising sensation in the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He established an impressive track record of victories, both nationally and internationally, that have established him as a top competitor. Despite facing challenges in his pursuit to compete in the United States, he remained steadfast in his determination and has now become a leading figure in the BJJ community, admired for his skill and perseverance.

In the midst of 2021, Jackson Sousa encountered a setback in his career when he was allegedly accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by several women. This resulted in significant criticism from the public and led to the termination of his sponsorship with Shoyoroll, as well as temporary suspension from the Checkmate team.

However, following an extensive investigation by an Independent Safeguarding Review Committee and UKBJJA, the allegations were cleared, and Sousa was exonerated. This outcome reaffirms his integrity and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in his life and career.

The 2016 World Championship match between Jackson Sousa of Checkmate and Fabio Alano of Alliance was a highly anticipated showdown between two skilled competitors. The match began with a powerful grip by Sousa on Alano's right leg, who then attempted to counter with a close guard.

However, Sousa maintained a dominant position and kept a firm hold on Alano's torso, neutralizing any attempts at escape. The culmination of this intense battle came with a neck submission by Sousa, forcing Alano to tap out in under 20 seconds. The impressive showing by Sousa solidified his reputation as a formidable opponent in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In 2016, the quarter-final match of the World Championship in the heavyweight division brought together two of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, Jackson Sousa and Felipe Pena. The match was a showcase of their exceptional skills and determination to win.

Jackson started the match with a powerful takedown, showing his superior grappling technique. Felipe tried to counter with a double-leg attempt, but Jackson's defense was too strong. Felipe then resorted to the 50/50 guard, but Jackson's quick thinking allowed him to take advantage and attempt a knee bar.

Jackson's persistent efforts paid off as he emerged victorious, earning him a place in the semi-final and cementing his reputation as one of the top-tier competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This match was a testament to the hard work and dedication of both fighters and a thrilling display of the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The semi-final match of the 2016 World Championship in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a highly anticipated showdown between two of the best guard passers in the sport; Jackson Sousa and Guilherme Augusto.

The match got off to a strong start for Jackson as he was able to secure two points on the scoreboard with his innovative lapel guard. This early victory fueled Jackson's motivation and he went on to put forth a masterful display of grappling techniques, including a dangerous kimura lock and a well-executed collar choke.

In the end, Jackson emerged victorious, cementing his place among the top competitors in the sport and solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in Jiu-Jitsu.

Jackson Sousa x Erbeth Santos - King Of Mats 2018

Jackson Sousa vs Uros Domanovic / Geneva Open 2018

Jackson Sousa vs Samir Krvavac / London Fall Open NoGi 2018

Jackson Sousa vs Samuel Monin / Paris Open 2017

Jackson Sousa vs Nicolas Penzer / London Fall Open 2017

Photo Credit: @jacksousabjj